A Week for the History Books
The NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas showcased a remarkable array of events: a 16-game winning streak was snapped, an MVP-caliber performance emerged and a rookie sensation made a significant impact in just 21 minutes. With Donovan Mitchell's fourth-quarter heroics, Dyson Daniels' breakout performance and contrasting streaks across the league, the period from December 7-14 delivered more excitement than many playoff weeks.
Game of the Week: Spurs Shock Thunder in Las Vegas
Spurs 111, Thunder 109 ? December 13, T-Mobile Arena (NBA Cup Semifinal)
Oklahoma City entered the game boasting a 24-1 record and a 16-game winning streak, tied for the second-best 26-game start in NBA history. Meanwhile, San Antonio welcomed back Victor Wembanyama after a 12-game absence, resulting in an instant classic. Wembanyama scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds in just 21 minutes, with the Spurs outscoring their opponents by 21 points while he was on the floor. When he sat, they were outscored by 19. Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle and De?Aaron Fox matched his scoring output, while Alex Caruso?s final shot for OKC bounced off the rim, sending the Thunder home and the Spurs to their first NBA Cup final.
Jalen Brunson?s MVP Statement
Knicks 132, Magic 120 ? December 13, NBA Cup Semifinal
Jalen Brunson delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 40 points on 16-of-27 shooting, along with eight assists, making every possession feel like a playoff moment. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 29 points (6-of-6 inside eight feet) and OG Anunoby added 24 points, as the Knicks shot an impressive 60.7% from the field to secure their shot at the Cup. Both Brunson and Orlando?s Jalen Suggs had 25 points at halftime before Suggs left the game with a hip injury, ending what could have been the first dual 50-point regular-season game since 2000.
Donovan Mitchell?s Fourth-Quarter Explosion
Cavaliers 130, Wizards 126 ? December 12
Mitchell erupted for a season-high 48 points, including 24 in the fourth quarter?tying for the second-most points scored by a Cavalier in a single quarter since the 1997-98 season and the highest total by any player in a fourth quarter this season. Cleveland trailed by 15 entering the final frame but managed to win by four, extending their winning streak over Washington to 14 games and showcasing an offense that averages 119.0 points per game.
Dyson Daniels? Breakout
Hawks 116, 76ers 108 ? December 14
Atlanta?s young guard scored 27 points in a statement win over Philadelphia, leading a Hawks team that suddenly appears formidable. Daniels? two-way development has coincided with the Hawks? surge in December, while the Sixers continue to search for consistency.
Teams on Fire ?
New York Knicks (5-game win streak, 9-1 in last 10)
Since their only loss in the NBA Cup group stage, the Knicks have looked unstoppable. Brunson is averaging 28.3 points and 6.3 assists over his last four games, Karl-Anthony Towns is thriving in Mike Brown?s system and the defense appears playoff-ready. Tuesday?s Cup final could serve as a springboard for a significant holiday run.
Cleveland Cavaliers
With an average of 119.0 points per game (the second-highest in franchise history), Cleveland is punishing opponents with seven games scoring 130 points or more and a five-game stretch exceeding 128 points. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are in sync and the Cavs? offense is rewriting the record books.
Houston Rockets (16-6)
A balanced offense combined with elite defense makes the Rockets a team no one wants to face in a playoff series. Their recent victory over Kansas City demonstrated their ability to compete with anyone and their young core is proving that last season?s momentum was no fluke.
Teams Slipping ??
Washington Wizards (3-20)
Their 14th consecutive loss to Cleveland highlighted numerous issues: defensive lapses, an inability to make late-game stops and little hope beyond the upcoming trade deadline.
New Orleans Pelicans (5-22)
Injuries and inconsistency have derailed a roster built for postseason success. With 55 games remaining, they are now playing for lottery positioning rather than playoff seeding.
Player of the Week Performances
- Jalen Brunson: Four consecutive games with 30+ points, culminating in a 40-point semifinal masterpiece.
- Donovan Mitchell: The 48-point explosion (24 in the fourth) was the most clutch performance of the year.
- Victor Wembanyama: In just 21 minutes, he was +21 and demonstrated why the Spurs are a different team with him on the court.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: An efficient 29-point outing, going 6-of-6 at the rim while anchoring the Knicks? hybrid frontcourt.
Standings Snapshot
East: Pistons (20-5), Knicks (18-7), Celtics (15-10), Sixers (14-10), Magic (15-11).
West: Thunder (24-2), Rockets (16-6), Spurs (18-7), Nuggets (in playoff position), Warriors (in playoff position).
Must-Watch Games Coming Soon
- NBA Cup Championship: Knicks vs. Spurs ? Tuesday, Dec. 16, 8:30 PM ET, Prime Video.
- Christmas Day: Cavaliers at Knicks ? Thursday, Dec. 25, 12:00 PM ET, ABC/ESPN.
- Christmas Day: Spurs at Thunder ? Thursday, Dec. 25, 2:30 PM ET, ABC/ESPN.
Final Thoughts
The NBA Cup has introduced real stakes into December and the league?s blend of emerging stars and seasoned veterans offers must-watch entertainment. Can OKC bounce back? Will Brunson or Wembanyama lift the Cup? Can Cleveland?s offense maintain its explosive performance? Next week will provide answers to these questions?and likely deliver another instant classic.
Stay tuned to Nexairi Sport as the NBA races toward Christmas.
