Knicks finally break 52 year curse with dramatic NBA cup triumph in Las Vegas
A comeback that rewrote franchise history
According to Sky Sports, the New York Knicks claimed their first NBA Cup title by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124,113 after a decisive fourth quarter rally. The victory marked the franchise’s first title of any kind since winning the NBA Championship in 1973, closing a drought that had defined decades of Knicks basketball.
New York trailed for much of the contest and did not lead at any point during the second or third quarters. That changed early in the final period when the Knicks opened with a 12,1 run, swinging momentum and placing San Antonio under sustained pressure.
Once ahead, New York maintained control and prevented the Spurs from re establishing their earlier dominance.
Key performances swung the final
OG Anunoby produced a standout display, leading the Knicks with 28 points in a performance that set the tone during the decisive stretch. Jalen Brunson added 25 points, providing scoring and composure when the game tightened.
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For San Antonio, Dylan Harper scored 21 points, while Victor Wembanyama finished with 18. According to Sky Sports, the defeat means Wembanyama is still waiting for his first trophy with the Spurs after reaching the final.
Las Vegas setting and tournament context
The NBA Cup final took place in Las Vegas and does not count toward the regular season standings. Sky Sports reported that both teams remain 18,7 for the season and continue to lead their respective divisions despite the result.
This season marked the third edition of the NBA Cup. The Los Angeles Lakers won the inaugural tournament, followed by the Milwaukee Bucks last year, highlighting the competition’s growing role in the NBA calendar.
Sky Sports also noted that each of the previous four NBA Cup finalists went on to qualify for the playoffs, offering encouragement for the Spurs despite their loss.
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Pressure, belief and leadership
Knicks head coach Mike Brown emphasised the intensity of the format after the win.
“This is a single elimination tournament when you get to a certain point, so every game counts,” Brown said.
“There was pressure on every game if you expect to be who you think you are. When you’re able to have success, it breeds confidence in everybody in the organization.”
His comments underlined how the victory carried significance beyond the trophy itself, reinforcing belief within a franchise unaccustomed to recent success.
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Reward beyond the result
In addition to the historical achievement, the win delivered a financial boost. According to Sky Sports, each Knicks player on a standard contract earned an extra 318,560 dollars for winning the NBA Cup.
For New York, the night combined long awaited validation with renewed momentum, while San Antonio departed Las Vegas with experience gained and motivation to turn future opportunities into silverware.
Sources: Sky Sports
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