By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In a huge game on Wednesday, combining the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season with the Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals, the San Antonio Spurs overpowered the Los Angeles Lakers, 132-119, at crypto.com Arena.
Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic delivered a game-high 35 points behind 11/24 field goals, but it was not enough for the hosts to keep their Cup bid alive. Lasting just under 41 minutes, he added eight assists, five rebounds, and one steal.
German teammate Maxi Kleber (lumbar muscle strain) was ruled out. On the opposite side, the team coached by Mitch Johnson survived despite missing French Victor Wembanyama (left calf strain) for a 12th straight game. Polish Jeremy Sochan was available but did not play.
Earlier in Paycom Center, the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated en route to a 138-89 victory versus the Phoenix Suns. French Ousmane Dieng and Belgian Ajay Mitchell contributed 11 and nine points, respectively, off the bench. German Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain) and Serbian Nikola Topic (testicular cancer treatment) remained sidelined.
Besides the West Finals, the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks advanced to the East Finals on Tuesday. The Cup Semifinals will be played on Saturday, and the Final will be played on Tuesday. T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will host the three remaining fixtures.
Wednesday results
Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 138-89
Los Angeles Lakers – San Antonio Spurs 119-132
Standings
Eastern Conference
1. Detroit Pistons 19-5
2. New York Knicks 17-7
3. Boston Celtics 15-9
4. Orlando Magic 15-10
5. Toronto Raptors 15-11
6. Philadelphia 76ers 13-10
7. Miami Heat 14-11
8. Cleveland Cavaliers 14-11
9. Atlanta Hawks 14-11
10. Milwaukee Bucks 10-15
11. Chicago Bulls 9-14
12. Charlotte Hornets 7-17
13. Brooklyn Nets 6-17
14. Indiana Pacers 6-18
15. Washington Wizards 3-19
Western Conference
1. Oklahoma City Thunder 24-1
2. Denver Nuggets 17-6
3. Houston Rockets 15-6
4. Los Angeles Lakers 17-7
5. San Antonio Spurs 17-7
6. Minnesota Timberwolves 15-9
7. Phoenix Suns 14-11
8. Golden State Warriors 13-12
9. Memphis Grizzlies 11-13
10. Portland Trail Blazers 9-15
11. Dallas Mavericks 9-16
12. Utah Jazz 8-15
13. Los Angeles Clippers 6-18
14. Sacramento Kings 6-18
15. New Orleans Pelicans 3-22
-Top 6 teams from each conference advance directly to the Playoffs
-Teams seventh through tenth from each conference advance to the Play-Ins