****

In a thrilling NBA showdown, Steph Curry reminded everyone why he remains one of the league's most electrifying players. Facing off against the Dallas Mavericks, the Golden State Warriors managed to edge out a 120-117 victory, thanks in large part to Curry’s sensational late-game performance. Despite the Mavericks leading 114-108 with just 3:29 remaining, Curry produced a stunning 12-3 run, sealing the win and leaving Dallas star Luka Dončić unable to match the flurry of points.

Post-game, Klay Thompson shared his thoughts on what it’s like to compete against Curry during such decisive moments. Thompson candidly admitted, "It hurts to be on the other side of one of his flurries. Guy got hot at the end and made some ridiculous shots. On the other end of it, it sucks."

As excitement builds for a hopeful playoff series rematch between these Western Conference rivals, the NBA Cup has also kept fans on the edge of their seats. The second annual In-Season Tournament kicked off with unexpected outcomes and visually striking special courts. The so-called "NBA Cup contests," identified by their unique court designs, have delivered both compelling upsets and entertainment.

On the first night of group play, the Atlanta Hawks managed to secure a surprising 117-116 victory over the Boston Celtics, even without key players Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanović, and De'Andre Hunter. Jalen Johnson's triple-double performance was pivotal in their win. Meanwhile, in an intense overtime contest, the Detroit Pistons triumphed 123-121 over the Miami Heat. Tyler Herro's heroic effort to force overtime was overshadowed by a last-second error from Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who called a timeout they didn’t have left, ultimately leading to their defeat.

Other notable NBA Cup results include the Portland Trail Blazers' 122-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, with significant contributions from bench players like Robert Williams III. The Phoenix Suns, without Kevin Durant, managed a 120-112 win against the Utah Jazz, thanks to strong performances from Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The Orlando Magic dominated the Charlotte Hornets 114-89, while the Milwaukee Bucks overcame the Toronto Raptors 99-85, despite being without Damian Lillard.

These initial group play contests have only added to the buzz around what promises to be an action-packed season. With unexpected upsets and standout individual performances, the NBA Cup is proving to be an exciting addition to the basketball calendar.