Four teams are dominating the 2025 NBA Cup group stage with perfect records. The Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves are all 2-0 as group play winds down through Nov. 28. These squads are in prime position to advance to the knockout rounds starting Dec. 9 in Las Vegas.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Toronto Raptors lead East Group A at 2-0 with +23 point differential.
- Milwaukee Bucks top East Group C undefeated.
- Los Angeles Lakers control West Group B with 2-0 record and +19 point differential.
- Minnesota Timberwolves dominate West Group A with 2-0 record and +54 point differential.
- Finals scheduled for Dec. 16 in Las Vegas.
Raptors Lead East With Strong Defense
Toronto’s defensive efficiency is their secret weapon in the NBA Cup. The Raptors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks to vault to the top of their group.
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Their 121-112 road victory over the Philadelphia 76ers showcased their grit. The team outscored the 76ers in the third quarter to pull away. Toronto’s 2-0 start already has them positioned to clinch the group. A win on Nov. 21 against the Washington Wizards could seal their advancement before group play ends.
Bucks, Lakers Dominating West Coast
The Lakers and Timberwolves are putting on a show in the Western Conference. Los Angeles sits atop West Group B with 2-0 and a +19 point margin. They beat the Grizzlies and Pelicans convincingly.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is absolutely crushing it in West Group A. The Timberwolves hold a massive +54 point differential—the league’s best. Both of their wins came at home. They’re set for a showdown against the undefeated Phoenix Suns on Nov. 21. This clash of 2-0 teams will be huge for seeding purposes.
Point Differentials Tell the Story
Minnesota’s 54-point differential is astronomical. It shows pure dominance. Toronto’s 23-point advantage is solid. The Lakers sit at +19. These numbers suggest these teams are built for playoff success.
Undefeated Records by Group
| Team | Record | Point Differential | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Raptors | 2-0 | +23 | East Group A |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 2-0 | TBA | East Group C |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 2-0 | +19 | West Group B |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 2-0 | +54 | West Group A |
What’s Next for the Contenders?
Group play continues through Nov. 28 with critical matchups upcoming. The Timberwolves vs. Suns clash on Nov. 21 will determine West Group A positioning. The Raptors face the Wizards on Nov. 21 hoping to clinch.
After group play ends, the tournament gets serious. Knockout rounds kick off Dec. 9-10 with quarterfinals. The semifinal matchups happen Dec. 13 in Las Vegas. The championship game wraps up the tournament on Dec. 16 to crown a champion.
- Quarterfinals: Dec. 9-10 across the league
- Semifinals: Dec. 13 in Las Vegas
- Championship: Dec. 16 in Las Vegas
- Prize pool: $500,000 per player on winning team
Can These Undefeated Teams Stay Hot?
History shows that hot starts don’t always translate to tournament success. But these four squads look genuinely special. The Timberwolves’ +54 differential is elite-level dominance. Toronto’s defensive approach is sustainable. The Lakers and Bucks are proven contenders with championship DNA.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, defending NBA Cup champs, are also favorites at +500 odds despite being 1-0 so far. They’re rising as a dark horse threat. The Cavaliers remain dangerous at +650 despite starting 1-1.
One week of group play remains. The undefeated four will face stiffer competition soon. Can they keep their perfect records? The knockout stage will tell. Check back as we head toward the Dec. 9 quarterfinals.
Sources
- USA TODAY – NBA Cup bracket, standings, and schedule updates
- ESPN – 2025-26 NBA Cup standings and projections
- CBS Sports – Timberwolves and Suns undefeated matchup coverage
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.