New York Knicks Rally Past Spurs to Claim 2025 Emirates NBA Cup Championship
Las Vegas, Nevada – The New York Knicks captured their first major basketball trophy since 1973, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in a thrilling Emirates NBA Cup final on December 16, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena.[1][2]
OG Anunoby led the charge with a game-high 28 points, while tournament MVP Jalen Brunson contributed 25 points in the Knicks’ comeback victory. The win marks a significant milestone for New York, adding a banner to Madison Square Garden alongside their last NBA championship from over five decades ago.[1]
Knicks Overcome Early Deficit with Dominant Rebounding
The Spurs held the lead for much of the contest, but the Knicks flipped the script with a pivotal 13-1 run late in the third quarter, surging ahead 100-95 and never looking back.[1] New York’s interior dominance was key, outrebounding San Antonio 59-42 and holding a decisive 56-44 advantage in points in the lane. Mitchell Robinson was a force on the boards, snagging 15 rebounds, including 10 offensive ones.[1]
Karl-Anthony Towns added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Knicks despite a calf injury that sidelined him briefly in the second half. He returned late in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory.[1]
For the Spurs, Dylan Harper topped the scoring with 21 points, followed by Victor Wembanyama’s 18 and De’Aaron Fox’s 16. Despite the effort, San Antonio couldn’t match New York’s physicality in the paint.[1]
Brunson Earns MVP Honors Amid Championship Pedigree
Jalen Brunson was named the NBA Cup MVP, capping a tournament run that showcased his leadership. The Knicks’ core, including Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges – all former Villanova champions – brings a winning mentality to a roster with NBA Finals aspirations in a relatively open Eastern Conference.[1]
The victory nets each Knicks player with a standard contract a bonus of $318,560 on top of the $212,373 earned for reaching the final, totaling over $530,000 per player.[1]
Key Moments from T-Mobile Arena
Photos from the game captured the intensity: Wembanyama, wearing No. 1 for the Spurs, intently watching second-quarter action; Anunoby powering home a dunk; Josh Hart’s pre-game introduction; and fourth-quarter celebrations featuring Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek after a three-pointer, with Harper looking on.[3]
Video highlights show the Knicks pulling away in the second half, with a wild final 3:53 underscoring the drama of their championship clinch.[4][5]
Four Key Takeaways from Knicks’ Triumph
- Rebounding Mastery Seals the Deal: The Knicks’ 59-42 rebounding edge, led by Robinson’s offensive glass work, provided second-chance opportunities and paint control that overwhelmed the Spurs.[1]
- Comeback Resilience Under Pressure: Trailing for most of the game, New York’s 13-1 third-quarter surge demonstrated the ‘pressure’ experience Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized, turning the tide decisively.[1]
- Star Power Shines Bright: Anunoby’s 28 points and Brunson’s MVP performance highlighted the Knicks’ depth, even with Towns battling injury, proving this roster’s championship caliber.[1]
- Financial and Symbolic Boost: Beyond the trophy and player bonuses, the win injects momentum into a Knicks team eyeing deeper playoff runs, evoking memories of their 1973 glory.[1][2]
Looking Ahead for Knicks and Spurs
This NBA Cup victory – the third in the tournament’s brief history – positions the Knicks as legitimate contenders. Their blend of Villanova grit and NBA talent could carry them far in the playoffs.[1]
The Spurs, led by young stars like Wembanyama and Harper, showed promise but were outmuscled. The loss serves as a learning curve for a rebuilding squad.[1]
Celebrations erupted post-game, with Knicks players cutting nets and hoisting the trophy, a scene broadcast widely and captured in triumphant photos.[2][3]
The Emirates NBA Cup continues to elevate in-season competition, delivering high-stakes drama and rewarding top performers. For New York, it’s a step toward ending a championship drought spanning generations.[1]
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