Spurs Defeat Rockets; Giannis, Bucks Begin Cup Defense on Nov. 8
The Spurs handed the Rockets a defeat, ending Houston’s five-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the defending champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, kicked off their title defense triumphantly against the Chicago Bulls. The NBA Cup action on November 8, 2025, showcased several notable performances across the league.
Spurs End Rockets’ Streak
In a thrilling matchup, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Houston Rockets 121-110. The Spurs’ standout players included:
- Harrison Barnes: 24 points, 6 three-pointers
- Victor Wembanyama: 22 points
- Julian Champagnie: 22 points
This victory marked the Spurs’ first win of the Group Play season, moving them to 1-0.
Game Highlights
The Spurs took control in the third quarter after overcoming a double-digit deficit. They executed an impressive 14-2 run at the second half close. In the second half, the Spurs scored 20-11 to extend their lead significantly.
Victor Wembanyama also continued to make defensive history, extending his block streak to 93 games.
Bucks Begin Title Defense with a Win
The Milwaukee Bucks commenced their Cup title defense with a commanding 126-110 win against the Chicago Bulls. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with:
- 41 points
- 15 rebounds
- 9 assists
Giannis’ impressive performance included eight dunks, and he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most 40-point games in team history.
Key Performances in the Bucks vs. Bulls Game
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 41 pts, 15 reb, 9 ast
- Myles Turner: 23 pts, 8 reb, 4 stl
- Josh Giddey (Bulls): 16 pts, 14 ast
With this victory, the Bucks improved their Group Play record to 9-0 all-time.
Other Noteworthy NBA Cup Results
In other games, the Pistons extended their win streak to five with a decisive 125-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren each scored over 30 points, propelling Detroit to a strong start.
Moreover, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Sacramento Kings 132-101, thanks to a stellar performance from Shai Gigeous-Alexander, who scored 30 points. The Thunder are now off to a 9-1 start, the best in the franchise’s history.
As the NBA Cup progresses, teams continue to showcase their talent and determination, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
