Knicks Rally to Win 2025 Emirates NBA Cup, Defeating Spurs 124-113 Behind OG Anunoby's 28 Points,
OG Anunoby scored a game-high 28 points, knocking down five 3-pointers, as the New York Knicks rallied to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup final on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
Point guard Jalen Brunson added 25 points and was named tournament MVP, while the Knicks delivered a balanced attack with seven players in double figures.
A Historic Trophy for New York
The victory marks the Knicks' first trophy of any kind since their 1973 NBA championship—over 50 years ago—and provides a significant boost under first-year head coach Mike Brown.
Spurs' Path to the Final
San Antonio entered the championship full of momentum after upsetting the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals, powered by a strong performance from French star Victor Wembanyama in his return from injury.
How the Knicks Pulled Away
Despite trailing by 11 points late in the third quarter—highlighted by Wembanyama's 27-foot 3-pointer—the Knicks dominated the fourth, outscoring the Spurs 35-19. New York's aggressive rebounding (23 offensive boards leading to 32 second-chance points) proved decisive in the comeback.Key contributions came from Karl-Anthony Towns (16 points), bench spark Jordan Clarkson (15), rookie Tyler Kolek (14), and 11 points each from Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges. Mitchell Robinson added 15 rebounds and two blocks off the bench.
Brunson's Postgame Praise
"OG Anunoby, Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, Mitchell Robinson—they played their asses off tonight," said Brunson, the tournament MVP. "Without them we don't win this. We got down and found a way—that's our motto going forward."
Coach Brown's Outlook
Knicks coach Mike Brown called the win a positive sign for deeper aspirations: "Any time you're the last one standing and can hang a banner at Madison Square Garden, you take it seriously."
Spurs' Scoring Leaders
San Antonio's attack was paced by bench scorer Dylan Harper with 21 points and De'Aaron Fox with 16, while Wembanyama finished with 18 despite the loss.The Knicks' depth and fourth-quarter resilience secured the third NBA Cup title in tournament history.
When is the NBA Cup Final?
The NBA Cup Final will be played on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Both teams secured their spots by winning their semifinal games earlier in the week.
Where is the NBA Cup Final?
The championship game will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas has served as the neutral-site host for the NBA Cup since the tournament’s inception, creating a playoff-style atmosphere for both the semifinals and the final.
What time does the NBA Cup Final start?
The NBA Cup Final tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT).
Who is playing in the 2025 NBA Cup Final?
The New York Knicks will face the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 NBA Cup Final.
Knicks: Advanced after a dominant 132–120 win over the Orlando Magic
Spurs: Pulled off a stunning 111–109 upset of the Oklahoma City Thunder
This matchup pits a deep, physical Knicks roster against a fast, youthful Spurs team led by one of the league’s most unique superstars.
What channel is the NBA Cup Final game on today?
In the United States, the NBA Cup Final will air exclusively on Prime Video. There is no traditional cable broadcast for the championship game.
Where to stream the NBA Cup Final?
United States: Prime Video (exclusive)
International viewers: Prime Video or NBA League Pass, depending on region
Streaming begins ahead of the 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off.
How Knicks, Spurs reached the NBA Cup Final
New York Knicks’ path to the Final
The Knicks have been one of the NBA Cup’s most consistent teams, reaching the knockout rounds in all three years of the tournament. This season, they finally broke through. In the semifinal, Jalen Brunson erupted for 40 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 29, overwhelming the Magic with elite offensive efficiency and depth.
First-year head coach Mike Brown has leaned on balance and physicality, with contributions throughout the rotation making New York one of the deepest teams in the Eastern Conference.
San Antonio Spurs’ path to the Final
The Spurs’ run took a dramatic turn with the return of Victor Wembanyama, who led San Antonio past the previously unbeaten Thunder. Despite playing limited minutes, Wembanyama posted 22 points and controlled the paint, flipping the game late.
San Antonio entered the semifinal at 18–7, becoming just the second team this season to defeat Oklahoma City. Even during Wembanyama’s absence, the Spurs thrived behind De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, establishing themselves as a legitimate contender.
NBA Cup Final Odds
New York Knicks
Spread: -2.5 (-108)
Moneyline: -132
San Antonio Spurs
Spread: +2.5 (-112)
Moneyline: +112
Total
Over 227.5 (-110)
Under 227.5 (-110)
The Knicks enter as slight favorites, but the odds reflect how evenly matched these teams appear.
NBA CUP Finals MVP Odds
Victor Wembanyama: +400 (bet $10 to win $50 total)
De'Aaron Fox: +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)
Stephon Castle: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Karl-Anthony Towns: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
NBA Cup Final Predictions
This game is likely to come down to tempo and execution. The Knicks will look to slow the pace, control the glass, and rely on Brunson’s shot creation late. The Spurs, meanwhile, thrive in transition and will try to exploit mismatches with Wembanyama’s size and skill.
Prediction: Knicks win a close, physical contest, but expect the Spurs to threaten late if Wembanyama dominates defensively. A one-possession game in the final minutes feels inevitable.
NBA Cup Final: Top Players to Watch in Knicks vs Spurs
Brunson has been the most reliable scorer in the tournament and is coming off a 40-point explosion. His late-game composure could decide the title.
Towns’ ability to stretch the floor and rebound will be crucial against San Antonio’s length.
Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): 26.2 PPG, 12.9 RPG
The most impactful player on the floor. His rim protection and scoring versatility can swing the game instantly.
De’Aaron Fox (Spurs): 24.0 PPG, 6.3 APG
Fox’s speed and shot creation put constant pressure on defenses and could challenge the Knicks’ perimeter defenders.
Stephon Castle (Spurs): 18.2 PPG, 7.4 APG
Castle has emerged as a breakout star and secondary playmaker during the Spurs’ Cup run.
What do teams get for winning the NBA Cup?
The winning team receives the NBA Cup trophy, and each player earns approximately $530,000, a 3% increase from last year. Players on the runner-up team reportedly receive $212,373 each. The NBA also awards a tournament MVP and names an All-Tournament Team, adding individual prestige to the financial incentives.
Final Thoughts
With star power, rising young talent, and major money on the line, the 2025 NBA Cup Final between the Knicks and Spurs has all the ingredients of must-watch basketball. Whether it’s Brunson’s shot-making or Wembanyama’s dominance, Las Vegas is set for another unforgettable NBA Cup finish.
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