The inaugural NBA Cup is heating up, and the Los Angeles Lakers have punched their ticket too the quarterfinals, showcasing their championship pedigree with a flawless 4-0 record in group play. Their latest triumph, a commanding 129-119 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, sets the stage for a thrilling showdown against the San Antonio Spurs, who themselves secured a hard-fought win against the Denver Nuggets.

In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns have also advanced, setting up a tantalizing quarterfinal clash. The Thunder, led by the electrifying Shai gilgeous-Alexander, narrowly defeated their opponents 123-119 in a game that kept fans on the edge of