Chicago.– The Toronto Raptors became this Friday the first team to secure their qualification to the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup, by adding their ninth victory in the last ten matches, on a day where the performances of Nikola Jokic and Stephen Curry also stood out.
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The Raptors, who started the season with four losses in five games, have completely changed their competitive landscape. With their 140-110 victory over the Washington Wizards, they achieved their fifth consecutive success and improved their record to ten wins in the last eleven games. The Canadian squad maintains a perfect record in the NBA Cup (3-0), supported by an offense with a 57% field goal shooting accuracy and 14 three-pointers in 29 attempts. Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett led the team with 24 points each, while Scottie Barnes and Sandro Mamukelashvili contributed 23 units respectively.Mitchell Responds, But the Pacers Continue to Plummet
In the second position of the group appear the Cleveland Cavaliers, who defeated the Indiana Pacers 120-109. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 32 points. The Pacers, finalists last season, are going through a deep crisis with a record of 2-14, sunk at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.Jokic Dominates Again
In Houston, Nikola Jokic was one assist away from his fourth consecutive triple-double, recording 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists in the Denver Nuggets’ victory over the Rockets.Jamal Murray contributed 26 points and 10 assists, while Kevin Durant was left with just 13 points for Houston.
OKC keeps its overwhelming pace; Curry shines without reward
The Oklahoma City Thunder once again demonstrated why they dominate the NBA this season, defeating the Utah Jazz 144-112 after being down by 18 points in the first period.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points and 8 assists in just 30 minutes. The Portland Trail Blazers spoiled Stephen Curry‘s night, who returned after missing a game and scored 38 points with 9 three-pointers, but couldn’t prevent Golden State’s 127-123 defeat.
Caleb Love was Portland’s surprise figure with 26 points, 11 of them in the last quarter.
