The penultimate night of group play in the 2025 NBA Cup started with a streak-snapping thriller.
In the first game Wednesday, the Boston Celtics defeated the Detroit Pistons 117-114 to end a 13-game win streak. With the Pistons now 2-1 in Group B, they will have a winner-take-all game against the Orlando Magic for the knockout round berth on Friday.
The game saw 15 different lead changes in Boston, with the Celtics pulling ahead for the final time on a Jaylen Brown and-1.
That lead was endangered when the Celtics tried to foul Cade Cunningham with 3.8 seconds left while up three, attempting to guarantee only two free throws on the possession. Cunningham, however, began his shooting motion once the Boston defense bore down on him and drew three potentially game-tying free throws.
He made the first one, made the second one and missed the third one. Ballgame, Celtics.
Had the Pistons won, they would have set a new franchise record with 14 consecutive wins.
NBA Cup scoreboard
NBA Cup standings
East Group A
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Toronto Raptors (3-0, +53)*
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Cleveland Cavaliers (2-1, +34)
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Washington Wizards (1-2, -44)
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Indiana Pacers (0-2, -31)
East Group B
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Detroit Pistons (2-1, +24)
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Boston Celtics (2-2, -17)
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Philadelphia 76ers (0-3, -51)
East Group C
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Milwaukee Bucks (2-0, +16)
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New York Knicks (1-1, -2)
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Charlotte Hornets (0-2, -18)
West Group A
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Oklahoma City Thunder (2-0, +63)
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Minnesota Timberwolves (2-1, +53)
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Sacramento Kings (0-2, -45)
West Group B
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Los Angeles Lakers (3-0 +36)*
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Los Angeles Clippers (2-1, -9)
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Memphis Grizzlies (1-1, +9)
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Dallas Mavericks (1-2, -13)
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New Orleans Pelicans (0-3, -17)
West Group C
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Denver Nuggets (2-1, +26)
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San Antonio Spurs (1-1, +10)
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Portland Trail Blazers (2-1, -18)
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Golden State Warriors (1-2, -28)
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Houston Rockets (1-2, +10)
* = clinched group title
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