NBA Cup

SOURCE SPORTS: Dalton Knecht Catches Fire as Lakers Top Jazz 124-118 in NBA Cup Group Play

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Harry How/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers continued their unbeaten streak in NBA Cup competition with a 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz in West Group B play, improving to 2-0 this season after a perfect 7-0 run to claim last year’s inaugural title.

Rookie sensation Dalton Knecht delivered a historic performance, dropping 37 points and tying the rookie record with nine three-pointers. Knecht’s scorching 75% shooting from the field and beyond the arc made him the fourth NBA rookie to achieve such efficiency while scoring 35+ points.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis provided crucial support, each posting 26-point double-doubles, with James dishing 12 assists and Davis grabbing 14 rebounds.

“He’s fearless,” said Lakers coach J.J. Reddick. “His shotmaking gets us going, it’s a real weapon for our group.”

Knecht’s breakout secured the Lakers’ sixth straight win and etched his name alongside Lakers legends as just the fifth rookie in franchise history to score 35+ points in a game. After his dazzling display, Knecht punctuated the moment with a Michael Jordan-esque shrug, signaling his arrival on the NBA stage.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Cavs Look to Extend Historic Streak Against Celtics in Showdown of NBA Heavyweights

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Cavs vs. Celtics

Cavs vs. Celtics

The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a historic start, entering their matchup with the Boston Celtics at 15-0, tied for the second-best start to a season in NBA history. They are matched only by the 1948-49 Washington Capitols and the 1993-94 Houston Rockets, with the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors holding the record at 24-0. Remarkably, all three teams with a 15-0 or better start made it to the NBA Finals that season.

The Cavaliers’ 15-game winning streak has set a franchise record for the longest single-season streak. This game marks the first meeting between Cleveland and Boston since last season’s Eastern Conference Semifinals, which saw the Celtics advance in five games. Both teams are participating in the Emirates NBA Cup, with Cleveland sitting at 1-0 and Boston at 0-1 in Group Play.

Best Starts in NBA History
Best Starts in NBA History

Offensively, the Cavaliers lead the NBA in points per game (123.7) and offensive rating (122.1), while the Celtics sit just behind, ranking second in both categories (121.6 points, 121.4 offensive rating). Cleveland has already set a team record with seven games scoring 130 or more points.

Cleveland aims to extend its road dominance with a victory, which would give them an 8-0 record on the road, making them the 12th team in NBA history to start the season with eight consecutive road wins. Meanwhile, Boston will look to build on their recent dramatic overtime win, with Jayson Tatum hitting a buzzer-beating, game-winning three-pointer in their last game against the Toronto Raptors.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Emirates NBA Cup 2024 Schedule Announced

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Emirates NBA Cup 2024 Schedule Announced

The 60-game Group Play slate for the Emirates NBA Cup 2024, the league’s second annual in-season competition, was officially unveiled Tuesday. This year’s tournament promises intense matchups as 30 teams vie for the Emirates NBA Cup.

The competition kicks off on November 12 and concludes with the Championship on December 17 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The Group Play phase, from November 12 to December 3, will see each team participate in four designated “Cup Nights,” facing each opponent in their group once. The six group winners and two wild-card teams will advance to the Knockout Rounds, which begin on December 10. The competition culminates in Las Vegas, where the second-ever NBA Cup champion will be crowned on December 17.

Beyond the trophy, regular-season standings and league honors are at stake. All 67 games in both Group Play and Knockout Rounds will count toward the regular-season standings, except for the Championship game. Following the Championship, a media panel will select the NBA Cup MVP and the All-Tournament Team based on performances throughout the tournament.

Additionally, a prize pool will be allocated to players on teams advancing to the Knockout Rounds, with larger rewards for those progressing further in the competition. The Emirates NBA Cup 2024 promises to be an exciting showcase of basketball talent and competitive spirit.

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