The New York Knicks delivered a dominant 121-106 victory over the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, securing an undefeated record in East Group A and advancing to the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Josh Hart posted a triple-double with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. Despite the loss, the Magic advanced as the East wild card based on point differential, edging out the defending champion Boston Celtics.
The Knicks took control early with a 36-27 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, capitalizing on 16 Magic turnovers. Franz Wagner's 30-point effort wasn't enough for Orlando, but their performance was enough to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Bucks Dominate Pistons with Sharpshooting
The Milwaukee Bucks powered their way to a 128-107 win over the Detroit Pistons to claim East Group B. Giannis Antetokounmpo starred with 28 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, while Damian Lillard added 27 points, including five three-pointers. Milwaukee drained 23 shots from beyond the arc and connected on 69.2% of their field goals in the first half, setting the tone for the game.
Coach Doc Rivers praised the Bucks’ teamwork, calling their ball movement "unbelievable." With the victory, the Bucks extended their winning streak to seven games. The Pistons, eliminated from contention, had no answer for Milwaukee’s offensive barrage.
Cavaliers Cruise Past Wizards in Regular Season Play
Although eliminated from the Cup, the Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive regular-season campaign with a 118-87 rout of the Washington Wizards. The Cavs, now 19-3, showcased their depth with seven players scoring in double figures, including Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell with 19 points each. The Wizards, meanwhile, extended their losing streak to 15 games.
Quarterfinals Set for December 10-11
The NBA Cup quarterfinal matchups are set to take place next week, with the semifinals and final scheduled for December 14 and 17 in Las Vegas. Group stage games counted toward regular-season standings, adding intensity to the competition.
Stay tuned for more NBA Cup action as the league’s first-ever in-season tournament reaches its climactic stages.
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