For the first time in franchise history, the San Antonio Spurs made it to the knockout stage of the NBA Cup, where they will meet the Los Angeles Lakers.
After struggling in group play in the first two years of the NBA Cup, the San Antonio Spurs have finally made it to the knockout stage. On Wednesday, they will take on the Los Angeles Lakers, with the winner advancing to the semifinals to play either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Phoenix Suns.
Some veteran teams downplay the Cup, saying it's "just another game," but the Spurs haven't been in a position to play meaningful basketball since 2019, so this is a nice change of pace for the historically successful franchise.
The Spurs lost a thriller earlier in the season to the Lakers, and will be looking to get a lick back. The Spurs enjoyed double-digit outings from seven players in that game, although they weren't at full strength.
"I didn't get to play in L.A. the first time," explained Dylan Harper. "So, I mean, going to play in L.A. is fun. But just excited to go out there and try to go win it all."
Of course, the Spurs will most likely be without Victor Wembanyama, although everyone on the roster is expected to bring their A-game.
"Big stakes game in L.A., it don't get no better than that, so it should be fun," added Stephon Castle, who scored 16 points earlier in the year in Los Angeles.
The Lakers, meanwhile, were led by 35 points from Luka Doncic. LeBron James didn't suit up in that game, although he's been back in action after missing the first part of the season.
The Spurs know they proved a lot, winning their group, and want to take the next step.
"Whether people want to try and downplay it or not, we were in the toughest group," explained Devin Vassell after he clinched a win over the Denver Nuggets, allowing the Spurs to advance. "We haven't played in a big game like that yet."
No one on the Spurs' roster has made the playoffs with the Silver and Black, so they are looking to build a winning identity before the postseason starts.
"I think it shows some maturity," added Julian Champagnie. "Obviously, we're still a young group, still figuring our way out."
The Lakers won the inaugural Cup in 2023, and a lot of their current roster was on that team, so this experience isn't new to them like it is to the Spurs.
The marquee matchup will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video as a part of the league's new media rights deal.