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Knicks, Magic Reach NBA Cup Semifinals in Las Vegas After Brunson, Bane Shine

New York faces Orlando in Saturday’s Las Vegas semifinal under the Cup’s one-and-done format with sizable per‑player payouts.

Overview

  • Jalen Brunson scored 35 points to lead the Knicks past the Raptors 117-101, securing a semifinal berth.
  • Desmond Bane poured in 37 points on 6-of-9 from three as the Magic beat the Heat 117-108 to stay unbeaten in Cup play.
  • Toronto was without RJ Barrett (knee) and Immanuel Quickley (illness), while Orlando continued to miss leading scorer Franz Wagner (ankle).
  • The Lakers prepare for Wednesday’s West quarterfinal against the Spurs, with Marcus Smart cleared to practice and planning to try to play as Victor Wembanyama remains out with a calf strain.
  • Shams Charania reported Bucks players sense tension around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future, and a Lakers-focused columnist speculated the team should pursue a 3-and-D wing for Luka Dončić before the Feb. 5 deadline.