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The Group Play stage of the 2024 NBA Cup has concluded, setting the stage for the knockout rounds in Las Vegas. Only three teams were certain of advancing before Tuesday’s results, and the qualification scenarios were quite complex. Here’s a look at how the teams secured their spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Six teams have qualified for the time and Boston Celtics and Los Angeles lakers exit means this year will be a new champion.
Milwaukee and New York make back-to-back appearances in the quarterfinals, while Oklahoma City, Golden State, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Orlando are all making their first-ever trips to this stage.
Eastern Conference
Atlanta Hawks (Group C Winner)
The Hawks secured their spot early, finishing 3-1 in Group C. Their victories included wins over the Celtics and Wizards, and a crucial 117-101 win over the Cavaliers.
Milwaukee Bucks (Group B Winner)
The Bucks were the first team to win all four of their group games, finishing Group B with a perfect 40 record. They defeated the Pistons 128-107 in their final game to claim the top spot.
New York Knicks (Group A Winner)
The Knicks also went 40, clinching Group A with a decisive 121-106 win over the Orlando Magic in their final group game.
Orlando Magic (WildCard Team)
Despite losing to the Knicks, the Magic advanced due to a superior point differential. They ended the group stage with three wins, securing their wildcard spot.
Western Conference
Golden State Warriors (Group C Winner)
The Warriors finished first in Group C, winning their first three games before a tough loss to the Nuggets in the final game. Despite the loss, they secured the top spot in their group.
Houston Rockets (Group A Winner)
The Rockets went 31, clinching their spot in the knockout round early. A win against the Timberwolves ensured they finished atop Group A, despite a loss to the Kings in the final game.
Oklahoma City Thunder (Group B Winner)
The Thunder secured the top spot in a tightly contested Group B. Their 27point win over the Jazz helped them advance, despite the strong competition from Dallas and Phoenix.
Dallas Mavericks (WildCard Team)
Dallas advanced as a wildcard team after a critical 121-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, edging ahead on point differential.
Quarterfinal Matchups
Eastern Conference:
Dec. 10: Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Dec. 11: Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
Western Conference:
Dec. 10: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks
Dec. 11: Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors
Looking Ahead
The NBA Cup knockout round features fresh faces this year, with only the Bucks and Knicks returning from last year’s quarterfinals. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are on a seven game win streak, while New York's 40 run makes them one of the favorites in the East. In the West, teams like the Thunder and Mavericks have shown strong form, with Shai GilgeousAlexander and Luka Doncic leading their squads.
All NBA Cup games, including the upcoming quarterfinals, count as regularseason games, except for the final, which will not impact regularseason standings.
The quarterfinals begin Dec. 10, with the championship game scheduled for Dec. 17 in Las Vegas.
