LeBron Clutch, Curry’s Historic Rally & Rockets’ First Loss: NBA Cup Night Delivers Drama

The 2026 NBA Cup group stage tipped off with a bang Friday night, delivering thrills, comebacks, and early group-stage statements.

All eyes were on the Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets, and Golden State Warriors as the in-season tournament opened across the league. Here’s a full review of their key NBA Cup games played last night.

76ers Edge Knicks in Tense NBA Cup Opener

Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 98-93 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in a rematch of their season-opening clash. Tyrese Maxey poured in a team-high 27 points, while Anfernee Simons stepped up with 21 points off the bench in an expanded role after Jaylen Brown sat with a knee injury.

LeBron James delivered the decisive moments, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. His key putback with under 12 seconds left sealed the win after VJ Edgecombe’s clutch three-pointer had extended the lead. The Sixers improved to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in East Group B, while the defending NBA and NBA Cup champion Knicks dropped to 2-4.

This hard-fought victory highlighted Philadelphia’s depth and resilience early in the Emirates NBA Cup. Maxey’s scoring punch and LeBron’s playmaking proved too much for a Knicks side that fought back but couldn’t close the gap in the final minutes. The 76ers now sit tied atop their group with the Miami Heat after the first night of action.

Warriors Stage Historic Comeback Over Lakers

Golden State Warriors erased a 25-point deficit to stun the Los Angeles Lakers 112-95 at Chase Center. Stephen Curry led the charge with 31 points, including eight three-pointers on 14 attempts, sparking a second-quarter explosion that tied the game by halftime.

The Warriors became the first team in the shot-clock era to trail by 23 or more after the first quarter and still force a tie by the break before pulling away late. Brandin Podziemski added 21 points and six assists, while the bench contributed heavily. Luka Don?i? scored 37 for the Lakers, but the visitors faded after their hot start.

Golden State improved to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in West Group C with a +17 point differential. The win exacted a measure of revenge and announced the Warriors as serious contenders in the 2026 NBA Cup. Curry’s shooting masterclass and the team’s defensive lockdown in the second half turned a potential blowout into a statement victory.

Rockets Suffer First Defeat Against Mavericks

Houston Rockets fell 116-111 to the Dallas Mavericks, snapping their perfect start and handing them their first loss of the season (now 5-1). Kevin Durant scored 28 points, but missed critical free throws late. Jabari Smith Jr. added 22, while Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet each contributed solid numbers.

Kyrie Irving erupted for 35 points and Cooper Flagg added 33 as Dallas erased an 11-point second-half deficit. The Mavericks closed strong in the fourth quarter, outscoring Houston 40-27 in the final period. The Rockets remain competitive in West Group A but now trail Denver and Dallas in the early standings after the opening NBA Cup night.

Missed free throws and a late turnover proved costly for Houston in a game that stayed tight until the final minutes. The loss leaves Memphis as the league’s lone unbeaten team and puts pressure on the Rockets to bounce back quickly in group play.

Early NBA Cup Takeaways

The first night of the 2026 NBA Cup delivered high-stakes basketball with major implications for group standings. Philadelphia’s gritty win keeps them in strong position in a loaded East Group B. Golden State’s historic rally gives them early control and momentum in West Group C. Houston’s first setback is a reality check but does not eliminate them from contention.

Fans can expect more intensity as group play continues with additional Cup nights in November. These results set the tone for what could be one of the most competitive Emirates NBA Cup tournaments yet. Stay tuned for more scores, highlights, and standings updates from the 2026 NBA Cup.