Winner, Winner, Turkey Dinner.
Table of Contents
Brandon Ingram called game to lift Toronto to 4-0 on the second-to-last night of Emirates NBA Cup Group Play.
5 STORIES IN TODAYs EDITION 🏀
Feasting: OKC & Toronto extend win streaks to stay unbeaten in Cup Play
More Streaks: Boston snaps Detroit’s historic heater, Herro lifts Miami to another dub
Setting The Stage: Three wins create three “win-and-in” Group Play finales on friday
Roundup: houston & Memphis pull off late rallies to cap a hectic 9-game slate
Season Of Giving: 20 years of NBA Cares and holiday support across the league
BUT FIRST.. ⏰
Friday Finale: After a day off to celebrate Thanksgiving, the NBA returns on Friday with an 11-game slate to close Emirates NBA Cup Group Play.
That includes a Prime doubleheader as the Bucks visit the Knicks (7:30 ET), before the Lakers welcome the Mavs (10 ET).
1. BEAST STREAKS: OKC IMPROVES TO 18-1, INGRAM CALLS GAME
The Thunder entered Wednesday not only eyeing a crucial Group Play win, b
Raptors Complete Perfect Group Play, Celtics & heat Keep Rolling
Raptors 97, Pacers 95 (east A): Having already clinched East Group A, the red-hot raptors eyed a 4-0 Group Play finish to boost their odds of homecourt advantage in the Quarterfinals. With 0.6 seconds left on Wednesday, Brandon Ingram delivered for Jurassic Park. Tied at 95, Jakob Poeltl blocked indy’s attempted winner, setting up Ingram’s (26 pts, 8 reb) heroic jumper to complete Toronto’s perfect Group Play and grab its fifth clutch win in its 9-game W streak – now the hottest in the East.
* “Just wanted to be super aggressive, and get into my spots,” Ingram said of his game-winner, with the moment reminding him of last shots he’s “seen on TV.”
* Pitching In: Scottie Barnes (24 pts, 10 reb) and Immanuel Quickley (15 pts, 6 ast) supported Ingram, while season highs from T.J. McConnell (16 pts, 7 reb) led Indy.
* Historically Hot: This is just the fifth time in team history that Toronto has had a win streak as significant as 9 games.
* “We’re going to need this crowd big,” Ingram said postgame, with the win and detroit’s loss ensuring the Knockout Round visits The North.
2. MORE STREAKS: CELTICS COOL PISTONS, HEAT WIN AGAIN
Celtics 117, Pistons 114 (East B): A historic stretch of 14 games and 28 days of perfect results all culminated in 15 pivotal seconds Wednesday night. That’s when Boston’s defense took control. derrick White (27 pts) closed with 11 4th-quarter points on three of a season-high six 3s, and forced one of two key turnovers.
NBA In-Season Tournament: Key Results & Upcoming Showdowns
Phoenix Suns 118,indiana Pacers 112 (West A): Fueled by the Thanksgiving spirit,Mark Williams was dominant with 21 points and 16 rebounds,shooting 9-12 from the field. Collin Gillespie matched him with 21 points and 9 assists,leading Phoenix to a wire-to-wire victory and improving their record to 3-0 in west A. Devin Booker added 19 points and 6 assists, contributing to the Suns’ strong performance, having won 9 of their last 11 games and ranking 3rd in DefRtg during that stretch. Phoenix will face OKC (also 3-0) on friday to determine the group winner (9:30 PM ET,League Pass).
San Antonio Spurs 115, Portland Trail Blazers 102 (West C): The Blazers needed a win to secure a spot in the knockout Round, but De’Aaron Fox and the Spurs had other plans. Fox exploded for 23 of his 37 points in the second half, as San Antonio outscored Portland 59-48 to avoid elimination, despite a strong performance from Deni Avdija (37 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists). The Spurs will now face the Nuggets on Friday to decide West C (9:30 PM ET, LP).
New York Knicks 129,Charlotte Hornets 101 (East C): The Knicks achieved a historic feat,with all five starters scoring 10+ points in the first half,leading to a commanding 72-47 lead. New York cruised to victory, improving to 2-1 in group Play and eliminating Charlotte (0-3). Jalen Brunson (33 points) and Josh Hart (22 points,7 assists) led the charge,with the starting five combining for a season-high 111 points. new York can win East C with a victory over Milwaukee on Friday (7:30 PM ET, prime), while a Bucks win would hand the group to Miami.
NBA Cares Celebrates 20 Years of Community Impact
For 20 years, NBA Cares has helped bring people around the world together through the game of basketball.
Established in 2005 to unite the league’s community efforts and amplify the positive impact of teams and players off the court, NBA Cares has continued to drive change on key issues facing fans and communities.
Now, as we head into the winter holidays, we also head into one of the key moments on the NBA Cares calendar: the NBA cares Season of Giving.
- “It’s been 20 years of meaningful impact,and that’s what we’re most proud of,” said Kathy Behrens, the NBA’s President of Social Obligation and Player Programs.
- “[The] commitment to community that’s existed in our league from the very beginning, and will there’s no doubt whatsoever live on for decades to come, is truly what makes the NBA so special.”
Designed to brighten the winter holidays for children and families across the globe,the NBA Cares Season of Giving will reach thousands of children,families and those in need through hundreds of local events.
- All 30 teams will host local events across the country, with players, legends, coaches and teams – both NBA & affiliate league – engaging communities through education, health, wellness & hands-on service.
- OKC’s Isaiah Hartenstein served meals for those in need.