NBA Cup 2025: Schedule, bracket with Thunder and Spurs set to meet in semis

The path to Las Vegas has been marked by dominant performances and surprising upsets, culminating in a final quartet that represents a blend of established powerhouses and emergent young talent. The Thunder and Spurs secured their berths in the semifinals on Wednesday night, December 10, following the Knicks and Magic who advanced a day earlier, on Tuesday, December 9.

Western Conference Showdown: Thunder vs. Spurs

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the semifinals as the clear favorites to lift the inaugural 2025 NBA Cup, holding odds of -225 at FanDuel. Their journey through the tournament has been nothing short of historic. On Wednesday, the Thunder improved their regular season record to an astounding 24-1, tying the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors for the best 25-game start in NBA history. This remarkable achievement was underscored by a decisive victory over the Phoenix Suns in their quarterfinal matchup, where they delivered a 49-point blowout, marking the Suns’ worst loss in franchise history.

Oklahoma City’s success has been built on a foundation of dynamic offense and stifling defense, orchestrated by All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has continued his MVP-caliber play. Rookie sensation Chet Holmgren has anchored the defense with his shot-blocking prowess and versatile scoring, while Jalen Williams provides crucial secondary playmaking and efficient scoring. The team’s deep roster and exceptional coaching have allowed them to maintain consistency and overcome challenges throughout the season. Their disciplined approach and high-octane pace have made them a formidable opponent, capable of dismantling even the most talented teams.

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Across the bracket, the San Antonio Spurs defied expectations in their quarterfinal contest, overcoming a formidable Los Angeles Lakers squad led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. What made the Spurs’ victory particularly noteworthy was that it was achieved without their generational talent, Victor Wembanyama, who has been sidelined for a month due to a calf strain. Wembanyama’s absence has forced other players to elevate their game, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Spurs’ roster. Players like Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan have stepped up in his absence, demonstrating improved leadership and offensive production.

The potential return of Wembanyama for the semifinal clash against the Thunder remains a critical storyline. His status could significantly alter the dynamics of the game. Before his injury, Wembanyama was making a strong case for Rookie of the Year, averaging impressive numbers in points, rebounds, and blocks, and fundamentally changing the Spurs’ defensive identity. His unique blend of size, skill, and defensive impact would provide a significant challenge for the Thunder’s interior offense and perimeter penetration. Should Wembanyama be cleared to play, the Thunder would face a different San Antonio team, one with an immediate defensive anchor and a unique offensive threat. The strategic adjustments required from both coaching staffs would be immense, turning an already intriguing matchup into a tactical masterclass.

Eastern Conference Battle: Knicks vs. Magic

In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic secured their places in the semifinals with hard-fought victories on Tuesday, December 9. The Knicks advanced by defeating the Toronto Raptors on the road, largely thanks to a scintillating performance from guard Jalen Brunson, who poured in 35 points. Brunson has been the engine of the Knicks’ offense throughout the season, consistently delivering clutch performances and showcasing his leadership. Supported by Julius Randle’s powerful inside play and Mitchell Robinson’s dominant rebounding and interior defense, the Knicks have forged a gritty, physical identity under coach Tom Thibodeau. Their disciplined defense and reliance on Brunson’s scoring have made them a tough out for any opponent.

The Orlando Magic, meanwhile, demonstrated remarkable resolve in their quarterfinal matchup against in-state rivals, the Miami Heat. After conceding the first 15 points of the game, the Magic staged an impressive comeback, rallying to defeat the Heat. This victory underscored the maturity and fighting spirit of Orlando’s young core. Led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who have emerged as legitimate stars, the Magic have established themselves as a formidable defensive unit with an improving offensive repertoire. Their ability to overcome a significant early deficit against a playoff-tested team like the Heat speaks volumes about their growth and resilience. The Magic’s youthful athleticism and length present a unique challenge, particularly on the defensive end, where they can disrupt passing lanes and contest shots effectively.

The Eastern Conference semifinal between the Knicks and Magic promises a clash of contrasting styles. The Knicks’ veteran leadership and structured offense will test the Magic’s youthful exuberance and defensive intensity. Key matchups, such as Brunson against Orlando’s long perimeter defenders, and the battle for supremacy in the paint, will likely dictate the outcome.

Knockout Stage Recap: The Road to Las Vegas

The knockout stage of the 2025 NBA Cup featured eight teams that had distinguished themselves during group play, achieving records of 3-1 or better. Four teams – the Thunder, Lakers, Raptors, and Magic – navigated the group stage undefeated, earning higher seeding and the advantage of hosting their quarterfinal matchups in their home markets.

The quarterfinals unfolded as follows:

Tuesday, December 9:
- Orlando Magic 110, Miami Heat 105: The Magic orchestrated a stunning comeback, erasing an early 15-0 deficit to defeat their rivals. Paolo Banchero led the charge, with crucial contributions from Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony in the second half, showcasing their clutch performance under pressure.
- New York Knicks 118, Toronto Raptors 112: Jalen Brunson delivered a masterful performance with 35 points, guiding the Knicks to a hard-fought road victory. Despite a resilient effort from the Raptors, the Knicks’ offensive execution in critical moments proved decisive.
Wednesday, December 10:
- Oklahoma City Thunder 138, Phoenix Suns 89: In a dominant display, the Thunder overwhelmed the Suns, establishing a massive lead early and never looking back. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his stellar play, and the Thunder’s balanced attack saw multiple players contribute significantly to the franchise’s largest margin of victory in a knockout stage game.
- San Antonio Spurs 108, Los Angeles Lakers 103: Despite the absence of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs demonstrated remarkable resilience. A collective effort, highlighted by strong performances from Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, allowed them to overcome the Lakers, whose star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis struggled to find consistent rhythm against San Antonio’s determined defense.

These quarterfinal victors now head to Las Vegas, which serves as the neutral-site host for the remainder of the tournament. The semifinals on Saturday, December 13, will feature the Thunder against the Spurs, and the Knicks facing the Magic, setting the stage for the championship game on Tuesday, December 16.

Tournament Background and Significance

The NBA Cup, now in its third iteration, continues to evolve as a significant mid-season tournament designed to inject additional competitive fervor into the regular season schedule, offer new narratives for fans, and provide players with an additional opportunity for competitive distinction and prize money. The Los Angeles Lakers claimed the inaugural title in 2023, followed by the Milwaukee Bucks who triumphed in the 2024 edition. This year’s tournament, with its compelling matchups and record-setting performances, underscores the growing prestige of the NBA Cup within the league landscape. The move to Las Vegas for the final stages provides a high-stakes, vibrant atmosphere fitting for a championship event, drawing increased attention from fans and media alike.

As the four remaining teams prepare for the penultimate stage of the 2025 NBA Cup, the anticipation is palpable. Each squad carries unique strengths and narratives, promising a weekend of high-stakes basketball that will culminate in a new champion being crowned. The clash between the Thunder’s historic dominance and the Spurs’ gritty resilience, alongside the battle of wills between the Knicks’ experience and the Magic’s youthful energy, ensures an enthralling conclusion to this year’s tournament.