The New York Knicks claimed their first-ever NBA Cup title Tuesday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124–113 to win the 3rd annual Emirates NBA Cup.
New York took control with a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring San Antonio 35–19 to erase a second-half deficit and seal the in-season tournament crown. The Spurs had built a 10-point lead midway through the third quarter at 81–71 before the Knicks stormed back in the final period.
Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek provided a major boost off the bench, scoring 15 and 14 points respectively. Clarkson drilled two momentum-shifting three-pointers during a decisive 10–0 run that gave New York the lead for good. Kolek stabilized the offense as the primary backup ball handler and shared the floor with Jalen Brunson to relieve pressure from the Spurs’ defense.
OG Anunoby led all scorers with 28 points, knocking down five three-pointers, while Brunson finished with 25 points and eight assists. Brunson was later named NBA Cup MVP for his standout play throughout the tournament.
San Antonio placed seven players in double figures, led by Dylan Harper’s 21 points and Victor Wembanyama’s 18. The Spurs concluded an impressive NBA Cup run as runners-up after upsetting the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals.
