The Spurs have to admit defeat to a heated rival on the way to the knockout round in the NBA Cup

The San Antonio Spurs are just one win away from advancing to the knockout rounds of the Emirates NBA Cup and they have their rivals, the Oklahoma City Thunder, to thank for that. When OKC handed the Lakers a loss on Friday night, it paved the way for the Spurs to take their fate in Group B into their own hands.

All they need is a win against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday to secure their place in the next phase of the tournament.

Many fans were skeptical when the NBA introduced the in-season tournament last year. But as we head into the final week of group play in Season 2, it’s clear the players have embraced the competition. This intensity is what made the NBA Cup such a success. The games are fast-paced, physically demanding and full of playoff drama.

For years, the league has struggled with the impression that there is a lack of excitement in the regular season, especially in the first few months. With the NFL dominating the sports landscape, the NBA needed something to engage fans sooner. The NBA Cup has become a solution. The stakes are higher, the atmosphere is electric and players genuinely care about the outcome, leading to more intense action.

For Spurs fans, the stakes are even more personal. San Antonio has shown flashes this season, but advancing to the knockout rounds would be more than a milestone – it would be a statement. It’s been a long road back to prominence for the Spurs, and a strong showing in the NBA Cup could signal their return to prominence.

The path was not easy. Spurs’ only cup defeat came at the hands of the Lakers in a hard-fought cup opener. They’ve since rebounded with impressive wins over Oklahoma City and Utah and locked themselves in a three-way battle with Phoenix and OKC for first place in Group B. The tiebreakers are razor-thin, but the math is simple: Beat the Suns and they’re in.

Spurs Nation will be sitting in front of their screens on Tuesday night hoping the team is up to the challenge. A win over Phoenix wouldn’t just mean a place in the knockout rounds – it would also be proof that this young team is maturing in the glow of meaningful games.

The Silver and Black could even win the entire tournament, which would be a fitting way to announce their resurgence. Winning the NBA Cup could be the first step in showing the league that the San Antonio Spurs are back, and the rest of the NBA will have to take note.