Key Takeaways:
- New York overcame San Antonio 124-113 to claim the NBA Cup in Las Vegas
- OG Anunoby scored 28 points and Jalen Brunson delivered 25 in the victory
- The Knicks out-rebounded the Spurs 59-42, dominating with 56 points in the paint
NBA Cup Triumph in Las Vegas
The New York Knicks ended a lengthy wait for silverware on Tuesday night in Las Vegas, clinching the NBA Cup with an impressive 124-113 win against the San Antonio Spurs. While the storied franchise still seeks its first NBA championship since 1973, this latest triumph offers an immediate boost and a banner to hang at Madison Square Garden.
OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 28 points, while Jalen Brunson contributed 25 in a match that saw New York rally from behind. Brunson, who was later awarded NBA Cup MVP honours, reflected: “This is great and we’re going to enjoy this. But once we leave tomorrow, we’re moving on.”
2025 CUP CHAMPS 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Zdc5unuziv
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 17, 2025
Second-Half Surge Seals Victory
Despite San Antonio leading for much of the contest, New York seized control late in the third quarter. A decisive 13-1 run propelled the Knicks into a 100-95 lead, and they never surrendered the advantage thereafter.
The Spurs were paced by Dylan Harper’s 21 points, with Victor Wembanyama providing 18 and De’Aaron Fox adding 16. Wembanyama excused himself prematurely from the post-match news conference, stating he had “just lost somebody” on Tuesday.
Among a roster brimming with collegiate title-winners – including Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges from Villanova – the Knicks capitalised on both collective experience and backcourt scoring proficiency.
Dominance in the Paint and on the Boards
New York controlled the interior throughout the evening, out-rebounding San Antonio 59-42. Mitchell Robinson stood out with 15 boards in just 18 minutes of play – 10 of those coming on the offensive glass. This relentless effort led to the Knicks posting 56 points in the paint, compared to the Spurs’ 44.
Karl-Anthony Towns exhibited resilience for the Knicks, amassing 16 points and 11 rebounds in spite of a calf injury. Towns required treatment in the first half and was limited in the second but returned late in the game to assist his team’s push.
| Team | Top Scorer | Points | Top Rebounder | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | OG Anunoby | 28 | Mitchell Robinson | 15 (10 offensive) |
| San Antonio Spurs | Dylan Harper | 21 | Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle | 7 |
Financial Reward and Statistical Impact
Each New York player on a standard contract earned an additional $318,560, raising the total earnings for reaching the final to $530,933 apiece. However, as the result does not factor into league standings, both franchises maintain a record of 18-7, topping their respective divisions.
Making the NBA Cup final appears a harbinger for future playoff berths. The previous four finalists – Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana, Oklahoma City, and Milwaukee – all featured in the postseason, with the Pacers reaching the Eastern Conference finals in 2024, and the Thunder lifting the NBA crown last season.
Next Fixtures
- Knicks: Away at Indiana on Thursday night
- Spurs: Home to Washington on Thursday night
