NBA Cup Week 3: Updated Standings and Projected Eight-Team Knockout Bracket
Friday brings major results
The Warriors, playing without Steph Curry, fell behind San Antonio 18–0 early and lost 123–85. The Grizzlies defeated the Pelicans 142–111, while Portland beat Sacramento 120–107. Los Angeles edged Oklahoma City 113–112 in the night’s closest game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points, but Brook Lopez made key plays late as the Clippers secured the upset.
East projected bracket
Boston remains the projected East No. 1 seed despite not playing Friday. The Celtics have a +53 point differential in the Cup. Miami is 2–0, with games against Philadelphia and New York still to come. Orlando moved into the No. 3 seed atop East Group A after an eight-point win over Milwaukee, while Detroit enters as the 1–0 wild card.
West projected bracket
San Antonio holds a comfortable projected lead for the West’s No. 1 seed after its 38-point win over Golden State. The Spurs’ +53 point differential matches Boston’s league high.
Minnesota, Dallas and Denver complete the projected Western field. Four NBA Cup nights remain on the schedule, so the bracket is not yet final.
Key points
- The Clippers upset the Thunder 113–112, despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40 points.
- Boston and San Antonio share the top point differential at +53.
- Miami is 2–0 and has games against the 76ers and Knicks remaining.
- Detroit is projected as the East wild card at 1–0.