Knicks Finally Grab Gold in Vegas, End 52-Year Trophy Drought
The New York Knicks just ended their longest championship drought in spectacular fashion, taking down the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 to win the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup in Las Vegas.
This is New York’s first meaningful trophy since 1973.
Down at halftime and trailing by double digits in the third quarter, the Knicks showed the kind of grit that’s defined their season. They stormed back with a fourth-quarter performance that left the Spurs stunned.
OG Anunoby caught fire when it mattered most, dropping 28 points and hitting clutch three-pointers that silenced the pro-Spurs crowd.
“We’ve been counted out all season,” Anunoby said after lifting the trophy. “This team just doesn’t quit.”
Jalen Brunson proved why he’s become the heart and soul of this Knicks team. The point guard poured in 25 points and dished 8 assists, controlling the game’s tempo during the crucial final minutes.
Karl-Anthony Towns added a solid double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Jordan Clarkson led a bench unit that gave New York the spark they needed.
The fourth quarter told the whole story. New York outscored San Antonio 35-19, turning what had been an 11-point deficit into an 11-point victory.
Head coach Mike Brown, who took over the Knicks just last summer, couldn’t hold back tears during the celebration.
“These guys have fought through so much adversity,” Brown said. “They deserve this moment.”
The Knicks’ depth was on full display throughout their Cup run. When starters struggled, the bench stepped up. When shots weren’t falling, the defense locked in.
San Antonio’s young squad showed why they’re considered the NBA’s team of the future, even in defeat.
Victor Wembanyama, still working his way back from a nagging calf injury, came off the bench to score 18 points in limited minutes. The 7-foot-4 French phenom altered countless shots and showed flashes of the dominance that’s made him the league’s most talked-about young star.
“We’ll learn from this,” Wembanyama said. “Sometimes you need to feel this pain to grow.”
Rookie sensation Dylan Harper led the Spurs with 21 points, while De’Aaron Fox added scoring punch and playmaking throughout the contest.
But the young Spurs couldn’t maintain their shooting touch when it mattered most. They hit just 3 of 17 shots during a brutal six-minute stretch in the fourth quarter that ultimately decided the game.
For New York, this victory could be the confidence boost needed to make a serious playoff run. The Knicks haven’t reached the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000, and fans are hungry for more.
The Spurs, meanwhile, head back to Texas with valuable experience for their young core. With Wembanyama getting healthier and Harper developing rapidly, their future remains incredibly bright despite the disappointment.
“We’ll see them again,” Brunson said of the Spurs. “Maybe next time with even bigger stakes.”
