Las Vegas, December 16, 2025 – The New York Knicks ended a 52-year wait for silverware with a thrilling 124-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025-26 Emirates NBA Cup final at T-Mobile Arena.

OG Anunoby starred with 28 points, including five three-pointers, while point guard Jalen Brunson added 25 points to lead a balanced offensive attack that saw seven Knicks players score in double figures.

Knicks Overcome Spurs’ Early Lead

San Antonio, boosted by French phenom Victor Wembanyama, initially took control, with Wembanyama hitting a 27-foot three-pointer late in the third quarter to extend the Spurs’ lead to 92-81.

But New York rallied in the fourth, outscoring San Antonio 35-19, fueled by clutch three-pointers from Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek, and strong performances from Karl-Anthony Towns (16 points), Jordan Clarkson (15), Tyler Kolek (14), Josh Hart (11), and Mikal Bridges (11).

Key Performances

• Mitchell Robertson contributed 15 rebounds and 2 blocks off the bench.
• Jalen Brunson was named tournament MVP, praising his teammates’ defensive and offensive contributions: “OG Anunoby, Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, Mitchell Robertson – they played their asses off tonight. Without them, we don’t win this.”

San Antonio’s scoring came from Dylan Harper (21 points) off the bench and De’Aaron Fox (16) among the starters. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged team shortcomings, citing defensive lapses and missed opportunities rather than Wembanyama’s effort.

Looking Ahead

Knicks head coach Mike Brown celebrated the victory as a stepping stone for the NBA Finals, saying:

“Any time you can participate in an event where you’re the last one standing and hang up a banner, especially at iconic MSG, you take that seriously. And all of our guys took it seriously.”

Despite the loss, the Spurs’ performance in the Cup final provides valuable experience for the team as they prepare to challenge Oklahoma City in the Western Conference.