2026 NBA Season

[Jeorgejs]

The NBA Cup is just a tournament that motivates teams financially and emotionally early in the season. It doesn't carry much weight honestly.

Yes, I mostly agree on you. the NBA Cup doesnt carry real historical or championship weight, and no one will judge a season by whether they won it. But it’s not meaningless either. It’s a snapshot of readiness, how serious a team is, how well pieces fit, and whether they can execute in high leverage games.

NBA Cup won’t win them a ring, but it can expose whether a team is capable of chasing one. For the Knicks, thats the part that matters.

[SquallLeonhart]

Here is the MVP and the champion, Jalen Brunson! 

Knicks were already favoured by bookies for the trophy in the finale. The first three quarters were quite competitive though. But in Q4, Knicks just destroyed Spurs with a 35-19 quarter score.

I didn't like Wembanyama too much in this game. But he has just returned from an injury of course. And I hope he doesn't get injured often this season. Spurs will need him a lot to stay among title contenders.

The rise of Brunson as a star is a great story to see. He wasn't considered a great pick, and he wasn't considered a great player for a team. He was drafted 33rd in 2018 and on his first years he wasn't doing much, his Dallas years were not good at all. However, after moving to New York, he started to show the world that he can do a wonderful job and has been great, he has improved himself season after season and he is still sort of young, he is still not even 30 years old so he can get even better.

I love trajectories like this, players who comes from nothing star at the beginning of their career that becomes better with time, that shows he took this seriously and worked really hard to be a better player with training.

[püsür]

It was quite exciting to follow the final game in NBA Cup.    Congratulations to Knicks...

What do you think about this cup? Do you think it should exist for long years? Honestly I like to watch it. Single-leg format until the end. It felt like we were in playoff games a little.

New things like this are really needed in NBA to make the organization always alive. They are trying to do the same for All-Star event as well but let's see how satisfying it will be next time.

I actually like the Cup also. I wasn't expecting anything good from the Nba management but they pulled this off. It was an exciting thing to have in these months of the season. A new excitement is what was needed. I really like this format from this perspective. Since the group matches are also regular season matches, teams have to take them seriously one way or another. It would be nice if this format were also used in European football, as it gets boring for viewers when the big teams coast through before the quarter-finals.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

It was quite exciting to follow the final game in NBA Cup.    Congratulations to Knicks...

What do you think about this cup? Do you think it should exist for long years? Honestly I like to watch it. Single-leg format until the end. It felt like we were in playoff games a little.

New things like this are really needed in NBA to make the organization always alive. They are trying to do the same for All-Star event as well but let's see how satisfying it will be next time.

I actually like the Cup also. I wasn't expecting anything good from the Nba management but they pulled this off. It was an exciting thing to have in these months of the season. A new excitement is what was needed. I really like this format from this perspective. Since the group matches are also regular season matches, teams have to take them seriously one way or another. It would be nice if this format were also used in European football, as it gets boring for viewers when the big teams coast through before the quarter-finals.

Do you know the history of the NBA Cup? Who won the maiden championship? Or how about last year.

Right, as most of us here, doesn't remember who won last season, Lol. So it just proved that we are not that interested about this finals but we just wanted to see teams really playing very hard each games without any so called championship is on the line.

But as I have said, one thing that might bring to the table is that the teams that won could have carry the momentum all throughout the season because of that kind of bragging rights as NBA cup champions.

[tech30338]

It was quite exciting to follow the final game in NBA Cup.    Congratulations to Knicks...

What do you think about this cup? Do you think it should exist for long years? Honestly I like to watch it. Single-leg format until the end. It felt like we were in playoff games a little.

New things like this are really needed in NBA to make the organization always alive. They are trying to do the same for All-Star event as well but let's see how satisfying it will be next time.

I actually like the Cup also. I wasn't expecting anything good from the Nba management but they pulled this off. It was an exciting thing to have in these months of the season. A new excitement is what was needed. I really like this format from this perspective. Since the group matches are also regular season matches, teams have to take them seriously one way or another. It would be nice if this format were also used in European football, as it gets boring for viewers when the big teams coast through before the quarter-finals.

Do you know the history of the NBA Cup? Who won the maiden championship? Or how about last year.

Right, as most of us here, doesn't remember who won last season, Lol. So it just proved that we are not that interested about this finals but we just wanted to see teams really playing very hard each games without any so called championship is on the line.

But as I have said, one thing that might bring to the table is that the teams that won could have carry the momentum all throughout the season because of that kind of bragging rights as NBA cup champions.

Its Indiana last year right? for other teams I don't think it matters because they are focus on the main goal winning the chip, that is where is matters they sometimes put their careers on the line, like what happen to Hali, most players and stars will do their best to reach that goal even move to teams just to have the ring, but as you said that win could fuel them to reach the finals and win them a ring, but that needs focus and team effort everyone needs to step up every game.

[OgNasty]

The Rockets should have got the win in regulation but the refs handed the Nuggets an overtime win with a BS call.

The NBA has now confirmed what I said and more...  The refs called 2 incorrect fouls against the Rockets and missed a foul against the Nuggets to send the game into overtime where the Nuggets won somewhat easily.

You can't tell me they have the gambling thing under control and then see a game called like this...  Very obvious case of refs deciding the winner.  You can't convince me this wasn't dirty.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/insight/nba-report-three-incorrect-calls-favored-nuggets-in-ot-win/gm-39EFF45A1D

The NBA announced a $25,000 fine on the Rockets coach for complaining about the officiating of this game. I think he was justified, especially given the admission that he was right.

[ajanwalker]

New Orleans is starting to show signs of recovery. Three wins in their last three games.
Before this, I didn't pay much attention to their wins against Chicago and Portland, but last night they also beat Houston in overtime at home, 133-128.
This shows that New Orleans is starting to find its form.
Their next two games are also at home, the first against Indiana and the other against Dallas.
I think New Orleans will win both of these games.
If they do, they will have a five-game winning streak.
In this game, New Orleans coming back from a 22-point deficit to win was very significant.

[Dave1]

New Orleans is starting to show signs of recovery. Three wins in their last three games.
Before this, I didn't pay much attention to their wins against Chicago and Portland, but last night they also beat Houston in overtime at home, 133-128.
This shows that New Orleans is starting to find its form.
Their next two games are also at home, the first against Indiana and the other against Dallas.
I think New Orleans will win both of these games.
If they do, they will have a five-game winning streak.
In this game, New Orleans coming back from a 22-point deficit to win was very significant.

Not to burst the bubble for you, but there were teams that goes hot in the beginning, but then lost it's luster later. Like the Bulls or even Portland who handed the first defeat of OKC. So that could be the case for New Orleans here, maybe they just found the groove against the Rockets in overtime.

Unless they go on a 10 game winning streak and not just 2 or 3 or 4. Then maybe fans going to start to notice them. But they are still in the bottom of the standing in the West, so nothing particular with that 3 game winning streak of them.

[yenerbatmaz]

New Orleans is starting to show signs of recovery. Three wins in their last three games.
Before this, I didn't pay much attention to their wins against Chicago and Portland, but last night they also beat Houston in overtime at home, 133-128.
This shows that New Orleans is starting to find its form.
Their next two games are also at home, the first against Indiana and the other against Dallas.
I think New Orleans will win both of these games.
If they do, they will have a five-game winning streak.
In this game, New Orleans coming back from a 22-point deficit to win was very significant.

Not to burst the bubble for you, but there were teams that goes hot in the beginning, but then lost it's luster later. Like the Bulls or even Portland who handed the first defeat of OKC. So that could be the case for New Orleans here, maybe they just found the groove against the Rockets in overtime.

Unless they go on a 10 game winning streak and not just 2 or 3 or 4. Then maybe fans going to start to notice them. But they are still in the bottom of the standing in the West, so nothing particular with that 3 game winning streak of them.

I agree with you, my friend. They've only won three games so far, but their comeback victory against Houston is remarkable. If the players maintain the same level of concentration they showed in this game, they'll climb out of the bottom.
For a good run, they need to win at least 7-8 games in a row to get the team going and find their rhythm.
There's nothing particularly remarkable about New Orleans right now.

[Stavri]

New Orleans is starting to show signs of recovery. Three wins in their last three games.
Before this, I didn't pay much attention to their wins against Chicago and Portland, but last night they also beat Houston in overtime at home, 133-128.
This shows that New Orleans is starting to find its form.
Their next two games are also at home, the first against Indiana and the other against Dallas.
I think New Orleans will win both of these games.
If they do, they will have a five-game winning streak.
In this game, New Orleans coming back from a 22-point deficit to win was very significant.

Rockets lost in overtime to the team at the bottom of the league. Im quite upset about their performance tbh. They lost in a match where they had built a 25 point lead during the game. Just before overtime Alperen missed two crucial free throws. At the end of overtime Reed was given two consecutive wide open 3 points free shots and missed them. I think it was in the third quarter when Durant, Amen, and Jabari piled up back to back turnovers, practically handing the opponents hope and momentum for a comeback.

[Oasisman]

New Orleans is starting to show signs of recovery. Three wins in their last three games.
Before this, I didn't pay much attention to their wins against Chicago and Portland, but last night they also beat Houston in overtime at home, 133-128.
This shows that New Orleans is starting to find its form.
Their next two games are also at home, the first against Indiana and the other against Dallas.
I think New Orleans will win both of these games.
If they do, they will have a five-game winning streak.
In this game, New Orleans coming back from a 22-point deficit to win was very significant.

Not to burst the bubble for you, but there were teams that goes hot in the beginning, but then lost it's luster later. Like the Bulls or even Portland who handed the first defeat of OKC. So that could be the case for New Orleans here, maybe they just found the groove against the Rockets in overtime.

Unless they go on a 10 game winning streak and not just 2 or 3 or 4. Then maybe fans going to start to notice them. But they are still in the bottom of the standing in the West, so nothing particular with that 3 game winning streak of them.

To be fair with the Pelicans, that 3-game winning streak could be the start of their rhythm. Looking at those games, they seem to have found some 4th-quarter spirit, outscoring their opponents by double digits. They even outscored the Rockets in the 4th quarter to send the game to OT and win it. To a team that is way below .500, that's already considered a significant potential improvement. A 10-game winning streak is most likely for the teams above the bracket.
I wouldn't invalidate their wins as well because you thought their opponent were having an off-night. No, it should not be the excuse because they were all well rested.

[fullfitlarry]

New Orleans is starting to show signs of recovery. Three wins in their last three games.
Before this, I didn't pay much attention to their wins against Chicago and Portland, but last night they also beat Houston in overtime at home, 133-128.
This shows that New Orleans is starting to find its form.
Their next two games are also at home, the first against Indiana and the other against Dallas.
I think New Orleans will win both of these games.
If they do, they will have a five-game winning streak.
In this game, New Orleans coming back from a 22-point deficit to win was very significant.

Rockets lost in overtime to the team at the bottom of the league. Im quite upset about their performance tbh. They lost in a match where they had built a 25 point lead during the game. Just before overtime Alperen missed two crucial free throws. At the end of overtime Reed was given two consecutive wide open 3 points free shots and missed them. I think it was in the third quarter when Durant, Amen, and Jabari piled up back to back turnovers, practically handing the opponents hope and momentum for a comeback.

Maybe they literally let their guards down and very confident that they are going to win this game easily as they have build a 25 point lead. But in this league, no lead is safe and everyone can make that huge comeback. So mostly the blame should be with the Rockets teams as lately they have choke bigtime in crucial games and lost to a bottom team in their conference.

That is not something that the Rockets team should be proud of. But speaking of upset, I wonder if there were any of us who see that the New Orleans will make the big comeback. If there is one then he should be  very happy winning his bet.

[Stavri]

Rockets lost in overtime to the team at the bottom of the league. Im quite upset about their performance tbh. They lost in a match where they had built a 25 point lead during the game. Just before overtime Alperen missed two crucial free throws. At the end of overtime Reed was given two consecutive wide open 3 points free shots and missed them. I think it was in the third quarter when Durant, Amen, and Jabari piled up back to back turnovers, practically handing the opponents hope and momentum for a comeback.

Maybe they literally let their guards down and very confident that they are going to win this game easily as they have build a 25 point lead. But in this league, no lead is safe and everyone can make that huge comeback. So mostly the blame should be with the Rockets teams as lately they have choke bigtime in crucial games and lost to a bottom team in their conference.

That is not something that the Rockets team should be proud of. But speaking of upset, I wonder if there were any of us who see that the New Orleans will make the big comeback. If there is one then he should be  very happy winning his bet.

Yes i’m upset because Houston actually seemed to be on the path to becoming a winner team. Another reason for my disappointment is Kevin Durant. I can’t say he played bad but being on the court for 42 minutes and taking only 15 shots is not normal. Focusing too much on efficiency is in my opinion, a mistake. Even with a lower shooting percentage he could contribute more to the team.

[Shinpako09]

New Orleans is starting to show signs of recovery. Three wins in their last three games.
Before this, I didn't pay much attention to their wins against Chicago and Portland, but last night they also beat Houston in overtime at home, 133-128.
This shows that New Orleans is starting to find its form.
Their next two games are also at home, the first against Indiana and the other against Dallas.
I think New Orleans will win both of these games.
If they do, they will have a five-game winning streak.
In this game, New Orleans coming back from a 22-point deficit to win was very significant.

Rockets lost in overtime to the team at the bottom of the league. Im quite upset about their performance tbh. They lost in a match where they had built a 25 point lead during the game. Just before overtime Alperen missed two crucial free throws. At the end of overtime Reed was given two consecutive wide open 3 points free shots and missed them. I think it was in the third quarter when Durant, Amen, and Jabari piled up back to back turnovers, practically handing the opponents hope and momentum for a comeback.

They missed a total of 9 free throws. That’s a considerable number of missed free throws. From having a 25 point lead to losing by 5 points in OT against the 15th seed team. Maybe others thought it was an easy win for them, especially when they had a 25 point lead. That’s frustrating for those fans, and even more for those who bet on the moneyline. I’m not a hater, but I really don’t see them as a team that has a chance to beat the Thunder in a best of 7 series compared to the Lakers, Nuggets, and Spurs.

[Stavri]

Rockets lost in overtime to the team at the bottom of the league. Im quite upset about their performance tbh. They lost in a match where they had built a 25 point lead during the game. Just before overtime Alperen missed two crucial free throws. At the end of overtime Reed was given two consecutive wide open 3 points free shots and missed them. I think it was in the third quarter when Durant, Amen, and Jabari piled up back to back turnovers, practically handing the opponents hope and momentum for a comeback.

They missed a total of 9 free throws. That’s a considerable number of missed free throws. From having a 25 point lead to losing by 5 points in OT against the 15th seed team. Maybe others thought it was an easy win for them, especially when they had a 25 point lead. That’s frustrating for those fans, and even more for those who bet on the moneyline. I’m not a hater, but I really don’t see them as a team that has a chance to beat the Thunder in a best of 7 series compared to the Lakers, Nuggets, and Spurs.

How can you lose a game when you get more rebounds than your opponent, make more assists, create more scoring chances and hit more three pointers? I guess this is how you lose...
Reed Sheppard, man, your only saving grace is being able to hit threes from anywhere. In the final seconds they clearly leave you open to take the three twice and you failed.

[Spack17]

What a show by Doncic and LeBron... 45 points by Doncic and it could have been even higher than that if he didn't have 33% accuracy on 3 pointers. 

Nearly a triple-double by LeBron. He was also bad at using 3 pointers and the team look really bad at that. However it still didn't prevent a nice win. Markkanen was still out due to groin injury. Maybe Jazz could have stayed in it with him.


How did Rockets lose to Pelicans? Especially that last quarter performance was ridiculously bad.

[ultrloa]

Rockets lost in overtime to the team at the bottom of the league. Im quite upset about their performance tbh. They lost in a match where they had built a 25 point lead during the game. Just before overtime Alperen missed two crucial free throws. At the end of overtime Reed was given two consecutive wide open 3 points free shots and missed them. I think it was in the third quarter when Durant, Amen, and Jabari piled up back to back turnovers, practically handing the opponents hope and momentum for a comeback.

They missed a total of 9 free throws. That’s a considerable number of missed free throws. From having a 25 point lead to losing by 5 points in OT against the 15th seed team. Maybe others thought it was an easy win for them, especially when they had a 25 point lead. That’s frustrating for those fans, and even more for those who bet on the moneyline. I’m not a hater, but I really don’t see them as a team that has a chance to beat the Thunder in a best of 7 series compared to the Lakers, Nuggets, and Spurs.

How can you lose a game when you get more rebounds than your opponent, make more assists, create more scoring chances and hit more three pointers? I guess this is how you lose...
Reed Sheppard, man, your only saving grace is being able to hit threes from anywhere. In the final seconds they clearly leave you open to take the three twice and you failed.

They blow up badly by Pelicans and maybe they relax to much then think about that this game is sure win for their team. To bad for them Pelicans made a great comeback win and Rockets has been criticize so much for what happened on that game.

It really means that even if they are doing good they cannot downplay their opponent since any team even if they are in lower standing can upset them and this is what happens on Rockets today. Great win for Pelicans and even they are in the lowest still they manage to win against strong Rockets.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

The NBA announced a $25,000 fine on the Rockets coach for complaining about the officiating of this game. I think he was justified, especially given the admission that he was right.

NBA really is giving out fines like candy on halloween. I mean especially considering that the coach clearly had a point. NBA officials are so weak, they can't admit their own shortcomings and get protected by the league for no reason. Did we ever hear something like "sorry, we were wrong" from officials or other people in charge? Watching NBA for 30 years now and I think I never saw that. 

[dwyane36]

What a show by Doncic and LeBron... 45 points by Doncic and it could have been even higher than that if he didn't have 33% accuracy on 3 pointers. 

Nearly a triple-double by LeBron. He was also bad at using 3 pointers and the team look really bad at that. However it still didn't prevent a nice win. Markkanen was still out due to groin injury. Maybe Jazz could have stayed in it with him.

Earlier in the regular season, LeBron showed poor results after returning from injury, but now it appears that he is gradually regaining his former rhythm, and his statistics are improving.
Personally, I expect the Lakers will go deep into the playoffs, especially if all the players in the starting lineup are healthy.

[Webetcoins]

The NBA Cup is just a tournament that motivates teams financially and emotionally early in the season. It doesn't carry much weight honestly.

Yes, I mostly agree on you. the NBA Cup doesnt carry real historical or championship weight, and no one will judge a season by whether they won it. But it’s not meaningless either. It’s a snapshot of readiness, how serious a team is, how well pieces fit, and whether they can execute in high leverage games.

NBA Cup won’t win them a ring, but it can expose whether a team is capable of chasing one. For the Knicks, thats the part that matters.

Los Angeles won the first one, and that year the NBA title went to Boston if I am not wrong, while Lakers were nowhere to be found. Last year Bucks won it over OKC, and we all know how the season ended for them. And this year New York Knicks won it and I can see the pattern already and it looks like it is not really "NBA cup winners have a chance at NBA finals" because it never happens. Basically big teams that may win the league do not really care about this because they may win the league as a whole.