New York Knicks stage massive fourth-quarter comeback to stun San Antonio Spurs 124-113 and claim 2025 Emirates NBA Cup title
It was a tale of two halves in the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup Final. The young San Antonio Spurs, powered by Victor Wembanyama and rookie sensation Dylan Harper, looked unstoppable early, building an 11-point lead and appearing destined for their first NBA Cup crown. But in a shocking turn of events, the New York Knicks unleashed a ferocious rally to steal the championship 124-113, leaving Wembanyama and the Spurs heartbroken on the biggest stage.
Spurs Dominate Early: Wembanyama and Harper Shine Bright
The Spurs came out firing, controlling the pace and overwhelming the Knicks with their length and athleticism. Victor Wembanyama, the towering phenom, erupted in the third quarter with blocks, threes, and highlight-reel plays, pushing San Antonio’s lead to double digits. Rookie Dylan Harper led all Spurs scorers with 21 points, showcasing why he’s a cornerstone of their future.
At one point trailing by 11, the Spurs seemed poised to cruise to victory – a statement win for one of the league’s youngest teams against a veteran Knicks squad.
The Shocking Rally: Knicks Flip the Script in the Fourth
Everything changed in the final period. The Knicks outscored the Spurs 35-19 in the fourth quarter, opening with a blistering 15-3 run that erased the deficit and seized control. New York’s relentless attack on the offensive glass proved decisive: They hauled in 23 offensive rebounds, turning them into 32 second-chance points – the most the Spurs have allowed in over two decades.
OG Anunoby caught fire with a game-high 28 points and five 3-pointers, while Jalen Brunson (25 points, 8 assists) orchestrated the comeback and earned NBA Cup MVP honors. The bench sparked the surge, and suddenly, the Spurs’ early dominance evaporated in a wave of Knicks momentum.
Heartbreak for Wembanyama and the Spurs’ Bright Future
For Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 18 points, the loss stung deeply – a painful reminder of how close the Spurs came to glory. Despite the heartbreak, this run to the final showcased San Antonio’s potential: With Wemby and Harper leading the charge, the Spurs are building something special and could be contenders sooner than expected.
Meanwhile, the Knicks celebrated their first trophy since 1973, ending a 52-year drought in euphoric fashion.
What This Means for the NBA Cup and Beyond
The Knicks’ stunning rally not only delivered prize money (around $530,000 per player) but also massive momentum heading into the regular season. For the Spurs, the pain of this near-miss will fuel their growth.
NBA fans are left buzzing: How far can these young Spurs go? And can the Knicks build on this shocking comeback for a deeper playoff run?
One thing’s certain – this 2025 NBA Cup Final was pure drama from start to heartbreaking finish.
