NBA roundup: Bucks hold off Heat without Giannis, Rockets move on in NBA Cup

Damian Lillard scored 37 points, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 106-103 victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA Cup on Tuesday, despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a knee injury.

Lillard achieved an impressive shooting performance, making 10 of 17 attempts from the field and 8 of 13 from beyond the arc, while also contributing 12 assists. This win improved the Bucks' record to 3-0 in group play, while the Heat fell to 1-2 and were unable to take the lead at any point in the game.

"It's a game of runs. I got off to a hot start," Lillard remarked. "I didn't try to force the issue. I didn't want to be passive. I aimed to remain aggressive. I was distributing the ball effectively, and we executed well."

All 30 teams in the league are competing for the NBA Cup in an in-season tournament, organized into six groups of five for round-robin play, with the goal of advancing to the knockout rounds in December. These games also contribute to the regular-season standings.

The Houston Rockets have secured a spot in the quarter-finals, but the unexpected development occurred in Miami, where the Greek star Antetokounmpo was a late scratch due to a left knee injury, placing the scoring responsibility on Lillard.

A late surge by the Heat, scoring 26-9 to conclude the third quarter, narrowed a 22-point Milwaukee lead to 85-80 heading into the final period. Miami continued to press, going on a 16-7 run to tie the game at 96-96 with 4:02 remaining.

In the closing moments, Milwaukee's A.J. Green and Miami's Terry Rozier exchanged three-pointers, with Rozier's last shot bringing the Heat within 104-103 with 30 seconds left on the clock.

Green attempted another three-pointer, but it was ruled out due to a shot-clock violation, granting Miami possession with five seconds remaining.

Tyler Herro of Miami missed a three-point attempt, and Milwaukee's Taurean Prince converted two free throws with 1.2 seconds left, setting up a final opportunity for Rozier, who missed a three-pointer at the buzzer.

"Players made shots, played aggressively, we secured crucial stops, and we converted free throws, which is essential for winning close games," Lillard concluded.

The team has accumulated significant experience in games characterized by second-half lulls that often lead to intense competition. Early in the season, we allowed a few opportunities to slip away, but there is a collective desire to improve. Our aim is to start strong, and I believe we are beginning to demonstrate that as we progress through these matches.

Jimmy Butler was the standout performer for Miami, scoring 23 points.

Houston secured its place in the NBA Cup quarter-finals as the second team, triumphing over Minnesota 115-111 in overtime to claim the West Group A title. Golden State has already secured the West Group C championship.

Turkish center Alperen Sengun delivered an impressive triple-double, contributing 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Fred VanVleet added 27 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, and Dillon Brooks scored 22 points for Houston.

A crucial basket by reserve Amen Thompson with 38 seconds left in the fourth quarter tied the game at 102-102.

Thompson then hit a 3-pointer, sparking an 11-0 run in overtime for Houston, with contributions from Jabari Smith, Brooks, and two more baskets from Sengun, giving the Rockets a 113-105 advantage with 54 seconds remaining.

The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards with 29 points, were unable to close the gap to within four points thereafter.

French sensation Victor Wembanyama scored 24 of his game-high 34 points in the first half, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 128-115 victory over Utah, thereby ending the Jazz's title aspirations.

The Phoenix Suns, bolstered by the return of stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal from calf injuries, defeated the defending NBA Cup champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, with a score of 127-100.

Devin Booker led the Suns with 26 points and 10 assists, while Beal and Durant each contributed 23 points in their return to action.

"It felt great," Durant remarked. "We needed this win. As long as we stay healthy, we will be fine."

Anthony Davis was the top performer for the Lakers, scoring 25 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, while LeBron James added 18 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in what marked the Lakers' first-ever loss in the Cup.

A decisive 22-6 run allowed the Suns to establish a 98-78 lead heading into the fourth quarter, and the Lakers were unable to mount a comeback thereafter

Chicago's Coby White contributed 21 points, while Nikola Vucevic recorded 19 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Bulls to a 127-108 victory against the Washington Wizards.

SportsLigue