On December 16, 2025, the New York Knicks won the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124–113 in the championship game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The victory delivered the first NBA Cup title in franchise history and capped a strong tournament run that highlighted the Knicks’ depth, physicality, and late-game execution.
New York overcame an 11-point deficit in the third quarter and seized control with a dominant fourth-quarter performance, outscoring San Antonio 35–19 over the final 12 minutes. The Knicks’ ability to impose their will on the glass proved decisive, as they consistently extended possessions through offensive rebounds and converted those opportunities into second-chance points. That physical edge gradually wore down the Spurs and shifted momentum decisively in New York’s favor.
Jalen Brunson was named NBA Cup Most Valuable Player after finishing with 25 points and eight assists. He orchestrated the offense with poise, particularly in the second half, balancing timely scoring with playmaking as the Knicks mounted their comeback. OG Anunoby led all scorers with 28 points, providing consistent production on both ends of the floor while taking on difficult defensive assignments.
Karl-Anthony Towns added 16 points and 11 rebounds, supplying a steady interior presence and key baskets during New York’s run. Mitchell Robinson made a major impact in limited minutes, grabbing 15 rebounds, 10 of them on the offensive end, giving the Knicks repeated opportunities to capitalize during critical stretches.
San Antonio controlled much of the first three quarters behind the play of Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 18 points. The Spurs built a double-digit lead by pushing the pace, sharing the ball, and scoring efficiently across the lineup. Seven Spurs reached double figures, reflecting a balanced offensive effort that allowed them to dictate much of the early flow of the game.
However, New York’s defensive pressure intensified late in the third quarter, setting the stage for the decisive fourth. The Knicks tightened their rotations, limited second chances for San Antonio, and turned rebounds into transition opportunities. The sustained energy and physicality eventually overwhelmed the Spurs, who struggled to match New York’s intensity down the stretch.
The championship win adds a meaningful milestone to the Knicks’ recent resurgence. While the NBA Cup does not carry the weight of an NBA championship, it represents tangible progress for a franchise seeking consistent relevance and postseason success. It is the Knicks’ first piece of league hardware since their 1973 NBA championship, underscoring the significance of the moment for the organization and its fan base.
As the regular season resumes, the Knicks leave Las Vegas with momentum and confidence, having demonstrated an ability to execute under pressure against a talented opponent. The performance reinforced New York’s identity as a tough, disciplined team capable of winning in high-stakes environments, and it sets a strong tone for the remainder of the season.
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