NBA Cup 2025: Spurs Overcome Lakers, Thunder Thump Suns to Reach Las Vegas Semifinals

NY Sports news now: The NBA Cup 2025 brought one of the most thrilling nights of the season on Wednesday. The San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Lakers 132–119, while the Oklahoma City Thunder crushed the Phoenix Suns 138–89. These victories set the stage for both teams to face off in Las Vegas on Saturday in a Western Conference semifinal that could preview the championship.

Both games had huge implications for standings, momentum, and bettors tracking performance trends for high-stakes wagers. With rising interest in NBA Cup odds, player prop bets, and live betting markets, these matchups highlighted both talent and unpredictability.

Spurs 132, Lakers 119 – San Antonio’s Pace and Depth Overwhelm Los Angeles

One theme dominated the Spurs’ game on Wednesday: pace. They came in with a clear plan to outrun the Lakers and excel in transition. San Antonio posted an astonishing 188.9 transition net rating, as reported by Cleaning the Glass. This level of efficiency is nearly unheard of in the NBA and shows the team’s renewed focus on speed, spacing, and guard-oriented ball movement.

Stephon Castle’s Breakout: 30 Points, 10 Rebounds, 6 Assists

Rookie standout Stephon Castle gave his best performance of the season at a crucial time. He attacked gaps early, shot efficiently (10–14 from the field), and set the tone on both ends of the court.

“Our pace was great from the start,” Castle said after the game. “They had a couple loud plays, but we came together and clamped down when we needed it most.”

Castle’s combination of size, playmaking ability, and defensive intelligence has scouts calling him one of the top NBA rookie assets leading into 2026.

This kind of breakout performance will greatly influence NBA player prop betting trends, particularly those involving points + rebounds + assists (PRA) projections.

Strategic Mastery: Spurs Force Luka Dončić Into Solo Scoring Role

One of the biggest coaching victories of the night belonged to Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson, who executed a strategy to make Luka Dončić a scorer instead of a facilitator. The plan involved avoiding fouls, staying close to shooters, and pushing for isolation-heavy possessions.

It worked.

Dončić scored 35 points and had eight assists, but the Lakers’ offence struggled to find rhythm until a late push that came too late. The Spurs not only excelled at getting to the line but also shot 36 free throws compared to the Lakers’ 23, turning that differential into a significant 12-point scoring advantage.

Fans following advanced NBA stats saw this game as a perfect example of how free-throw variance and bench production can determine outcomes.

Keldon Johnson Sparks Spurs’ Early Lead

While Castle earned the headlines, Keldon Johnson sparked the early momentum. Johnson nailed 3–of–3 from beyond the arc and scored 13 points in the first quarter. His energy and shooting helped the Spurs build a 39–30 lead, allowing them to control momentum before the Lakers could settle in.

San Antonio’s bench outscored the Lakers 48–31, reinforcing one of the team’s strong points: depth and effective 3-point shooting, which will be essential against Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defense.

Lakers Surge Behind LeBron’s Highlights, But Spurs Maintain Control

Los Angeles picked up steam late in the second quarter thanks to Marcus Smart’s defensive pressure and a technical foul on head coach J.J. Redick that seemed to fire up the team. Then came the highlight of the night—a powerful poster dunk by LeBron James followed by a chase-down block that sent Crypto.com Arena into a frenzy.

Yet, the Spurs responded every time the Lakers made a run. They went into halftime leading 70–58 and stayed in control until the end.

Johnson summed it up well:

“When you play a team like that, it’s not if, but when the run will happen. You just have to stay the course and execute.”

This composure is what makes San Antonio a compelling dark-horse bet in the NBA Cup futures market.

Victor Wembanyama Injury Update: Strong Chance to Play vs. Oklahoma City

One of the biggest storylines for Saturday is the potential return of Victor Wembanyama, who has been sidelined with a strained calf.

Johnson mentioned Wemby had “a very good day” and there is “very much” a chance he plays in Las Vegas. Wembanyama warmed up before the game without restrictions and looked comfortable.

His return could greatly shift NBA Cup semifinal odds since he is one of the league’s most impactful defensive players.

Thunder 138, Suns 89 – Oklahoma City Delivers Historic Beatdown

If the Spurs impressed, the Oklahoma City Thunder were downright frightening. Entering their most important game yet, they dismantled the short-handed Phoenix Suns by 49 points.

Oklahoma City jumped ahead by double digits within four minutes, led by 20 in the first quarter, and took a 74–48 lead into halftime. By the third quarter, the Thunder unleashed a 36-point period and a 17–6 run that left no doubt.

Thunder Improve to 24–1: A Historic Start

With this win, the Thunder matched the 2015–16 Golden State Warriors for the best 25-game start (24–1) in NBA history. This achievement places Oklahoma City in the conversation for one of the most dominant young teams ever.

For those watching NBA championship futures, this Thunder squad continues to rise quickly in betting markets.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren Dominate Again

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points on 11–15 shooting, while Chet Holmgren added 24 points on 9–13 shooting, continuing their trend of high-efficiency, low-turnover play.

The Thunder didn’t rely on individual heroics; they executed a smart two-way game.

Thunder Defence: The Real Story

Oklahoma City held Phoenix to 39.3% shooting, forced 21 turnovers, and turned those errors into 34 points.

For fans tracking defensive metrics and betting on NBA defensive ratings, Oklahoma City now presents the profile of a championship-calibre defense.

The Suns, missing Devin Booker and Jalen Green, struggled to find their rhythm. Dillon Brooks led the team with 16 points but shot only 4–of 16. Grayson Allen was ejected in the third quarter for a flagrant-2 foul on Holmgren, which did not affect momentum.

What Comes Next: Spurs vs. Thunder in Las Vegas

Saturday’s matchup is one of the season’s most intriguing:

• Young star power: Castle, Wembanyama (possibly), Holmgren, SGA
• Great defenses and fast-paced play
• Different coaching styles
• High stakes with NBA Cup title implications

Key Storylines for Bettors and Fans:

Will Victor Wembanyama play? His presence could shift the spread, total, and prop lines significantly.

Can the Spurs’ pace overwhelm Oklahoma City’s defence? San Antonio thrives on the fast break, while the Thunder excel at stopping it.

Can Oklahoma City handle San Antonio’s 3-point shooting? The Spurs shot 44.7% from deep against the Lakers.

Will OKC’s historic run continue? A win moves them to 25–1, keeping pace with the Warriors’ record.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 NBA Cup is rapidly becoming one of the league’s most exciting events. Wednesday night showed how tournament urgency elevates the game—from the Spurs’ tactical execution to the Thunder’s historic strength.

San Antonio displayed resilience, depth, and strategic discipline against the Lakers. Oklahoma City showed a level of dominance usually associated with all-time great teams.

Now they’ll meet in Las Vegas, where the stakes are high, the spotlight is intense, and the pressure is on.

If the semifinals match the excitement of Wednesday’s games, NBA fans and sports bettors are in for an unforgettable weekend.

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