The New York Knicks clinched the 2025 NBA Cup with a hard-fought 124-113 win over the San Antonio Spurs, turning a tight contest into a statement victory with a dominant final quarter.
For much of the night, San Antonio dictated the tempo and held slim leads into the third quarter. But once the fourth began, New York’s intensity shifted gears. The Knicks opened the period with a blistering offensive run, swung momentum firmly in their favour, and never relinquished control again.
Anunoby leads scoring, Brunson named MVP
OG Anunoby powered the Knicks with 28 points, attacking confidently and finding his spots throughout.
Jalen Brunson added 25 points and eight assists and was named NBA Cup MVP for his leadership and poise during the late surge. New York also benefited from a strong contribution off the bench, which provided scoring depth and crucial defensive stops.
Spurs fade late despite strong start
Victor Wembanyama came off the bench and contributed efficiently, while rookie guard Dylan Harper impressed as San Antonio built early pressure.
But the Spurs struggled to respond when New York raised the physicality and pace in the final twelve minutes. Turnovers and missed shots mounted, and their early rhythm disappeared.
Head coach Gregg Popovich praised his young squad after the loss, calling the Cup run a valuable learning experience for a growing roster.
A symbolic win for New York
While not the NBA championship, lifting the NBA Cup represents a meaningful step for the Knicks. The title adds belief to a franchise that has been trying to build sustained winning momentum.
The performance also sent an early message to the rest of the league: New York intends to be a serious contender this season.
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