Spurs vs Knicks: How New York Stunned San Antonio to Win the NBA Cup 🏆🔥

December 17, 2025
Image Source :: www.basketballnews.com

If you asked a basketball fan a couple of months ago what the NBA Cup was, you might’ve gotten puzzled looks. Fast forward to December 2025, though, and the Emirates NBA Cup has become one of the most exciting storylines in the NBA season — and its championship game delivered exactly what the league wanted: drama, stars, and urgency.

When it came down to the Spurs vs Knicks in the NBA Cup Championship, the story wasn’t just about winning a mid-season prize. It was about proving who could handle pressure and show they’re real contenders in an NBA season filled with surprises.

What Is the NBA Cup?

Here’s the deal: the NBA Cup is a mid-season tournament that runs alongside the regular NBA schedule. Teams start with group play, and the top performers move into a knockout bracket that leads to a single championship game. It doesn’t count toward regular-season standings, but it does award a trophy, MVP honors, and significant bonuses for the players. Yahoo Sports+1

This year’s NBA Cup final took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas — a neutral court built to showcase the best of the league in a one-and-done setting. NBC New York

Before the Final — How Both Teams Got Here

New York Knicks’ Journey

The New York Knicks came into the playoffs riding momentum. In the semifinals, they destroyed the Orlando Magic 132–120 behind a huge night from Jalen Brunson, who dropped 40 points and added 8 assists. They shot over 60% from the field and looked polished on both ends. Basketball News

Brunson wasn’t the only spark. OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns carried big offensive loads, while the Knicks’ defense pressured opponents into tough shots. Add in strong rebounding and hustle plays from Mitchell Robinson and others, and New York looked like a team that could challenge anyone. Basketball News

San Antonio Spurs’ Run

The San Antonio Spurs punched their ticket to the final by knocking off the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in a tight 111–109 semifinal. They snapped the Thunder’s long win streak and rode the return of Victor Wembanyama, who scored 22 points and hauled in nine rebounds despite a recent calf issue. Basketball News

Wembanyama’s presence has transformed the Spurs this season. His ability to stretch defenses and protect the rim makes San Antonio’s offense and defense flow in ways it hasn’t in years. Around him, guards like De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle added scoring and tempo, showing that the Spurs are more than just a one-man show. Yahoo Sports

NBA Cup Final — Knicks vs Spurs

The Game Flow

When the Spurs vs Knicks game tipped off at 8:30 p.m. ET, it felt like two teams with momentum ready to test each other under bright lights. What followed was as competitive a mid-season final as you could’ve asked for — and then some.

San Antonio struck first, leading by as much as 11 points in the third quarter thanks to a blend of defense and efficient offense. Dylan Harper drilled a big three; Wembanyama’s athleticism showed up in the paint; and for long stretches it looked like the Spurs might steal the Cup. Yahoo News Malaysia

Then the Knicks made a charge.

OG Anunoby kicked it off with back-to-back dunks. New York’s defense started forcing turnovers. And just like that, the momentum swung — first slightly, then completely. ESPN

By the middle of the fourth quarter, the Knicks had taken control. A decisive run put them ahead, and they never looked back. When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 124–113 in favor of New York. ESPN

Standout Performances

Jalen Brunson — MVP:
Brunson was the star throughout the tournament, and he capped it off with a steady 25-point, MVP-caliber night in the finals. He attacked the paint, made clutch baskets, and helped keep the Knicks poised under pressure, earning NBA Cup MVP honors. ESPN

OG Anunoby — Offensive Force:
Anunoby led all scorers with 28 points and played with the kind of intensity that swings big games. His physical play and perimeter defense kept the Spurs guessing when they needed stops. ESPN

Mitchell Robinson & Bench Crew:
Robinson’s presence on the boards (15 rebounds, including 10 offensive) was a game-changer. The Knicks won the rebounding battle 59–42, and second-chance points really tilted the momentum. ESPN

On the Spurs side, Wembanyama scored 18 and Dylan Harper added 21, but San Antonio couldn’t find enough stops or consistent offensive flow to hold off New York’s late surge. ESPN

Why This Matters

The Knicks haven’t hung a trophy in decades. Winning the 2025 NBA Cup — their first in this tournament — doesn’t erase regular-season goals or NBA Finals dreams. But it does signal something important: this team can perform when it counts. A strong fourth quarter in Las Vegas showed they’re not afraid of big moments. The Times of India

For the Spurs, the loss isn’t a failure so much as a reminder of how close they are. Victor Wembanyama is already elite. With a little more depth and consistency, they could be real players in both the NBA Cup and regular postseason. AP News

Where to Watch (Next Time)

Talking about where to watch Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs? The NBA has made the Cup finals exclusive to streaming this year — specifically Prime Video. That means traditional cable won’t carry the game, but fans can stream it live with a subscription or trial. Yahoo Sports

Tipoff was 8:30 p.m. ET, but coverage typically started earlier with pregame shows on the same platform. Yahoo Sports

Final Takeaway

The Spurs vs Knicks showdown wasn’t just a game — it was a statement. The New York Knicks walked into Las Vegas and left with the 2025 NBA Cup championship, marking a turning point for this franchise. With Jalen Brunson playing like a seasoned leader and role players stepping up around him, the Knicks have proven they belong in big moments. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs showed growth and grit, setting up a promising rest of the season.

Bottom line? This NBA Cup final gave us a hint of postseason intensity in the middle of the season — and it delivered.

References

 

Tech D

Posted by Tech D

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