With a 124–113 comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs last night in Las Vegas, the New York Knicks captured the NBA Cup.
Down double digits late in the third quarter, New York flipped the game with composure, depth, and timely shot-making. Jalen Brunson set the tone; the NBA Cup MVP finished with 25 points and eight assists, but he was quick to credit the bench for turning the game. Jordan Clarkson hit back-to-back threes to swing momentum, Mitchell Robinson dominated the glass with 10 offensive rebounds in just 18 minutes while battling Victor Wembanyama, and Tyler Kolek delivered key late assists as the Knicks closed strong.
Coach Mike Brown sees the Cup as pressure training; once skeptical of the tournament, Brown said the single-elimination format creates real stakes that can build confidence over time. The Knicks’ final run — wins over Toronto, Orlando, and San Antonio — came against legitimate playoff-level opponents, offering a clearer test than group-stage matchups.
For the Spurs, the loss still felt like progress. Playing just their second game with a fully healthy roster, San Antonio led by 11 late in the third before being overwhelmed on the boards in the fourth. Wembanyama, returning from a long absence and dealing with a family loss, called the game valuable “practice for important moments.”
