NBA Cup Drama: Milwaukee Bucks Dominate Pistons – Knicks and Thunder Impress

Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered an impressive performance with 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks claimed a 128-107 victory against the Detroit Pistons. This game secured the Bucks' entry into the quarter-finals of the NBA Cup, where they will face the Orlando Magic. Damian Lillard contributed 27 points and five assists to the success. Notable is the Bucks' ongoing dominance over the Pistons, with eleven consecutive victories against their Central Division rival. In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Clippers triumphed over the Portland Trail Blazers with a 127-105 victory, thanks to a 30-point game from Norman Powell. James Harden added 23 points, securing the team's ninth consecutive home win. It remains challenging for the Trail Blazers to impress in away games. The Sacramento Kings prevented the Houston Rockets from becoming the top seed in the West with a 120-111 victory. Domantas Sabonis impressed with 27 points, while DeMar DeRozan scored 13 of his 16 points in a strong third quarter. Led by Jalen Green with 28 points, Houston will face the Golden State Warriors in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks secured the group victory in Eastern Group A with a 121-106 win over the Orlando Magic. Karl-Anthony Towns was the standout player for the Knicks with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Franz Wagner attempted to help the Magic with 30 points, but in vain. The Phoenix Suns prevailed 104-93 against the San Antonio Spurs, with Devin Booker shining. An unfortunate incident was the injury of Kevin Durant, who was sidelined due to an ankle sprain. The Cleveland Cavaliers achieved a comfortable victory against the Washington Wizards, who are now close to setting the franchise's historic losing record. Other NBA teams were also in action: the Toronto Raptors convincingly defeated the Indiana Pacers, while the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Utah Jazz and secured the top spot in West Group B.