In a thrilling showdown, the New York Knicks triumphed over the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 124-113, clinching the NBA Cup in Las Vegas. This victory marks the Knicks' first trophy since 1973, a significant milestone for the franchise.
OG Anunoby was a standout performer, hitting five three-pointers and accumulating 28 points. His impressive shooting helped spark a fourth-quarter rally that secured the win for New York. Adding to the excitement, Jalen Brunson, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), contributed 25 points and eight assists, demonstrating his pivotal role in the team’s success. The Knicks are now on an impressive six-game winning streak and have claimed victory in 10 of their last 11 matches, although it's important to note that this tournament final does not affect their regular-season statistics or standings.
Despite facing some challenges, Karl-Anthony Towns managed to score 16 points and grab 11 rebounds for the Knicks, even after sitting out for over 12 minutes due to a left calf injury. Jordan Clarkson also made an impact off the bench, scoring 15 points, while Mitchell Robinson stood out defensively with 15 rebounds.
On the Spurs' side, Victor Wembanyama, limited to 25 minutes in his second game back after a calf injury sidelined him for 12 games, scored 18 points from the bench. Dylan Harper led the Spurs with 21 points, but the team struggled in the fourth quarter, making just 5 of 19 field goals, resulting in a 35-19 deficit during that crucial period.
De’Aaron Fox added 16 points and nine assists, while Stephon Castle contributed 15 points and 12 assists, and Luke Kornet chipped in with 14 points for San Antonio.
In terms of shooting performance, the Knicks achieved a field goal percentage of 46.7%, including 37.5% from three-point range with 15 successful attempts out of 40. The Spurs, meanwhile, recorded a shooting percentage of 41.4%, converting 14 of their 39 three-point attempts at a rate of 35.9%.
The Knicks set the tone early by scoring the first eight points of the game, and they continued to push ahead by dominating the start of the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of the first 12 points to overturn a five-point deficit and take a 100-95 lead. Anunoby and Clarkson were key figures during this run, hitting crucial three-pointers.
As the clock wound down, Towns re-entered the game with 4:49 remaining, coinciding with Wembanyama's return, both teams battling fiercely as the Knicks held a slim lead. Just moments later, Josh Hart hit a pivotal three-pointer, extending New York's lead to 115-107. After Harper responded with a three for the Spurs, Anunoby quickly countered, sinking another three-pointer from the corner that pushed the Knicks’ lead to eight with just 1:56 left on the clock.
Tyler Kolek capped off the Knicks' resurgence with four consecutive points, sealing the deal for New York as they stretched their advantage to 12 points before the final buzzer.
Earlier in the game, Fox had given the Spurs a brief lead at halftime with a jumper that brought the score to 61-59. Devin Vassell was instrumental for San Antonio in the first two quarters, leading the team with 12 points in the first half. Meanwhile, Anunoby and Brunson combined for 35 points, keeping the Knicks competitive.
Wembanyama also found his rhythm, pouring in 12 points during the third quarter, helping the Spurs build a lead of up to 11 points. However, they entered the final quarter leading only 94-89, a narrow margin that ultimately slipped away as the Knicks surged to victory.
