History was made in Las Vegas as the New York Knicks captured the 2025 NBA Cup championship, putting an end to a agonizing five-decade wait for a title. The Knicks outlasted the San Antonio Spurs with a final score of 124-113 in a thrilling contest held at the T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 (Philippine Time).
A Balanced Offensive Assault Secures Victory
The Knicks' path to glory was paved by a remarkably balanced team effort. Seven different players scored in double figures, showcasing a depth that proved too much for the Spurs to handle. The offensive charge was led by OG Anunoby, who poured in a team-high 28 points, including five crucial three-pointers. Star guard Jalen Brunson was instrumental with 25 points, while big man Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 16. Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson added 14 points off the bench, becoming a key part of the championship puzzle for a franchise tasting championship glory for the first time in 52 years.
Overcoming a Spurs Surge and a Fourth-Quarter Rally
The San Antonio Spurs, who had impressively dispatched opponents including the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder to reach the final, came out with fierce determination. They seemed poised to pull away when a three-pointer from phenom Victor Wembanyama late in the third quarter gave them a 92-81 advantage. However, the Knicks refused to fold. The momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth quarter, ignited by a flurry of three-pointers from Clarkson and Tyler Kolek. The Knicks dominated the final period, outscoring the Spurs 35-19 to seal the historic win. Defensive anchor Mitchell Robinson also played a pivotal role, dominating the glass with 15 rebounds.
MVP Honors and a Motto for the Future
Following the game, Jalen Brunson was named the NBA Cup Most Valuable Player (MVP). In his post-game remarks, he immediately credited his teammates for the collective effort. "OG Anunoby, Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, Mitchell Robinson -- they played their asses off tonight," Brunson stated. "Without them we don't win this. We got down 10 or whatever it was and we found a way to win -- that's going to be our motto going forward: we're going to find a way." Knicks coach Mike Brown expressed hope that this championship triumph would fuel the team's ongoing campaign in the 2025-26 NBA regular season, where they currently hold a strong 18-7 record and second place in the Eastern Conference.
