Toronto Raptors reach NBA Cup knockout stage after routing Washington Wizards 140-110, while Pacers, Pelicans and Jazz are eliminated
THE Toronto Raptors became the first team to advance to the NBA Cup knockout rounds with a commanding 140-110 victory over the Washington Wizards.
RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram each scored 24 points to lead the Raptors’ offensive explosion.
Toronto maintained their perfect record in the NBA’s mid-season tournament with Friday’s win.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers saw their tournament hopes end with a 120-109 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The defeat continued Indiana’s miserable start to the season, leaving them with just two wins from 16 games.
The New Orleans Pelicans were eliminated after falling 118-115 to the Dallas Mavericks in a back-and-forth contest.
Dallas overcame a 15-point deficit in a game that featured 17 lead changes.
Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg led all scorers with 29 points, supported by P.J. Washington’s 24 and Max Christie’s 23.
The Utah Jazz also exited the tournament following a 144-112 loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Utah built an 18-point first-quarter lead before Oklahoma City’s explosive second-half performance decided the game.
The Thunder scored 77 points after halftime, including 43 in the third quarter alone.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top-scored with 31 points as eight Oklahoma City players reached double figures. – AFP
