Opinion: Three NBA weekend upsets deserve more recognition than NBA Cup Final

Kon Knueppel (X)

The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 on Tuesday to win the 2025 NBA Cup. As you know my thoughts, I think this game is just a midseason exhibition contest that should be scrapped from the schedule. 

The biggest story in the NBA since the weekend have been the three huge upsets. One of the games just so happened to the NBA Cup semifinal, which unlike the NBA Cup Final, actually counted in the standings. Let’s take a look at the three double digit underdogs that won over the weekend.

San Antonio Spurs

On Saturday night in the second NBA Cup semifinal from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, the San Antonio Spurs handed the Oklahoma City Thunder only the second loss of the season with a 111-109 win as a 10 point underdog. Four Spurs reached double digits in points. Shooting guard Devin Vassell of Lawrenceville, Georgia had 23 points, while three Spurs had 22 points (point guard De’Aaron Fox of New Orleans, Louisiana, point guard Stephon Castle of Covington, Georgia and center Victor Wembanyama of Lae Chesnay, France).

Washington Wizards

On Sunday, as a 10 point underdog, the Washington Wizards smoked the Indiana Pacers 108-89 for only their fourth win of the season. Six Wizards reached double digits in scoring. Power forward Marvin Bagley III of Tempe, Arizona had 23 points, shooting guard CJ McCollum of Canton, Ohio had 18 points, shooting guard Tre Johnson of Dallas, Texas had 14 points, small forward Justin Champagne of Brooklyn, New York had 13 points, Canadian small forward Will Riley of Cambridge, Ontario had 12 points, and point guard Bub Carrington of Baltimore, Maryland had 11 points. Bagley III and Champagne each had a double-double as they had 14 rebounds each.

Charlotte Hornets

Also on Sunday, the Hornets upset the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 in overtime as a 12.5 point underdog. Small forward Kon Knueppel of Milwaukee, Wisconsin led the Hornets with 29 points. Small forward Brandon Miller of Antioch, Tennessee had a double-double (25 points and 13 rebounds). Sio did power forward Miles Bridges of Flint, Michigan, who had 20 points and 10 rebounds.