The New York Knicks ended their decades-long trophy drought by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in the NBA Cup final at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday night.
This marks the Knicks’ first NBA Cup title and their first piece of silverware since winning the NBA Finals in 1973.
OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 28 points, while Jalen Brunson, who was named NBA Cup MVP, added 25. The Knicks rallied from behind, going on a decisive 13-1 run late in the third quarter to take a 100-95 lead. They never trailed again.
Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds despite battling a calf injury. He briefly left the game before halftime and again in the third quarter, but returned late in the fourth. Mitchell Robinson dominated the boards, grabbing 15 rebounds, including 10 offensive, helping the Knicks out-rebound the Spurs 59-42 and secure a 56-44 edge in points in the paint.
For the Spurs, Dylan Harper scored 21 points, Victor Wembanyama added 18, and De’Aaron Fox chipped in 16. Despite leading for much of the game, the Spurs could not withstand the Knicks’ late surge.
Beyond the trophy, Knicks players with standard contracts earned an additional USD 318,560 each, bringing their total earnings to USD 530,933 for reaching the final. Although the game does not count toward league standings, both teams remain 18-7, topping their respective divisions.
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