Thunder's 16th Straight Win Pushes Them Toward NBA Cup Semifinals

Thunder extend 16-game streak to reach NBA Cup semifinals

Oklahoma City Thunder stretched their winning streak to 16 in a row, steamrolling the Phoenix Suns 138-89 to book a spot in the NBA Cup semifinals. They will meet the San Antonio Spurs, who surprised the Los Angeles Lakers 132-119.

Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points, anchoring the defending Cup champions as they logged their 24th win of the season, matching the best 25-game start in league history.

From start to finish, the Thunder controlled the affair, guaranteeing a top-four berth in the Las Vegas hosted tournament as they chase a rare league Cup double.

In other action, the Knicks face the Orlando Magic in a separate showdown for a final slot on Tuesday.

In Los Angeles, Stephon Castle poured in 30 points with 10 rebounds, while DeAaron Fox added 20 as San Antonio toppled the Lakers, despite Victor Wembanyama still being out.

Wembanyama has sat out a dozen games with a shin injury, but the Spurs have won nine of their last 12, and coach Mitch Johnson says the French star is very close to returning.

Seven Spurs players posted double-digit scores, while Luka Doncic's 35 points were not enough to rescue the Lakers.

Marcus Smart returned from injury to tally 26 off the bench for the Lakers, and LeBron James added 19.

Speed and second chances tipped the scales in Spurs favor, as they outpaced the Lakers and went 29 of 36 from the line to LA's 17 of 23.

With that performance, many see Oklahoma City as a strong bet to complete a league and Cup double after a dazzling display at the Paycom Center.

Punchline 1: If Thunder keep this up, the trophy room may need a bigger shelf and a bigger weather forecast for rain delays.

Punchline 2: And if you think the league is tough, wait until next season's schedule — it comes with extra snacks.