The Knicks claimed the Emirates NBA Cup after a high-scoring championship performance, pulling away in the second half to beat the Spurs 124-113 and secure New York’s first NBA trophy since the competition’s inception as a midseason tournament. The victory capped a Las Vegas knockout weekend that featured two semifinal upsets and individual breakout efforts from New York’s stars.[1]

Game overview

New York built a lead through balanced scoring and strong second-half defense, while San Antonio stayed competitive behind multiple 20-point efforts but couldn’t overcome the Knicks’ depth down the stretch. The final score was 124-113 in favor of the Knicks, who were efficient offensively and made enough defensive plays late to preserve their margin.[1][4]

Takeaway 1 — Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns powered New York’s offense

Jalen Brunson continued his elite stretch in the Cup tournament, following a semifinal where he poured in 40 points, and delivered a leadership performance in the championship game that anchored the Knicks’ attack.[1] Karl-Anthony Towns provided inside scoring and efficiency, dominating the paint with high-percentage looks that complemented Brunson’s perimeter creation.[1]

Takeaway 2 — Depth and role players made the difference

Beyond the stars, the Knicks’ supporting cast supplied timely shots and defensive stops that swung momentum in the second half. New York’s bench scoring and ability to sustain offensive pressure forced the Spurs into tougher possessions and helped the Knicks pull away after halftime.[1][4]

Takeaway 3 — Victor Wembanyama and Spurs’ balanced attack fell short

San Antonio got contributions from Victor Wembanyama and several scorers who reached the 20-point mark in prior games, but in the final they couldn’t match New York’s second-half surge. Wembanyama’s return from a calf injury earlier in the knockout round had helped the Spurs reach the final, but the Knicks’ combination of interior defense and perimeter scoring limited San Antonio’s ability to mount a comeback.[1]

Takeaway 4 — Knicks’ tournament momentum and coaching execution

New York entered the championship with momentum from a semifinal victory over the Orlando Magic and displayed effective in-game adjustments and late-game execution that reflected the coaching staff’s game plan. The Knicks’ ability to close out possessions and convert on offense in the fourth quarter proved decisive in securing the Cup.[1]

What this means for the season

Winning the Emirates NBA Cup gives the Knicks a midseason trophy and a boost in confidence as they resume the regular-season slate; it also highlights the team’s championship-caliber depth and star play that could be pivotal down the stretch of the 2025–26 season.[3]

Notable stats and moments

• Final score: Knicks 124, Spurs 113 — New York sealed the win with a dominant second-half performance and timely defensive stops.[1][4]
• Brunson’s recent scoring explosion — he scored 40 in the semifinal and continued to be the Knicks’ primary offensive catalyst in Vegas.[1]
• Spurs’ preseason-to-midseason narrative — San Antonio reached the final after a semifinal win that included contributions from Victor Wembanyama returning from injury, underscoring the team’s depth despite the loss in the title game.[1]

Quotes

Knicks head coach Mike Brown lauded his team’s leaders and their late-game demeanor, calling the team’s performance “what winning teams do” in tight moments (paraphrased from postgame remarks praising Brunson’s leadership in the tournament).[1]

Looking ahead

New York will carry the momentum of the Emirates NBA Cup into the regular season schedule, while San Antonio will look to build on the experience of a deep tournament run and Wembanyama’s return from injury as it aims to translate that progress into sustained regular-season success.[1][3]