The Oklahoma City Thunder have officially advanced to the Knockout Rounds of the NBA Cup following a successful 3-1 record in the Group Stage, where they topped Group B of the Western Conference. Their advancement was solidified by a decisive 133-106 victory over the Utah Jazz in their final group match. The Thunder then benefitted from the Phoenix Suns’ win over the San Antonio Spurs, which prevented the Spurs from clinching the group title and allowed OKC to secure the top seed in the Western Conference for the upcoming knockout phase.
Entering Tuesday’s game, the Thunder had several scenarios that could lead to their advancement. A win against the Jazz was paramount and they accomplished that convincingly. Additionally, the outcome of the Spurs vs. Suns matchup was critical; had the Spurs won, the Thunder would have risked falling to a wildcard position based on point differential. Fortunately, Oklahoma City’s +45 point differential was enough to secure their place as one of the eight teams moving forward in the tournament, simultaneously making them a contender for the NBA Cup.
The next step for the Thunder is the Quarterfinals, which will see them host the Dallas Mavericks at the Paycom Center on December 10 at 8:30 p.m. CT. This matchup is particularly noteworthy given that the Mavericks triumphed over the Thunder in the NBA Playoffs last season and just recently edged out a narrow victory against OKC in a close game earlier this season. Although the Mavericks won that encounter without their star player Luka Doncic, he is expected to play in their next meeting, raising the stakes for both teams.
An essential addition for the Thunder in this upcoming matchup will be Isaiah Hartenstein, who was absent during the previous meeting. His presence is critical, especially after the Mavericks had dominated the paint in their last game against OKC. The Thunder are hoping that Hartenstein will make a significant impact, providing them with the reinforcement needed to tackle the Mavericks’ strong inside game. This matchup is set to be highly competitive, setting the stage for a rematch that has implications beyond just the NBA Cup—it also carries the weight of rivalry and past playoff experiences.
Should the Thunder overcome the Mavericks in the Quarterfinals, they would advance to the Semifinals and Championship round in Las Vegas, where teams compete for the NBA Cup and a cash prize. Conversely, if Oklahoma City were to lose, the Thunder would simply have a regular season game added to their schedule in an NBA market. Regardless of the outcome, Oklahoma City is gaining invaluable experience that will enhance their development as a young and aspiring team.
The NBA Cup aims to inject a sense of heightened competition in the early regular season, and it has thus far met its objectives. Tuesday’s games, filled with tension and urgency, exemplified this competitive spirit, showcasing both teams in pursuit of their goals. The Thunder’s journey in the NBA Cup will not only provide crucial experience in high-stakes scenarios but also appeal to fans eager to witness a young roster rise to the challenge. As the Thunder look to take their next steps in the knockout phase, their performance in this unique tournament will be watched closely by supporters and analysts alike.
