Streaks Defined Wednesday: Thunder Roll On, Celtics Snap Pistons' Historic Run

Read Time:2 Minute, 55 Second

NBA action on Wednesday, November 26, was dominated by two titanic clashes that determined the fate of two major winning streaks and significantly reshaped the standings in the inaugural NBA Cup tournament.

Oklahoma City Thunder 113, Minnesota Timberwolves 105

The marquee matchup saw the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder (18-1) extend their winning streak to 10 consecutive games by defeating the rival Minnesota Timberwolves (10-8) in a physical showdown.

SGA Dominance: Despite being listed as questionable due to illness, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a heroic performance, erupting for 40 points, alongside six rebounds and six assists. He was clutch down the stretch, scoring or assisting on key plays to keep the Timberwolves at bay.
The Difference: The Thunder became only the fifth team in NBA history to start a season 18-1 or better, largely thanks to a key sequence in the final minute. After Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards (31 points) hit a contested three-pointer to cut the lead to one, Thunder big man Chet Holmgren immediately answered with a corner three, securing the victory.
NBA Cup Impact: The win improves the Thunder to 4-0 in West Group A, putting them in prime position to advance to the knockout round of the NBA Cup.

Boston Celtics 117, Detroit Pistons 114

In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics (10-8) played the role of streak-snappers, holding on to defeat the Detroit Pistons (15-3) and ending the Pistons’ run of 13 consecutive victories—a streak that tied a franchise record set by their championship teams in 1989-90 and 2003-04.

Cunningham’s Heroics Fall Short: Pistons star Cade Cunningham delivered a game-high 42 points in a stellar effort. With the Pistons down by three in the final seconds, Cunningham was fouled while attempting a game-tying three-pointer. He made the first two free throws but heartbreakingly missed the third, allowing the Celtics to retain a one-point lead.
Celtics Take Control: Jaylen Brown led the way for Boston with 33 points and 10 rebounds. Crucially, Derrick White scored 11 of his 27 points in the final 4:30 of the game, helping the Celtics close out the tight contest.
NBA Cup Impact: The loss kept the Pistons from setting a new franchise record and left the Orlando Magic alone atop East Group B at 3-0, with Detroit needing an Orlando loss in their final group game to maintain a chance at advancing.

Other Key Results

The rest of the night’s action featured more intense NBA Cup group play:

New York Knicks 129, Charlotte Hornets 101: Jalen Brunson scored 33 points as the Knicks routed the Hornets, improving to 3-1 in NBA Cup play and giving a huge boost to their point differential. The loss was the Hornets’ seventh straight.
Phoenix Suns 112, Sacramento Kings 100: The Suns secured a dominant road victory, led by Mark Williams‘s 21 points and season-high 17 rebounds. The win sets up a pivotal Friday night showdown between the Suns (3-0 in Cup play) and the Thunder (4-0 in Cup play) for the West Group A title.
Toronto Raptors 97, Indiana Pacers 95: The Raptors extended their winning streak to nine games behind Brandon Ingram’s 26 points and a clutch jumper with 0.6 seconds remaining, securing the East Group A title.
Memphis Grizzlies 133, New Orleans Pelicans 128 (OT): Memphis pulled out a tight overtime victory, contributing to the elimination of the Timberwolves from NBA Cup contention.