NBA Emirates Cup Playoffs Set: Heat, Knicks, Thunder Advance in Thrilling Group Stage Finale
New York, NY – November 29, 2025 – The NBA Emirates Cup group stage has concluded with a flurry of excitement, delivering a playoff bracket packed with star power and surprising upsets. Six teams joined the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers in securing their spots in the direct elimination phase, setting the stage for a captivating quarterfinal showdown. This is a developing story, optimized for Google News and SEO to bring you the latest updates instantly.
Eastern Conference Drama: Heat Clinch Wild Card, Bucks Stumble
Simone Fontecchio and the Miami Heat punched their ticket to the quarterfinals, grabbing the East’s Wild Card spot after a hard-fought group stage. The New York Knicks topped East Group C, securing a favorable matchup after a dominant 118-109 victory over the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks. Jalen Brunson led the charge with a spectacular 37-point performance, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with. Even the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo couldn’t salvage the game for the Bucks, who fell short despite a near triple-double (30 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists).
The Orlando Magic also advanced, edging out the Detroit Pistons 112-109. However, the biggest shock of the night was the Pistons’ elimination. After a remarkable 13-game winning streak, Detroit faltered with two consecutive losses, a stark reminder of the NBA’s unforgiving nature. Desmond Bane’s 37 points weren’t enough to prevent their surprising exit.
Western Conference Powerhouses Lock In
Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder asserted their dominance, defeating the Phoenix Suns 123-119 in a preview of their upcoming quarterfinal clash. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his incredible streak, scoring at least 20 points for the 92nd consecutive game, finishing with 37 points and 8 assists. The Suns, despite a valiant effort with six players in double figures, will advance as the Wild Card representative from the West.
The San Antonio Spurs also secured their place, staging a remarkable comeback against the Denver Nuggets, winning 139-136 after trailing by 15 points at halftime. Devin Vassell led the way with a career-high 35 points, proving the Spurs are a team to watch even without Victor Wembanyama. This victory highlights the growing depth and resilience of the young Spurs squad.
Other Key Results & Quarterfinal Matchups
The Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a 129-119 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, finishing atop West Group B. Austin Reaves (38 points) and Luka Doncic (35 points, 11 assists) put on a scoring display. Other winners included the Philadelphia 76ers (115-103 vs. Brooklyn Nets), Indiana Pacers (119-86 vs. Washington Wizards), Atlanta Hawks (130-123 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers), Charlotte Hornets (123-116 vs. Bulls), Utah Jazz (128-119 vs. Sacramento Kings), and the Memphis Grizzlies (112-107 vs. Los Angeles Clippers – both eliminated).
The Quarterfinal Draw
- West: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns
- West: Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs
- East: Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat
- East: Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks
The NBA Emirates Cup is quickly becoming a must-watch event, blending established stars with rising talents. The quarterfinal matchups promise intense competition and unforgettable moments. The league’s increasing global reach, exemplified by the Emirates Cup sponsorship, demonstrates the NBA’s commitment to expanding its fanbase and showcasing the game’s excitement worldwide. Keep checking back with archyde.com for comprehensive coverage, expert analysis, and the latest updates as the playoffs unfold. Don’t miss a single moment of the action – subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights and breaking news delivered directly to your inbox!