LAS VEGAS — There were so many moments the Knicks looked on the verge of letting the game get away from them.
This was mettle. This was a statement. This was proof they have title contender chops.
After trailing by five, the Knicks began the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run, spurred by back-to-back threes from Jordan Clarkson, to take a three-point lead. Mitchell Robinson grabbed four offensive rebounds in that stretch, keeping possession after possession alive.
It marked the Knicks’ first lead since late in the first quarter.
The New York Knicks celebrate after winning the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup Championship Trophy during the NBA Emirates Cup Final on December 16, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images
And they led the rest of the way, beating the Spurs 124-113 to win the NBA Cup on Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena. Get ready for banner night at Madison Square Garden.
It was the unlikely Jalen Brunson-Tyler Kolek-Jordan Clarkson-OG Anunoby-Mitchell Robinson lineup that flipped the game on its head for the Knicks.
New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half during the Emirates NBA Cup final at T-Mobile Arena. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Spurs’ depth and supporting cast around Victor Wembanyama had built them a lead through three quarters. Then, there were Robinson, Clarkson and Kolek off the bench to win the Knicks a trophy.
Robinson finished with 15 rebounds — 10 offensive — and was plus-9. Clarkson finished with 15 and was plus-15. Kolek finished with 14 points, five assists and five rebounds and was plus-14. And coach Mike Brown rolled with Kolek rather than Mikal Bridges, who had largely been ineffective, down the stretch of the game.
It was a Vegas gamble that worked out for Brown, having another ball-handler in the game to take some pressure off Brunson. The Spurs backcourt of De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell — which hounded the Thunder’s backcourt of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams in the semis — had been aggressively pressuring the ball all night. It was bothering the Knicks for three quarters. Brown’s decision changed the course of the game.
Wembanyama might soon take over as the Face of the NBA. But on this night, the alien largely looked earthly. It was Brunson and OG Anunoby who were the best players on the court.
Brunson finished with 25, while Anunoby added a game-high 28. Anunoby kept the Knicks within touching distance for large stretches of the game.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half during the Emirates NBA Cup final at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 16, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Wembanyama, who came off the bench with the Spurs being careful with his minutes, finished with 18 points. The Knicks actually were at their best during the Wembanyama minutes — they outscored the Spurs by 18 points when he was on the floor. It was the worst mark of any Spurs player.
Unlike so many who visit Sin City, the Knicks left better than they came. And a lot richer.