The New York Knicks finally have silverware again, outlasting the San Antonio Spurs 124 to 113 in Las Vegas to clinch the NBA Cup and end a 52-year wait for a major trophy. New York trailed for long stretches but rode a furious late surge to secure the in-season title, which has quickly become a measuring stick for contenders.

San Antonio controlled the tempo early, building leads after the first and third quarters behind the shot-making of De’Aaron Fox and the length of Victor Wembanyama. Yet the Knicks never let the game get away, staying attached through the interior work of Karl-Anthony Towns and a composed half-court offense orchestrated by Jalen Brunson.

Anunoby Shines, Brunson Claims Center Stage

OG Anunoby delivered the scoring punch that flipped the night, pouring in 28 points and drilling five three-pointers to erase an 11-point second-half deficit. His aggressive closeouts on the other end helped blunt San Antonio’s spacing, forcing tougher looks for the Spurs’ wings.

Brunson, named NBA Cup MVP, added 25 points along with steady playmaking, repeatedly punishing switches and controlling late-game possessions when every trip felt decisive. With the Spurs’ defense keyed on his drives, he consistently found shooters and rollers, turning New York’s offense into a steady stream of quality looks in the final period.

Bench Sparks Decisive Run

The defining stretch came courtesy of New York’s depth, as Jordan Clarkson, Tyler Kolek and Mitchell Robinson swung the game with energy plays on both ends. Clarkson poured in 15 points and ignited a 13–1 burst with back-to-back threes that flipped a Spurs lead into Knicks control. Kolek’s fearless drives produced 14 points and clutch free throws, while Robinson’s 15 rebounds, including double-digit offensive boards, broke San Antonio’s resistance on the glass.

The Spurs still found sparks through Dylan Harper’s 21 points and Wembanyama’s highlight finishes, but the young group could not match New York’s execution when the pressure peaked. As Josh Hart buried a deep three in the final minutes and the Knicks closed out at the line, a franchise long starved of banners finally had a new one to raise — and a statement that this season’s ambitions stretch far beyond December.