Lillard, who requested a trade to the Heat during the 2023 offseason before eventually being traded to the Bucks, was sensational. Lillard led the way for the Bucks, finishing with 37 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field,

In terms of the NBA Cup outlook after the Heat lost to the Bucks, they are technically not out of the race for a spot in the knockout round, but they need a plethora of steps to happen their way. They are third in East Group B behind the Bucks and the Detroit Pistons and are far out of the wild card spot.

Phoenix stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal returned from calf strains to spark the Suns over the defending NBA Cup champion Los Angeles Lakers 127-100. Devin Booker had 26 points and 10 assists to lead the Suns while Beal and Durant each added 23 points.