The New York Knicks End 52-Year Drought in 2025 NBA Cup Final vs The San Antonio Spurs
For the first time since 1973, the New York Knicks have lifted a major trophy. In a high-stakes showdown on the Las Vegas strip, the Knicks powered past Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs with a 124–113 victory to claim the 2025 NBA Cup.
While the “Knicks Tape” faithful are celebrating the end of a half-century drought, the players are celebrating a massive financial windfall. Below is a detailed breakdown of the economics, the tactics that defined the game, and why this mid-season tournament has become a calendar-circling event.
1. The Financials: A Multi-Million Dollar Night
The NBA Cup is unique because it offers immediate, tangible cash incentives that matter significantly to players on rookie or veteran minimum contracts. The prize pool for 2025 saw an increase of approximately 3% from the previous year, tied to the league’s Basketball-Related Income (BRI).
Champions: New York Knicks
Every player on the Knicks’ standard roster walked away with a half-million-dollar check for a single game’s work.
- Per Player Prize: $530,933 (~Ksh 68,490,000)
- Impact: For a star like Jalen Brunson, this is a nice bonus. For a rookie or a player on a two-way contract (who receives half-shares), this single game essentially doubled their annual take-home pay.
Runners-Up: San Antonio Spurs
Despite the loss, the Spurs players received a significant consolation prize.
- Per Player Prize: $212,373 (~Ksh 27,396,000)
The “Money” Motivation
- Semifinalists (Magic, Thunder): Each player earned $106,187 (~Ksh 13,698,000).
- Quarterfinalists: Each player earned $53,093 (~Ksh 6,849,000).
The total prize pool allocated by the NBA for the knockout stages exceeded $18 million (~Ksh 2.3 billion), cementing the tournament as a serious financial event, not just an exhibition.
2. Tactical Analysis: How the Knicks Beat the Spurs
The scoreboard reads 124–113, but the game was a tight contest until the final twelve minutes. Here is why New York prevailed over the generational talent of Victor Wembanyama.
The “Nova Knicks” Chemistry vs. The One-Man Army
- The 4th Quarter Surge: The deciding factor was the fourth quarter, where the Knicks outscored the Spurs 35–19. New York’s depth wore San Antonio down. While the Spurs relied heavily on their young core, the Knicks had seven players score in double figures.
- Jalen Brunson (MVP): Brunson was named the Tournament MVP for a reason. He finished with 25 points and 8 assists, controlling the tempo and ensuring the Knicks didn’t panic when they trailed by 11 points in the third quarter. His ability to penetrate the paint forced the Spurs’ defense to collapse, opening up shooters.
- The Anunoby Factor: OG Anunoby was the unsung hero, leading the Knicks in scoring with 28 points, including five crucial three-pointers. His spacing pulled Wembanyama away from the rim, neutralizing the Frenchman’s shot-blocking ability.
The Wembanyama Limitation
- Injury Return: Victor Wembanyama was returning from a calf injury and was on a minutes restriction. He played only 25 minutes, finishing with 18 points and 6 rebounds.
- Running out of Gas: The Spurs’ offense stagnated when Wembanyama sat. Furthermore, in the critical 4th quarter, Wembanyama struggled to find his rhythm, shooting 0-for-4 from the field in the final period. The Knicks physically bullied him on the glass, with Mitchell Robinson (15 rebounds) dominating the paint when it mattered most.
3. Why the NBA Cup is Booming in Popularity
The 2025 edition of the NBA Cup has solidified the tournament’s place in American sports culture.
- Playoff Intensity in December: Fans usually ignore the NBA until Christmas Day. The NBA Cup has successfully pulled “playoff energy” forward into December. The single-elimination format creates a “March Madness” atmosphere that the regular season lacks.
- Las Vegas as a Neutral Site: Hosting the Final Four in Las Vegas creates a Super Bowl-like spectacle. It attracts celebrities, high-rollers, and international fans, creating a buzz that transcends a standard Tuesday night game.
- The “Bench Celebration” Effect: Because the financial stakes are so high for the 12th, 13th, and 14th men on the roster (the bench warmers), the energy on the sidelines is infectious. Fans love seeing superstars like Brunson fighting hard not just for their own legacy, but to help their teammates on lower salaries win life-changing money.
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