News
New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs: Four Key Takeaways as New York Claims the Emirates NBA Cup
Dec
The last time the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs met with so much at stake — a trophy, bonus money, and bragging rights — the NBA looked very different. When the two franchises clashed in the 1999 NBA Finals, many of the players who took the floor Tuesday night in Las Vegas hadn’t even been born. In fact, 19 players on the combined rosters were not yet alive when those teams last competed for hardware.
That long gap ended at T-Mobile Arena, where the Knicks defeated the Spurs 124–113 in the single-game final to capture the third edition of the Emirates NBA Cup. With the win, New York joined the Lakers (2023) and Bucks (2024) as Cup champions — and did more than secure silverware. Each Knick earned a payout of $530,933, more than double the $212,373 awarded to each Spurs player as runner-up.
More importantly, the Knicks left Las Vegas with momentum and belief. They delivered a complete team performance, receiving meaningful contributions from all eight players who accounted for the full 240 minutes. As the regular season approaches its most demanding stretch and the calendar turns toward Christmas and 2026, New York looks richer in confidence as well as cash.
Here are four key takeaways from a mid-December game that carried uncommon weight:
- Depth made the difference — and Mike Brown trusted it
When Jalen Brunson was named NBA Cup MVP during the postgame ceremony, his first words were reserved for his teammates. Brunson specifically praised OG Anunoby, Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, and Mitchell Robinson.
“Without them, we don’t win this,” Brunson said, joining LeBron James (2023) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (2024) as Cup MVPs.
Some contributions jumped off the stat sheet. Anunoby, typically known for his defense, led New York with 28 points, hitting five of 10 three-point attempts and scoring 20 in the first half alone. Robinson dominated the offensive glass, pulling down 10 offensive rebounds — fueling 32 second-chance points and outworking Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who collected six offensive boards all game.
Kolek and Clarkson provided the late punch. They scored 24 of their combined 29 points after halftime, swinging a bench battle that had favored San Antonio early. While the Spurs’ reserves led 37–15 through three quarters, New York’s bench flipped the script in the fourth, outscoring them 18–8 during a decisive 35–19 final period.
Head coach Mike Brown’s willingness to ride the hot lineup offered a glimpse of postseason promise. Hired to replace Tom Thibodeau, Brown entered the season under immense pressure. Now, he owns a trophy, an 18–7 record with renewed credibility, and a new storyline — one no longer dominated by concerns over short rotations and exhausted starters.
“That’s going to be our motto,” Brunson said. “We’re going to find a way.”
- Don’t expect Wembanyama to stay on the bench
Wembanyama came off the bench in both Las Vegas games, easing his return after missing 12 games with a calf injury. San Antonio had gone 9–3 during his absence, with Luke Kornet starting effectively.
Still, these were the first two games of Wembanyama’s three-year NBA career in which he did not start. He scored 18 points in 25 minutes but struggled for rhythm, shooting 7-of-17, and the Spurs were outscored by 18 points with him on the floor.
After the game, Wembanyama revealed that his grandmother had passed away earlier that day, a disclosure that added emotional weight to an already difficult night.
All signs point to brighter stages ahead for the young star. NBA Cups — and June championships — almost certainly await him in the future.
- Karl-Anthony Towns gutting it out
Midway through the third quarter, things appeared grim for Karl-Anthony Towns. He limped to the bench clutching his left knee, briefly covering his head with a towel — whether from pain, frustration, or both.
Towns logged fewer than five scoreless minutes in the fourth quarter, but his overall impact remained meaningful. He finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and his lone assist came via a beautifully timed, almost improbable pass. When the confetti fell, Towns was smiling — able to savor the moment despite the scare.
- Who benefits more from the Cup?
Recent history suggests the runner-up may gain more from the experience than the champion.
In 2023, the Lakers won the inaugural Cup but exited the playoffs in the first round. The Pacers, whom they defeated, rode the momentum to an Eastern Conference finals appearance — and an NBA Finals berth the following year.
The pattern repeated in 2024. Milwaukee lifted the Cup, only to stumble early in the playoffs, while Oklahoma City used its Vegas run as a foundation for a championship run that culminated in the 2024 NBA title.
Tuesday night, the Knicks spoke of discovery and belief. The Spurs, though disappointed, emphasized growth, chemistry, and accelerated learning. If history is any guide, San Antonio’s takeaway from Las Vegas may prove just as valuable as New York’s trophy.
The Cup has been claimed. The real season, as always, is still ahead.
