KNICKS, BUCKS AND MAGIC PROGRESS

They reach NBA Cup quarter-finals but pre-tournament favourites Celtics miss out

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LOS ANGELES - The New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks advanced to the knockout phase of the NBA Cup with emphatic victories on Dec 3, with the Knicks hammering Orlando 121-106 in a blowout that still allowed the Magic to grab a quarter-final berth.

At Madison Square Garden, New York dominated in the battle to finish unbeaten and win East Group A, overpowering a Magic team who came in with the third-rated defense in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau hailed a team effort for the victory. "I loved how unselfish we were," he said. "And I thought we made great reads.

When we got to the paint, just making the extra pass and then creating the right space... When you do that, everyone finds rhythm, you're finding good shots, you're creating good shots for each other. That's everyone working together, and I think that's important."

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, Jalen Brunson added 21 points and Mikal Bridges scored 19 for the Knicks. O.G. Anunoby and Miles McBride scored 18 apiece, while Josh Hart had a triple-double of 11 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.