After one of the greatest seasons ever, the Oklahoma City Thunder hope to cross off another goal from their bucket list. The 2025 NBA Cup has started with its group play. The reigning NBA champion fell just short of winning the in-season tournament last year when they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the finals.
The Thunder are off to a strong start if they want to avenge that. They collected a 132-101 win over the Sacramento Kings on Friday. It was the first of four group games. They’re in the West Group A, along with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had another 30 points in three quarters. He sat out the fourth frame for the fourth time in the last five games. Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein had a career night with a 31-point and 19-rebound double-double.
There are six groups of five teams throughout the NBA. Three for each conference. Each team will play each other in their group round-robin style from Oct. 31 to Nov. 28.
After the group stage standings are finalized, the six group winners and two wildcard teams. The 2025 NBA Cup semifinals and championship will be played in Las Vegas from Dec. 13-16. A financial bonus for the entire roster is on the line.
Here’s a look at the 2025 NBA Cup standings for West’s Group A one week into the tournament:
Nov. 8 West Group A standings1. Minnesota Timberwolves — 1-0 (Plus-40 point differential)2. Oklahoma City Thunder — 1-0 (Plus-31 point differential)3. Phoenix Suns — 1-0 (Plus-22 point differential)4. Sacramento Kings — 0-1 (Minus-31 point differential)5. Utah Jazz — 0-2 (Minus-62 point differential)Remaining NBA Cup West Group A scheduleThunder: Nov. 21 at Jazz; Nov. 26 vs. Timberwolves; Nov. 28 vs. SunsTimberwolves: Nov. 14 vs. Kings; Nov. 21 at Suns; Nov. 26 at ThunderSuns: Nov. 21 vs Timberwolves; Nov. 26 at Kings; Nov. 28 at ThunderKings: Nov. 14 at Timberwolves; Nov. 26 vs. Suns; Nov. 28 at JazzJazz: Nov. 21 vs. Thunder; Nov. 28 vs. KingsOther NBA Cup West Groups
Here’s a look at the other two West five-team groups: