NBA Cup 2025: Giannis Antetokounmpo drops 41 points as Spurs lose Rockets and Mavericks lose big

After an eventful first night of NBA Cup action, the league’s seasonal tournament returned with a schedule of games highlighted by a pair of nationally televised Western Conference showdowns.

The Spurs had arguably their biggest win of the night after closing out the break with a pair of points against the Houston Rockets. Victor Wembanyama was once again revolutionary with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks, although he had help from Stephon Castle (14 points, 13 assists), Harrison Barnes (24 points) and Julian Champagnie (22 points, five steals).

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De’Aaron Fox hasn’t played a game for San Antonio yet this season, but they’re 6-2 and now atop Group C in the West.

The Golden State Warriors were also without an All-Star point guard in Stephen Curry, and it’s no surprise that this absence was felt much more in their 129-104 loss to the Denver Nuggets. They were overwhelmed by Nikola Jokić and his 26 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists on a fairly simple night at the office for the three-time MVP.

Elsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 41 points as the Bucks handed the Chicago Bulls their second defeat of the season, while the Dallas Mavericks – without Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving – were beaten by the Memphis Grizzlies 118-104.

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The Minnesota Timberwolves’ 40-point win over the Utah Jazz was also noteworthy because a) it was such a blowout that Minnesota overtook the Oklahoma City Thunder in the point differential fight and b) the green court was so bright that the glow legitimately reflected on the faces of the people on the court.

The Emirates NBA Cup is played every Friday until November 28. Thanksgiving week will feature additional group games on Tuesday and Wednesday.

NBA Cup 2025: schedule, format and new courts for this year’s seasonal tournament

The quarter-finals will be played from 9 to 10 December. Then the semi-finals and championship will be held on December 13th and 16th respectively.

For more information about the Cup and how it works, go here. You can check out all 30 pitch designs for Cup matches here.

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NBA Cup Night 2 scoreboard

NBA Cup standings

East Group A

• Toronto Raptors (2-0, +23)

• Cleveland Cavaliers (1-1, +23)

• Indiana Pacers (0-1, -20)

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• Washington Wizards (0-1, -34)

East Group B

• Detroit Pistons (1-0, +18)

• Boston Celtics (1-1, -12)

• Philadelphia 76ers (0-1, -1)

East C Group

• Milwaukee Bucks (1-0, +16)

• New York Knicks (0-1, -10)

• Charlotte Hornets (0-1, -18)

West Group A

• Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0, +40)

• Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0, +31)

• Sacramento Kings (0-1, -31)

West Group B

• Los Angeles Lakers (1-0 +5)

• Los Angeles Clippers (1-0, +2)

• Memphis Grizzlies (1-1, +9)

• New Orleans Pelicans (0-1, -2)

• Dallas Mavericks (0-1, -14)

West Group C

• San Antonio Spurs (1-0, +11)

• Portland Trail Blazers (1-0, +2)

• Denver Nuggets (1-1, +23)

• Houston Rockets (0-1, -11)

• Golden State Warriors (0-1, -25)