New York Knicks claim NBA Cup title with win over San Antonio

December 17, 2025 / 9:43 AM

Sharjah24: The New York Knicks ended a 52-year championship drought by winning the NBA Cup with a 124–113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the final held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The victory marks the Knicks’ first major trophy since winning the NBA Finals in 1973.

OJ Anunoby delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 28 points including five three-pointers, while point guard Jalen Brunson contributed 25 points to secure the historic victory.

Spurs’ momentum halted despite strong campaign

Entering the final with high confidence after defeating the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in the semi-finals, San Antonio relied heavily on rising French star Victor Wembanyama. However, the Knicks’ disciplined team effort limited him to just 18 points and disrupted the Spurs’ rhythm throughout the match.

New York came back from an 11-point deficit late in the third quarter before scoring a commanding 35–19 final quarter to secure the win.

Balanced performance lifts Knicks to victory

Seven Knicks players reached double figures. Alongside Anunoby and Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns scored 16 points, Jordan Clarkson 15, and Tyler Kolek 14, while Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges added 11 each. Mitchell Robinson made a notable defensive impact off the bench with 15 rebounds and two blocks.

Brunson, named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, praised his teammates: "OJ Anunoby, Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, Mitchell Robinson… they gave everything tonight. Without them, we wouldn’t have won. We were down by ten or more, but we found a way. That’s our mentality going forward: we’ll always find a way.”