Thunder get Jalen Williams back and hold off Suns to advance in NBA Cup

The Oklahoma City Thunder faced injury challenges during their NBA Cup match against the Phoenix Suns, with head coach Mark Daigneault adapting the team's rotation amidst these difficulties. All-Star Jalen Williams made his season debut, contributing to the Thunder's victory despite Ajay Mitchell suffering a knee contusion during the game.

In a closely contested NBA Cup game, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 123-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns, with All-Star forward Jalen Williams making a strong season debut. Coach Mark Daigneault expressed his surprise at Williams' seamless integration into the team despite the challenges posed by injuries to other players.

The Milwaukee Bucks have suffered their seventh consecutive loss, falling 118-109 to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, which marks the first time in the NBA Cup's three-year history that the reigning champions have failed to reach the quarterfinals.

On the final day of group play in the 2025 NBA Cup, the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder secured the top seeds for the knockout round, showcasing their strong performances throughout the tournament. This decisive day saw intense competition as teams fought for their positions, culminating in a thrilling conclusion to the group stage.

The Milwaukee Bucks are set to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup, with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo returning to the lineup after missing four games due to a left adductor strain. The Bucks, currently struggling with an 8-11 record and a six-game losing streak, are in dire need of a win to regain momentum as defending champions.

Isaiah Hartenstein of the Oklahoma City Thunder will miss the upcoming NBA Cup game against the Phoenix Suns due to right ankle soreness, marking his first injury absence this season. He joins teammate Aaron Wiggins on the injury report, raising concerns for the Thunder's lineup ahead of a crucial match.

The Los Angeles Lakers have decided not to play on their specially designed NBA Cup court against the Dallas Mavericks due to reported unplayable conditions, specifically concerns regarding the court's slipperiness. This decision was made to prioritize player safety ahead of the game scheduled for tonight.

The Los Angeles Lakers have opted not to use their specially designed NBA Cup court for an upcoming group stage game against the Dallas Mavericks due to concerns over the court's slipperiness. This decision highlights the team's prioritization of player safety amid competitive play.