"Oklahoma City is on a historic run with a 23-1 record -- tied for the second-best 24-game start in NBA history with the 1969-70 New York Knicks, according to ESPN Research. The Thunder are also on a 15-game winning streak, tied for the longest win streak in franchise history. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Oklahoma City with 32.8 points per game, while center Chet Holmgren is averaging career highs in points (18.6) and rebounds (8.1). The Thunder reached the NBA Cup final last season, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks."
"Phoenix narrowly lost to Oklahoma City 123-119 last month in an NBA Cup group game but enters the matchup losing three of its last four. Suns star Devin Booker -- who leads the team with 25 points per game -- is out due to a groin injury sustained on Dec. 1. Forward Dillon Brooks is second in scoring with a career-high 22.3 points per game."
"The Lakers defeated the Spurs 118-116 in their most recent matchup on Nov. 5. They boast the highest-scoring starting backcourt in the NBA with Luka Doncic averaging 35 a game and Austin Reaves putting up a career-high 28.4. LeBron James is averaging 16.1 points after missing the first 14 games of the season because of sciatica."
Two Western Conference quarterfinal matchups will determine NBA Cup semifinal participants: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers. Oklahoma City carries a 23-1 record and a 15-game winning streak, paced by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.8 PPG) and Chet Holmgren (18.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG). Phoenix has lost three of four and will be without Devin Booker (groin), with Dillon Brooks averaging a career-high 22.3 PPG. The Lakers feature Luka Doncic (35 PPG) and Austin Reaves (28.4 PPG) while LeBron James returned and averages 16.1 PPG. San Antonio remains without Victor Wembanyama (calf), though Stephon Castle has returned.
Read at ESPN.com
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