Spurs dump Lakers to set up NBA Cup semi with Thunder

Stephon Castle scored 21 of his 30 points in the second half while De'Aaron Fox added 20 points as the Spurs triumphed 132-119 in Los Angeles on Wednesday night even without their own superstar Victor Wembanyama (calf), who missed a 12th straight game.

Keldon Johnson had 17 points and eight rebounds as the Spurs maintained a healthy double-digit lead for most of the final three quarters to claim the last Cup semi-final spot in Las Vegas.

Doncic scored 35 points and James had 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists for the Lakers, who lost for only the third time in 12 games. They trimmed their deficit to eight points late in the fourth quarter, but couldn't get closer.

Marcus Smart scored a season-high 26 points with eight three-pointers and Austin Reaves had 15 points for the Lakers, who won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023.

Earlier, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points as Oklahoma City matched the best 25-game start to an NBA season by dominating the Phoenix Suns 138-89 in their home Cup quarter-final.

The Thunder's 24-1 mark ties the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who won their first 24 games before finally losing.

Chet Holmgren added 24 points and eight rebounds for the Thunder, who set a franchise record with their 16th straight win in their NBA title defence. 

It seemed this could be a tough one for the Thunder. Oklahoma City's 123-119 win over the Suns in NBA Cup group play on November 28 was their closest game during their win streak.

But Phoenix star Devin Booker missed his third straight game with a strained groin. Booker scored 21 points in the previous matchup and said post game the "secret is out" about the Thunder's league-leading defence.

It appears the Suns have more to learn. They shot 39.3 per cent from the field and scored a season-low point total in the most lopsided loss in their franchise history. Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 16 points, but he made just four of 16 shots. 

Australian Associated Press