NBA Cup 2025 Final. A Night the Knicks Will Remember

You watched something different in this NBA Cup 2025 final. The New York Knicks did not win only with star power. They won with effort, depth, and patience. They came back from behind and defeated the San Antonio Spurs 124 to 113 to lift the 2025 NBA Cup.

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This win mattered. It mattered to fans. It mattered to a franchise that has waited a long time for moments like this.

Final Score and Basic Details

San Antonio Spurs 113
New York Knicks 124

This was the third NBA Cup final. The Los Angeles Lakers won in 2023. The Milwaukee Bucks won in 2024. Now the New York Knicks are champions.

Strong Start by the Spurs

You saw San Antonio play with confidence early. They came into the NBA Cup 2025 final after beating the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the best teams this season. That win gave them belief.

Victor Wembanyama returned and looked active. He played more minutes than in the semifinal. His size affected shots. His movement created space for teammates.

The Spurs moved the ball well. They shared scoring responsibility. Seven players reached double figures. This balance helped them control the game for long stretches.

By late in the third quarter, San Antonio led by 11 points. At that moment, the Spurs looked comfortable and confident.

Problems Begin for the Knicks

The Knicks did not have an easy night. Jalen Brunson struggled to score. He finished the game shooting 11 of 27. Many shots did not fall during the NBA Cup 2025 final.

Karl Anthony Towns also faced trouble. He appeared to pick up an injury in the first half. You could see discomfort on his face. His condition became a concern.

In past seasons, these situations often ended badly for New York. When stars struggled, the team lacked backup options. This time, the story changed.

The Moment Everything Shifted

The comeback did not start with big shots. It started with defense and effort. The Knicks increased pressure on the ball. They closed passing lanes. They forced tougher shots.

Rebounding became the key. New York started winning second chance opportunities. Each extra possession hurt the Spurs and lifted Knicks’ energy in the NBA Cup 2025 final.

Slowly, the gap closed. Confidence returned.

Bench Players Step Up

This final became a lesson in teamwork. The Knicks won because several players delivered when it mattered most.

OG Anunoby was outstanding. He scored a game-high 28 points. Anunoby shot efficiently. He attacked the basket with confidence. Anunoby also grabbed nine rebounds and made smart passes.

Mitchell Robinson dominated inside. He collected 15 rebounds. Ten were offensive rebounds. Those extra possessions changed the game’s flow during the NBA Cup 2025 final.

Tyler Kolek played with control. He scored in double figures and kept the offense steady. Jordan Clarkson added scoring off the bench at key moments.

Josh Hart did what he always does. He defended and rebounded and chased loose balls. He brought energy that does not always show in numbers.

Jalen Brunson Leads Without Scoring

You saw real leadership from Brunson. Even when shots did not fall, he stayed calm. He did not force plays. He trusted teammates.

His movement drew defenders and passing created open looks. His presence kept the offense organized.

After the game, Brunson praised his teammates. He named Anunoby, Robinson, Kolek, and Clarkson. He said the Knicks do not win the NBA Cup 2025 final without them.

The league named him NBA Cup MVP. The award reflected leadership, not just scoring.

Karl Anthony Towns Shows Toughness

Towns stayed on the floor despite discomfort. His impact went beyond points. He stretched the defense.Anthony absorbed attention. He competed physically.

For the team, this mattered. Seeing a star push through pain builds trust. That trust showed in the final minutes.

Spurs Fight Until the End

The Spurs did not quit. They continued to move the ball. They continued to compete. Their balanced scoring showed maturity.

Inexperience appeared late. Rebounding became an issue. Second chance points hurt them badly. Execution slipped under pressure.

Wembanyama played solid minutes but did not dominate late. Health management played a role. This was still valuable experience for a young team.

Prize Money Makes It Meaningful

The NBA Cup also brings financial rewards. These rewards matter, especially for younger players.

Each Knicks player earns 530,933 dollars.
Each Spurs player earns 212,373 dollars as runners up.

For role players, this money is life-changing. It adds motivation and value to the competition.

Why This Win Matters for the Knicks

You need to understand the history. The Knicks last won an NBA Finals in 1973. They last reached the Finals in 1999. That is a long wait.

This trophy is not an NBA championship. It still matters. It builds confidence. this changes how players and opponents see this team.

The Knicks showed they can win big games even when stars struggle. That is a sign of growth.

Eastern Conference Situation

The Knicks now sit second in the Eastern Conference. Their record stands at 18 wins and 7 losses. They trail the Detroit Pistons by 2.5 games.

This position reflects consistency. The NBA Cup 2025 final win supports what the standings already suggest. New York belongs among the top teams in the East.

Defense and Rebounding Win Games

You saw the Knicks win with defense. They closed out shooters. They stayed disciplined.

Rebounding made the biggest difference. Mitchell Robinson led the way. Hart and Anunoby supported him. Extra possessions broke San Antonio’s rhythm.

NBA Cup Championship Game Rule

One detail matters for records. The NBA Cup championship game does not count toward regular season statistics. All other Cup games do.

This rule keeps season stats balanced. The win still counts where it matters.

What You Learn About the Knicks

The Knicks can survive poor shooting nights.
The bench can decide big games.
Defense and rebounding remain strengths.
Leadership has matured.

What You Learn About the Spurs

The Spurs gained experience.

Their young core competes well.
Ball movement remains a strength.
Late game rebounding needs work.
Managing Wembanyama’s health is crucial.

Why the NBA Cup Is Gaining Respect

The NBA Cup 2025 final feels more serious now. Players care. Coaches adjust. Fans see intensity.

You saw playoff-level basketball in December. That is the goal.

Final Thoughts

The New York Knicks earned the 2025 NBA Cup. knicks did it the hard way. They trusted their bench.knicks defended with purpose. They stayed calm under pressure.

This win does not promise a Finals run. It sends a message. The Knicks are ready for big moments.

If you follow the Eastern Conference, take note. New York is no longer just competitive. This is a team that can hurt you when it matters most.