Imagine your team dominating the court, sweeping through the competition, and landing the coveted top seed – that’s exactly what the Oklahoma City Thunder have done in the inaugural NBA Cup! They’ve stormed through the Western Conference bracket, but the road ahead is anything but easy.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – NOVEMBER 28: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder slaps hands with teammate Chet Holmgren #7 and Jalen Williams #8 after a play during the first quarter [P at Paycom Center on November 28, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
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The Thunder blazed through the NBA Cup’s group stage with a perfect 4-0 record, clinching the top spot in Group A and earning the right to host the opening game of the knockout round. Their decisive victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday solidified their dominant performance.
Interestingly, even though the Suns finished below OKC in the Group A standings, their impressive 3-1 record and favorable point differential secured them a wildcard spot in the knockout stage. This sets the stage for a rematch! Oklahoma City will once again welcome the Phoenix Suns to their home court on December 10th at 6:30 p.m. CT to kick off the knockout round. Talk about a quick turnaround!
With the group stage now complete, we finally have the full picture of the bracket. If Oklahoma City can overcome the Suns in their quarterfinal matchup on December 10th, they’ll be heading to Las Vegas for the semifinals, representing one of only two Western Conference teams and one of the four teams remaining in contention for the championship.
Should they advance further, the Thunder would face the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers versus San Antonio Spurs game, battling for a place in the championship final. Meanwhile, on the Eastern Conference side, the Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat are all vying for their own shot at glory.
This tournament run is a vital test for the Thunder, particularly after some critics dismissed their early-season success due to an allegedly easier schedule. Reaching the NBA Cup knockout round guarantees a series of high-quality opponents from here on out. Don’t underestimate the Suns, despite their recent loss to Oklahoma City, they’ve been one of the hottest teams in the Western Conference in recent weeks. The Lakers currently hold the number two seed in the conference, and the Spurs, even without their star rookie Victor Wembanyama, have been playing inspired basketball, even recently defeating the Denver Nuggets. No matter who they face, the path to the championship is paved with tough competition. And should the Thunder make it to the title game, they’ll be facing one of four Eastern Conference teams that are all playing exceptionally well right now.
The stakes are incredibly high, and here’s why: Not only is there significant prize money up for grabs at each stage, with the winning team taking home the lion’s share, but the Thunder are also driven by a deeper purpose. From an organizational standpoint, the Thunder highly value games with real consequences. They actively seek out new situations, high-pressure environments, and meaningful settings to accelerate player development. If there’s any team that truly embraces the NBA Cup as an opportunity for growth and learning, it’s the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder are entering this phase of the tournament with a stellar 19-1 record, riding a wave of momentum, and with Jalen Williams back in the lineup after making his season debut on Friday in the group stage finale. This team is poised for another stretch of high-level competition, and there’s every reason to believe they’ll continue to showcase their talent and determination on the NBA Cup stage.
Now, here’s a question to ponder: Do you think the pressure of the knockout stage will help or hinder the Thunder’s young core? And what are your predictions for their chances of making it to the championship game? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below!