he crowd at T-Mobile Arena erupted as confetti filled the air when the New York Knicks won the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup after a thrilling game against the San Antonio Spurs. This victory was extra special, ending a 52-year wait for a major trophy. Fans celebrated everywhere, from Madison Square Garden to the streets of Las Vegas, showing that hard work and determination can beat star power.
NBA Cup Final Summary: Knicks’ Stunning Comeback
Knicks fell behind early but came alive in the fourth quarter, winning key rebounds and hitting big shots to seal the victory. OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson led the charge, turning strong defense into quick offense. The difference came from rebounding dominance, timely three-pointers, and relentless effort.
THE NEW YORK KNICKS WON THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 52 YEARS. pic.twitter.com/8m8cPcOQER
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) December 17, 2025
NBA Cup Quarter-by-Quarter Game Highlights
- Q1 Action: Spurs bolted ahead on Victor Wembanyama's swats and slick passes, but Anunoby's outside fire kept Knicks breathing in a frantic opener.
- Q2 Surge: De'Aaron Fox zipped for buckets, padding Spurs' halftime lead. Knicks' bench, led by Miles McBride, fired quick replies to stay alive.
- Q3 Intensity: Spurs ballooned the gap with Keldon Johnson's muscle and Wembanyama's range. Brunson weaved magic late to hint at chaos ahead.
- Q4 Explosion: Knicks flipped everything—threes poured, rebounds flew, stops piled up. Pure takeover from bell to buzzer.
Man of the Match: Jalen Brunson Shines
Brunson ruled with 25 points, 8 assists, owning the floor like a chess master. Tournament MVP too, averaging 33 points—his calm flipped panic to party.
Player Stats and Standout Highlights
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Key Moments That Decided the NBA Cup Final
- Game Turning Point: Anunoby's fifth triple tied things at 8:45 left, sparking an unstoppable wave as Spurs froze.
- Social Media Buzz: 15 million views flooded feeds—"Knicks forever!" memes and Spike Lee cheers went viral overnight.
- Injury Notes: Towns shook off a screen hit for his double-double; full speed confirmed after final whistle.
- Fan Hot Takes: Rebound feasts and Wemby vs Brunson debates dominate bars and chats everywhere.
How the Spurs Fell Short in the Final
San Antonio showed promise but struggled late with turnovers and missed rebounds. The young roster couldn’t match the Knicks’ physical play in the final quarter, and cold shooting down the stretch allowed New York to pull away.
What This NBA Cup Win Means for the Knicks
With the NBA Cup trophy secured, the Knicks head into the season with confidence and momentum. Meanwhile, the Spurs continue to build around their young core for future success.
