2025 NBA Cup: Biggest questions ahead of the quarterfinals - ESPN

What's next in the NBA in-season tournament?

The Emirates NBA Cup wrapped its group stage Friday to set up four matchups, each with a trip to Las Vegas at stake: Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks and Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference bracket; Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs in the West.

But before the tournament tips off the knockout rounds Dec. 9, our panel of NBA insiders is breaking down another year of thrilling group stage play and previewing the quarters. Which superstar stood out from the rest across the first four games? Which surprise team will extend its Cup run?

And, most importantly, do any of these teams have a chance against OKC?

Vincent Goodwill: Luka Doncic, strictly based on the two masterpieces he drew up over the past week. There was his in-town agitation of the LA Clippers, the 43-13-9 showing that had Kris Dunn so upset that it nearly sparked multiple altercations. Then, Doncic reminded the Dallas Mavericks what they traded away with a 35-11-5 performance that overshadowed Anthony Davis' return to Los Angeles. It's not Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's fault he barely breaks a sweat nowadays, but for purposes of this exercise, the Lakers have needed Doncic every night in every way during the Cup. And he has delivered.

Tim MacMahon: Doncic. This decision comes down to a couple of candidates who have earned a lot of honors in their careers: Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander. They both put up silly stats — albeit numbers that aren't unusual by their standards — for squads that rolled through group play undefeated. Doncic averaged 36.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 10.5 assists while shooting 49.4% from the floor and 45.5% on 3s.