In a thrilling prelude to the NBA Cup quarter-finals, the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs emerged victorious in their final preparation games, despite key players missing from their rosters. But will these wins hold up against their upcoming formidable opponents?
The Suns, without their star scorer Devin Booker, showcased a balanced attack with Mark Williams leading the way with 22 points. They halted the Timberwolves' winning streak, proving that they can still shine without their go-to guy. But here's where it gets tricky: can they maintain this momentum against the league's top team?
Meanwhile, the Spurs, missing French sensation Victor Wembanyama, relied on Harrison Barnes and Dylan Harper to secure a win over the struggling Pelicans. With a 16-7 record, they're set to face the Lakers, a team that's no pushover. And this is the part most fans are eager to see: can the Spurs' depth make up for their star player's absence?
As the NBA Cup quarter-finals tip off, the Suns will face the daunting task of taking down the host Thunder, who boast an impressive 23-1 record and a 15-game win streak. The Spurs, on the other hand, will battle the Lakers, a team with championship aspirations.
The Suns' Collin Gillespie and Dillon Brooks contributed 19 and 18 points, respectively, despite Brooks' injury concerns. A late shot by Minnesota's Edwards made it a one-point game, but Gillespie's clutch free throws sealed the deal.
In New Orleans, it was Harper's clutch layup that gave the Spurs the edge. Derik Queen's heroics for the Pelicans weren't enough, as they suffered yet another loss, dropping to 3-22.
The Pacers, in the night's other game, dominated the Kings, with Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin leading the charge. Russell Westbrook's triple-double was a silver lining for the Kings, but it wasn't enough to secure the win.
With the NBA Cup quarter-finals set to begin, the question remains: can the Suns and Spurs continue their winning ways against the league's elite? Share your predictions in the comments below! The NBA Cup promises to be a thrilling ride, and these tuneup games have only added to the excitement.
