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The New York Knicks completed a memorable comeback on Tuesday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124–113 to secure the NBA Cup title.
With the win, the Knicks added a new banner to the rafters at Madison Square Garden, symbolically joining their historic 1973 NBA championship achievement.
Strong Performances Lead Knicks To NBA Cup Victory
The Knicks were powered by a balanced offensive effort. OG Anunoby led all scorers with 28 points, while Jalen Brunson added 25 points, earning him the honor of NBA Cup MVP.
New York’s championship pedigree was on full display, with Brunson joined by teammates Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, all of whom previously celebrated titles together during their Villanova college careers. Their experience played a key role in closing out the high-pressure final.
Karl-Anthony Towns Fights Through Injury
Despite dealing with a calf issue, Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds.
He briefly left the game late in the first half and again midway through the third quarter before returning late in the fourth. His resilience helped steady the Knicks during critical moments.
Knicks Dominate The Paint And The Glass
New York controlled the interior throughout the contest, outrebounding the Spurs 59–42. Mitchell Robinson was a force on the boards, grabbing 15 rebounds, including 10 offensive rebounds.
That dominance translated into a 56–44 advantage in points in the paint, giving the Knicks consistent second-chance opportunities and wearing down San Antonio’s defense.
Spurs Show Promise Despite Loss
The San Antonio Spurs were competitive for much of the game. Dylan Harper paced the Spurs with 21 points, while Victor Wembanyama finished with 18 points and De’Aaron Fox added 16.
San Antonio held the lead for large stretches before New York surged ahead with a decisive 13–1 run late in the third quarter, taking a 100–95 lead they would not relinquish.
Financial Rewards And Standings Impact
Beyond the trophy, the victory came with a significant financial bonus. Each Knicks player on a standard contract earned an additional $318,560, bringing their total payout to $530,933 for reaching and winning the final.
Since NBA Cup games do not affect regular-season standings, both teams remain 18–7, sitting atop their respective divisions.
NBA Cup Finalists Often Find Postseason Success
Reaching the final has historically been a strong indicator of playoff success. Previous finalists — the Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Milwaukee Bucks — all qualified for the postseason.
Notably, the Pacers reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2024, while the Thunder captured the NBA championship last season, reinforcing the NBA Cup’s growing importance.
The New York Knicks’ NBA Cup triumph highlights their depth, experience, and growing belief that they can contend in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
With Jalen Brunson’s MVP leadership, dominant interior play, and championship-tested contributors, New York’s success in the NBA Cup may be a preview of a deeper postseason run ahead.
FAQs
Who won the NBA Cup final?
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 124–113 to win the NBA Cup.
Who was named NBA Cup MVP?
Jalen Brunson earned NBA Cup MVP honors after scoring 25 points in the final.
Does the NBA Cup affect regular-season standings?
No, NBA Cup games do not count toward regular-season standings.