Key Points
- The New York Knicks win the inaugural NBA Cup, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124–113 in Las Vegas on December 16.
- Jalen Brunson is named tournament MVP, averaging 34.8 points and shooting over 55% throughout the event.
- New York completes an undefeated run in the new in-season tournament.
- The Knicks rally from an 11‑point deficit behind Brunson, OG Anunoby, and a dominant fourth quarter.
- Brunson’s performance strengthens his standing in the early NBA MVP race.
Knicks Make History With First NBA Cup Championship
The New York Knicks have claimed the league’s first-ever NBA Cup, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124–113 in a high-energy final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The December 16 matchup capped off a flawless tournament run for New York and delivered a defining moment for a franchise seeking to reestablish itself among the NBA’s elite.
Point guard Jalen Brunson was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier floor generals.
Brunson’s Dominance Defines the Tournament
Brunson was the driving force behind New York’s success from start to finish. Across the NBA Cup, he averaged 34.8 points per game, shooting better than 55% from the field—numbers that overwhelmed opposing defenses.
According to ESPN, Brunson also contributed 5.4 assists per game, balancing scoring with playmaking. In the championship game, he added 25 points, sparking the Knicks’ comeback and setting the tone for the decisive fourth quarter.
His consistency and leadership were central to New York’s undefeated run.
A Comeback Fueled by Defense and Depth
The final itself delivered plenty of drama. San Antonio, led by rising star Victor Wembanyama, built an 11‑point lead in the second half. But the Knicks responded with a defensive surge that flipped the momentum.
New York outscored the Spurs 29–16 in the fourth quarter, executing with playoff-level precision.
- OG Anunoby delivered a standout performance with 28 points, providing crucial scoring support.
- The Knicks’ bench and defensive rotations tightened, limiting San Antonio’s rhythm down the stretch.
The closing minutes showcased a team playing with confidence, cohesion, and urgency—traits that defined their entire tournament run.
A Launchpad for the Regular Season
Winning the inaugural NBA Cup gives the Knicks a significant boost as they continue their regular-season campaign. The title reinforces the team’s early-season momentum and elevates Brunson’s profile in the league-wide MVP conversation.
For a franchise hungry for postseason success, the NBA Cup victory signals a new level of competitiveness and belief.
What Happens Next?
With the NBA Cup now secured, the Knicks shift their focus back to the regular season, where expectations have risen. Brunson’s MVP-caliber play and the team’s depth will be closely watched as New York aims to translate its in-season triumph into long-term success.
