The New York Knicks clinched the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup with a 124-113 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Las Vegas. Down by double digits in the third quarter, the Knicks stormed back late to grab the trophy and end a long championship drought for the franchise.
It’s something Knicks fans have been waiting years to celebrate.
Jalen Brunson proved why he’s the heart and soul of this team, dropping 25 points and dishing out eight assists in the final. He also grabbed rebounds and played lockdown defense when it mattered most.
The media voted him NBA Cup MVP in what was nearly a unanimous decision.
“I’m very excited. It’s a goal of ours we get to check off,” Brunson said after the game. “It’s an important stepping stone for us. We can still learn from this game and get better as well.”
His calm demeanor masks just how much this means to him and the team.
The Journey Wasn’t Easy
Brunson was absolutely on fire in the semifinals.
He torched the Orlando Magic for a season-high 40 points, which marked his fourth straight game with at least 30 points during Cup play. Talk about getting hot at the right time!
The win against Orlando gave the Knicks the confidence boost they needed heading into the championship game.
But Brunson didn’t do it alone.
OG Anunoby actually led all scorers in the final with 28 points. Jordan Clarkson, rookie Tyler Kolek, and Mitchell Robinson all stepped up big time too, providing the scoring punch and energy that fueled the Knicks’ late-game comeback.
Why This Matters
Sure, it’s not the NBA Finals, but don’t tell that to Knicks fans who’ve been starving for any kind of championship.
This victory means something real.
Coach Mike Brown has been preaching about building momentum and mental toughness all season long. Now his players have proof they can close out high-pressure games against quality opponents.
For Brunson, this could be just the beginning. His stellar play throughout the tournament is drawing serious MVP buzz for the regular season.
The Knicks now turn their attention back to regular-season play, but with a shiny new trophy and a growing belief that maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something special in New York.
