NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Spurs and Thunder set for epic clash + fantasy streaming guide for rest of Week 8
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The Western Conference quarterfinals weren't short on storylines. Oklahoma City delivered one of the most dominant NBA Cup wins to date, Phoenix hit a historic low, and San Antonio continued its midseason surge behind a breakout performance from Stephon Castle. Meanwhile, the Lakers' stars stuffed the stat sheet, but their defense was nonexistent.

Here's a full breakdown of Oklahoma City, Phoenix, San Antonio and Los Angeles — plus fantasy takeaways ahead of Saturday's semifinal.

OKC's historic pace continues, eclipse Suns by 49 points

The Thunder entered the night with the league's best record — and left tied with the 2015–16 Warriors for the best 25-game start in NBA history (24–1). Their 138–89 dismantling of the Suns marked their 16th straight win, shattering multiple franchise marks.

Oklahoma City shot 59% from the field and 55% from 3, while holding Phoenix to a season-low scoring output.

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 28 points (11-15 FG), 8 assists and 3 stocks

  • Chet Holmgren: 24 points (9-13 FG), 8 rebounds, 3 blocks

  • Jalen Williams: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal

  • Lu Dort: 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 3s

  • Cason Wallace: 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals

SGA extended his streak of 96 straight 20-point games and per usual, dominated the game with ease. Holmgren was equally as disruptive on both ends and the Thunder's bench produced 50 points, overwhelming Phoenix from start to finish.

Fantasy advice

The way OKC has been blowing the doors off its opponents, low-usage starters and reserves like Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell all remain viable streaming options on a small Saturday slate.

No Booker, no rhythm — and Suns' worst loss in franchise history

This was never going to be easy without Devin Booker (groin), but Phoenix played one of its worst games of the season, shooting 39% from the field, committing 20 turnovers and losing by a franchise-worst 49 points. Grayson Allen was tossed after being assessed a flagrant two for a hard screen on Holmgren, which was about the only fight Phoenix put up all night.

  • Dillon Brooks: 16 points (4-16 FG), 2 rebounds and 1 assist

  • Jordan Goodwin: 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals

  • Jamaree Bouyea: 14 points and 6 assists

  • Grayson Allen: 10 points, 4 assists and 1 steal

Phoenix trailed by as many as 53, generated only 42 points in the paint and struggled to defend OKC's movement and spacing. While the bench injected some late offense, the Suns couldn't keep pace without their star. Brooks and Allen were the only starters to hit double-figures.

Fantasy advice:

Goodwin and Bouyea are temporary streaming options while Booker remains out. Since the Suns will host the Lakers on Sunday, that should be an opportunity to get right after suffering such an embarrassing loss.

Stephon Castle goes off as Spurs roll into Vegas

If Spurs fans were waiting for Stephon Castle's breakout moment — they got it. The second-year guard put on a show with 30 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists in San Antonio's 132–119 win over the Lakers. He scored 21 in the second half, repeatedly punishing L.A. with his ability to get downhill and create for others.

The Spurs hit 17 3s, won the bench battle by 17 and led by double digits for most of the final three quarters.

  • Stephon Castle: 30 points (10-14 FG), 10 rebounds and 6 assists

  • De'Aaron Fox: 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals

  • Harrison Barnes: 16 points, 4 threes, 7 rebounds and 1 steal

  • Julian Champagnie: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 stocks

  • Keldon Johnson: 17 points, 8 rebounds and 1 steal

  • Luke Kornet: 10 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block

The Spurs have won nine of their last 12 and will look even more dangerous with Victor Wembanyama nearing his return. Saturday is looking like real possibility.

Fantasy advice:

Johnson, Champagnie, Barnes and Dylan Harper are all streamable options for Saturday's game. Pay attention to the injury report because if Wembanyama is out, Kornet is back in play as well.

Luka and LeBron shine, but Lakers' D collapses

L.A. got big nights from its stars, but the perimeter defense once again sank them. The Lakers shot 49% from the field and hit 16 3s, but allowed 132 points and surrendered too many open looks. They weren't disciplined on defense, failed to keep pace and often fouled in desperation.

Despite trimming the deficit late, they couldn't overcome San Antonio's offensive rhythm and the significant free-throw gap.

  • Luka Dončić: 35 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 1 steal

  • LeBron James: 19 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 blocks

  • Marcus Smart: 26 points and 8 3s

  • Austin Reaves: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists

  • Deandre Ayton: 11 points, 8 rebounds and 1 steal

Fantasy advice:

I'd ride with Marcus Smart on Sunday since he was so impactful in his return from a six-game absence with a back injury.

NBA Cup schedule update

Because Oklahoma City and San Antonio advance to Saturday's semifinal, the Suns and Lakers each play once more this week — Phoenix hosts the Lakers on Sunday, while the Spurs and Thunder clash in Las Vegas. Let's hope that Wemby comes back because we know how much he looks forward to battling it out with Chet Holmgren — fireworks!!



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