The NBA Cup semifinals are now set after the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets emerged victorious in their respective quarterfinal matchups on Wednesday.
Atlanta secured a 108-100 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, with a strong second-half performance propelling them to victory. Hawks guard Trae Young showcased his skills with 22 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds, leading his team to a comeback win after being down at halftime.
De'Andre Hunter and Jalen Johnson also made significant contributions, scoring 24 and 21 points respectively for the Hawks. The team's impressive run in the tournament included wins over the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers in the group stage.
On the other hand, the Houston Rockets clinched a thrilling 91-90 victory against the Golden State Warriors. The game featured a back-and-forth battle, with the Rockets ultimately prevailing with a late surge led by Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun.
Sengun's stellar performance of 26 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists proved crucial in securing the win for the Rockets. The team's determination and aggressive playstyle were highlighted by Sengun, who expressed their hunger for success and their goal of winning the title.
The upcoming semifinals will see the Hawks facing off against the Bucks, while the Rockets will take on the Thunder at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday. The tournament has been filled with intense matchups and standout performances, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion in the final on Tuesday at the same venue.
