Wiggins Lead Warriors into NBA Cup Knockout Round; Mavs Spoil Joker’s Return; McCain, Maxey Help Sixers Snap Five Game Losing Streak
Warriors-Pelicans. Wiggins leads the way
The Warriors became the first team this season to advance to the quarterfinal knockout round of the NBA Cup after defeating the Pelicans 112-108. Andrew Wiggins scored a season-high 30 points to ensure the Warriors remained an undefeated 3-0 in NBA Cup play. The Pelicans cut the Warriors' lead to two with 14 seconds left and a chance to tie, but two pivotal rebounds and free throws from Draymond Green sealed the deal. Wiggins opened the game with a perfect first quarter, scoring 13 points on 5-for-5 from the field and 3-for-3 from three. Wiggins scored the Warriors' first basket of the game and then scored 11 straight points before finishing 9-for-14 from the field and a perfect 9-for-9 from the foul line, marking his first game this season with more points (30) than minutes played (28).
Mavericks-Nuggets. No Luka, No Problem
With Luka Doncic sidelined and suffering a right wrist strain, the Nuggets looked to seize the opportunity while reingratiating their three-time MVP and franchise cornerstone Nikola Jokic. Jokic, who missed the last three games while his wife gave birth to their second child, notched his sixth triple-double of the season, finishing with 33 points, 17 rebounds, and ten assists. The Mavericks showed their depth as seven players scored in double digits. Christian Braun scored 17 points for the Nuggets, continuing his consistency as the only player besides Jokic to score double-digits every game played this season. Dallas led 77-53 early in the third before Denver rallied back, taking a 113-108 lead late in the fourth. PJ Washington scored nine points in the final 2:41 to improve to 2-1 in the West Group C. Denver was eliminated from the knockout round.
Nets-76ers. The TikTok Bandit strikes again
The TikTok bandit strikes again. At the start of this season, who would’ve known the 76ers would be drafting their most consistent player? Rookie sensation Jared McCain has been an absolute GODSEND, recording his seventh straight 20-point game while all other rookies have just 10 COMBINED. With Embiid’s self-proclaimed “no back-to-backs” and Paul George re-injuring his hyperextended knee, the 76ers have been experiencing a season gift-wrapped from Satan. Last night, Maxey and McCain combined for 19 straight points for the Sixers midway through the fourth quarter, turning a nine-point deficit into a 12-point lead.McCain scored 30 points, and Tyrese Maxey added 26 to lift the Sixers out of the mud. Cameron Johnson led the Nets, scoring 37 points. Keon Johnson added 18 points as the Nets fell to 6-10 and 1-2 NBA Cup, losing four of their last five games.
Are the Warriors poised for a championship run? Do the Mavericks have the depth to return to the NBA Finals? Should the Sixers trade Embiid and build around McCain and Maxey? Comment your thoughts below!