NBA Cup: Indiana knocks Boston out, New Orleans good.

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NBA Cup è a first; eight franchises competing

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The Final Four of the NBA Cup, the new mini-tournament devised by the NBA to make the season even more sparkling, will be played in Las Vegas. The first two games, valid for the quarterfinals of the event, were staged on the night. Of course, immediately great show and even a surprise result.

Indiana’s surprise blowout, which eliminated Boston (122-112 the final) among its home walls. Despite excellent performances by Tatum (32 points, including 13 scored in the last quarter) and Brown (30 points), the Celtics failed to knock off the Pacers, dragged by Haliburton, author of 26 points (19 in a sumptuous second half). The Indiana star also added 13 assists and 10 rebounds. "In the first quarter I was dead…. Nice to win, especially a game where nobody expected us to win", the words of Haliburton himself reported by ESPN.

Also flying to the Final Four in Las Vegas of the NBA Cup are the Pelicans who got rid of the Kings (127-117 the final). Williamson did not shine (10 points) and, then, it was Ingram who made the difference in an Indiana jersey. For the former LA Lakers there were 30 points, eight rebounds and also six assists.