NBA Cup quarterfinals live updates, results, takeaways
It’s time for the NBA Cup quarterfinals as four Eastern Conference teams battle on Tuesday for a spot in the semifinals.
The Orlando Magic first hosted their in-state rival Miami Heat before the New York Knicks took on the Toronto Raptors on the road.
Orlando defeated Miami 117-108 on Tuesday behind 37 points from guard Desmond Bane, his third game with 35-plus points this season, already tied for the most in a season of his career, according to ESPN Research. His fellow backcourt mate Jalen Suggs added 20 points, and forward Paolo Banchero added 18 points. Miami jumped out to a 15-0 lead and held a first quarter lead of 30-17. However, the Heat were outscored in each quarter the rest of the way. This marks the first NBA Cup semifinal appearance for the Magic.
The Knicks, who blew the Raptors out 116-94 in their lone meeting last month, have won seven of their past eight and are led by 28 points per game from guard Jalen Brunson. Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 22.5 points and 11.9 rebounds. Under new head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks have the third-best offensive rating (121.7) and fourth-best net rating (+8.2).
After winning nine straight games, Toronto has dropped five of its past six. Forward Brandon Ingram (21.2 points per game) and Scottie Barnes (20.0 points per game) have led the Raptors, and former Knick RJ Barrett — who will not play because of a knee injury — has contributed 19.4 points. The other former Knick, Immanuel Quickley, is averaging 16.5 points per game but is out because of an illness.
Who will advance to Las Vegas to play for a spot in the NBA Cup finals? Follow along below for live updates and highlights.
