New York Knicks end decades-long wait for hardware with stunning fourth-quarter rally to defeat San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in 2025 Emirates NBA Cup Final
The New York Knicks have done it! In a breathtaking display of resilience and depth, the Knicks staged an epic comeback to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup Championship game on Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena. This victory marks the Knicks’ first trophy of any kind since their 1973 NBA Championship – a staggering 52-year drought finally broken in dramatic fashion.
The Epic Comeback: How the Knicks Turned the Tide
Trailing by as many as 11 points in the second half and entering the fourth quarter down by five, the Knicks exploded with a 35-19 scoring advantage in the final period. They opened the quarter on a blistering 15-3 run, fueled by clutch shots from the bench and relentless offensive rebounding.
Key to the win was New York’s dominance on the glass: The Knicks grabbed 23 offensive rebounds, converting them into 32 second-chance points – a feat the Spurs hadn’t allowed since 2001. This rebounding frenzy overwhelmed San Antonio and sealed the comeback that no one saw coming.
Standout Performances That Sealed the Deal
- OG Anunoby led all scorers with 28 points, knocking down five 3-pointers and providing elite defense.
- Jalen Brunson, despite a tough 11-of-27 shooting night, delivered 25 points and 8 assists. His leadership in crunch time earned him the 2025 NBA Cup MVP award – joining legends like LeBron James and Giannis Antokounmpo.
- Karl-Anthony Towns battled through a temporary injury scare to contribute 16 points and 11 rebounds.
- The bench was the unsung hero: Jordan Clarkson (team-high +15) and rookie Tyler Kolek (+14) sparked the fourth-quarter surge, with Clarkson hitting back-to-back threes to flip the momentum.
On the Spurs side, rookie Dylan Harper led with 21 points, while Victor Wembanyama added 18 in a valiant but ultimately heartbreaking effort for the young contenders.
Why This NBA Cup Win Matters for the Knicks
This isn’t just any trophy – it’s the Knicks’ first piece of silverware in over five decades, ending a drought that spanned generations of fans. For a franchise that lost in the 1999 NBA Finals to these very Spurs, this victory feels like sweet redemption.
With Jalen Brunson cementing his status as a clutch superstar and the team’s depth shining under pressure, questions are swirling: Is this the start of a Knicks dynasty? The 2025-26 season is young, but New York has sent a clear message – they’re built for big moments and hungry for more.
The Emirates NBA Cup victory also comes with perks: Each Knicks player pockets $530,933 in prize money, while the Spurs earn $212,373 as runners-up.
What’s Next After the NBA Cup Triumph?
The Knicks return to regular-season action quickly, facing tough tests ahead. But with this comeback win in their pocket, momentum is firmly on their side. NBA fans are buzzing: Could this in-season tournament success propel New York deep into the playoffs – or even to their first Finals appearance since 1999?
Stay tuned – the Knicks’ epic story is just beginning. If this comeback is any indication, you won’t want to miss what’s next!
