The Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals delivered a stunning mix of domination and resilience as the Oklahoma City Thunder dismantled the Phoenix Suns 138–89, while the San Antonio Spurs earned a hard-fought 132–119 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Both wins secure semifinal berths and reshape expectations for the tournament’s final rounds.
The Thunder’s 49-point rout marked the largest blowout of the 2025–26 NBA season, while extending their winning streak to 16 games. The Spurs, led by rising star Stephon Castle, showcased composure and execution to defeat a veteran Lakers squad on the road.
Thunder Deliver a Record-Tying Statement Win
Oklahoma City imposed their will from the opening possession. Behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 28 points and eight assists, the Thunder overwhelmed an injury-depleted Suns team with relentless pace and suffocating defense. Chet Holmgren added 24 points, anchoring OKC’s interior presence on both ends of the floor.
The Thunder exploded to a 74–48 halftime lead, effectively ending the contest before the break. Their 49-point win now stands as Phoenix’s worst loss in franchise history.
OKC’s victory also carried historical implications. With the win, the Thunder improved to 24–1, matching the 2015–16 Golden State Warriors for the best 25-game start in NBA history. Their combination of depth, efficiency, and defensive versatility has positioned them as the tournament’s overwhelming favorite.
Castle’s Breakout Performance Sends Spurs Past Lakers
In stark contrast to the Thunder’s blowout, the Spurs and Lakers staged a tight battle in Los Angeles. Stephon Castle erupted for 30 points, including 21 in the second half, to carry San Antonio through critical stretches.
The turning point came in the third quarter when the Spurs’ young core surged ahead, capitalizing on a cold shooting stretch from the Lakers. San Antonio’s ball movement and defensive execution helped create separation that Los Angeles never recovered from.
The Lakers, rich with championship experience, struggled to produce consistent offense when it mattered most. The loss eliminates them from the NBA Cup while boosting confidence within San Antonio’s developing roster.
A Shift in the Tournament’s Momentum
The Thunder’s dominant win sends a message to the rest of the field: Oklahoma City is the team to beat. Their historic pace and balanced roster have drawn comparisons to championship-caliber cores from past eras. With single-elimination pressure rising, OKC’s ability to control games on both ends makes them a formidable opponent.
For the Spurs, the win symbolizes growth. Their young roster showed resilience in a high-stakes road environment, positioning them as a dangerous semifinal contender capable of upsetting more experienced teams.
Both franchises now await their semifinal opponents from the Eastern Conference, where matchups continue to develop. The next round will determine whether Oklahoma City’s brilliance continues and whether San Antonio’s momentum turns into a Cinderella run.
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