Elsewhere, Anthony Black turned in a career-defining performance that spearheaded a 41-point Orlando Magic drubbing of the Philadelphia 76ers to preserve their flawless NBA Cup record.
Anthony Black, CJ McCollum, and Luka Doncic each delivered standout scoring performances, leading their teams to vital wins in a midweek three-game stretch of NBA Cup action. | Photo: Magic, Pelicans, Lakers
The LA Lakers are the latest team to secure a spot in the NBA Cup knockout rounds after taking down the Clippers in the latest “Battle of L.A.”
Elsewhese, the Washington Wizards notched their first-ever win in the in-season tournament, snapping a 14-game losing streak in the process.
LAKERS PUNCH NBA CUP KO ROUND TICKET; WIZARDS END SLUMP
LA Lakers (13-4) def. LA Clippers (5-13), 135-118: Behind another Luka Doncic masterpiece, the surging Lakers are through to the NBA Cup KO rounds after pulling away late to topple the Clippers.
Doncic went off with 43 points — his second 40-piece in the last four games — on top of 13 assists, nine rebounds and seven threes in LA’s fifth successive win overall.
[ALSO READ: Luka Doncic drops 43 points against Clippers, leads Lakers to NBA Cup KO round]
Washington Wizards (2-15) def. Atlanta Hawks (11-8), 132-113: CJ McCollum erupted for a season-high 46 points and 10 threes, lifting the Wizard past the Hawks to snap a 14-game losing skid in East Group A play.
It marked McCollum’s 16th career 40-point game as Washington claimed the franchise’s first-ever NBA Cup win after losing its first 10 games in the tournament.
Orlando Magic (11-8) def. Philadelphia 76ers (9-8), 144-103: Anthony Black turned in a career night, pouring in 31 points as the Magic crushed the Sixers.
Black’s 27-point outburst in the first half ignited Orlando’s dominance, helping the team remain perfect in East Group B at 3–0.
[ALSO READ: Anthony Black’s career game help Magic destroy Sixers to stay unbeaten in NBA Cup play]
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.