The New York Knicks are the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup Champions! For die-hard fans, this victory is more than just a game; it's a sweet taste of success after a long wait. To see our team triumph over the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 124-113, and celebrate with confetti on a national stage? Pure magic. Let's dive into the details of this thrilling win!
Played at the neutral T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the game started close, with the first quarter ending 30-28 in favor of the Knicks. The back-and-forth continued into halftime, with the Spurs leading 61-59. The Knicks faced a tough third quarter but managed to stay within striking distance, trailing by only five points. The fourth quarter was where the Knicks truly shined. Mitchell Robinson dominated the boards, Jordan Clarkson hit clutch shots, and Tyler Kolek proved his worth, pushing the lead to 12 and sealing the victory.
Jalen Brunson earned the MVP title, scoring 25 points, dishing out eight assists, and boasting a team-best +15 in 41 minutes. But here's where it gets controversial... OG Anunoby also made a strong case for MVP, leading all scorers with 28 points. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Josh Hart added 11 points and 8 rebounds.
And this is the part most people miss... The bench stepped up big time! Clarkson scored 15 points and finished +15. Kolek delivered a stellar performance with 14 points and five assists, and Robinson controlled the glass with 15 rebounds.
The Knicks shot 47% from the field and 38% from three, with 32 second-chance points. They dominated the boards 59-42 and outscored the Spurs in the paint 56-44.
The Spurs shot 41% from the field and 36% from three. Dylan Harper led with 21 points, but Victor Wembanyama scored 18 points. De’Aaron Fox added 16 points and nine assists.
First Half
Early on, the referees seemed to let the players play, with Jalen Brunson attempting to draw contact. The Knicks took an early lead, but the Spurs responded with a 9-0 run. OG Anunoby then hit a three to stop the bleeding.
Around the seven-minute mark, Wembanyama entered the game. The Knicks mounted a 9-5 run to briefly reclaim the lead. The quarter was evenly matched, with the Spurs leading 30-28 at the end.
Tyler Kolek's 29-footer cut into the Spurs' lead. Wembanyama's presence stabilized the Spurs defensively, and the Knicks missed six straight shots. The Knicks were down by seven at the five-minute mark.
Missed opportunities plagued the Knicks, but Jalen stepped up, scoring at the rim and blocking Luke Kornet. The Knicks cut their deficit to one. Jalen finished the half with 15 points. Anunoby tied the game, but Fox put San Antonio up 61-59 at the break.
The Spurs shot well, with 54% overall and 24 points in the paint, committing only three turnovers. The Knicks won the rebounding battle and sank 6-of-16 threes, but they shot only 44% overall and committed five turnovers. Anunoby led the Knicks with 20 points, while Vassell topped the Spurs with 12.
Second Half
The Spurs started the second half with a 17-9 run, taking their first double-digit lead. Towns injured his leg, which was a major concern.
With Towns out, the Knicks clipped the deficit to five. Needing help, Jordan Clarkson dropped two triples. Thanks to a layup by Brunson, New York was down only 94-89 heading into the final frame.
The Knicks seized control in the fourth quarter, with Clarkson and incredible play by Robinson and Kolek. Robinson dominated the glass. When Brunson scored four unanswered, the Knicks were up by seven with just under eight minutes to go.
Towns returned. The Knicks leaned on timely scoring and defense. Hart delivered on both ends. The Spurs tried to close the gap, but turnovers and missed shots killed their energy. When Anunoby drained another triple with just under two minutes to go, New York’s eight-point lead had all the shine of that NBA Cup trophy. With under a minute to go, the Spurs had opportunities, but Fox bricked, and Kolek added four more points and an assist to put the cherry on top.
Up Next
The Knicks head to Indiana to face the Pacers on Thursday.
What were your favorite moments from the game? Do you think Anunoby deserved the MVP? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
