Anunoby scores 28, Brunson MVP as Knicks rally late, secure thrilling victory, then focus moves forward
LAS VEGAS
The New York Knicks finally have a reason to celebrate after decades, the team captured the NBA Cup by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in a thrilling showdown.
OG Anunoby led the charge with 28 points, while Jalen Brunson added 25, earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award. The Knicks overcame a late deficit, turning a tight game into a memorable victory. “This is great and we’re going to enjoy this,” Brunson said. “But once we leave tomorrow, we’re moving on.”
Coach Mike Brown praised his team’s resilience. “Every game counts in a single-elimination tournament,” he said. “Success builds confidence for everyone in the organization.” Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds despite dealing with a calf injury, exiting briefly in the third quarter but returning later to help seal the win.
The Spurs were led by Dylan Harper, who scored 21 points, Victor Wembanyama with 18, and De’Aaron Fox with 16. Wembanyama left the postgame press conference early, citing a personal loss. Despite their effort, San Antonio could not stop New York’s dominance inside the paint. Mitchell Robinson pulled down 15 rebounds, 10 on offense, giving the Knicks a 56-44 points-in-the-paint advantage.
A key 13-1 run late in the third quarter allowed New York to take a 100-95 lead, a margin they never gave up. Beyond glory, each Knicks player earned an extra $318,560 for winning, bringing the total prize to $530,933.
While this victory doesn’t affect regular season standings, both teams remain atop their divisions at 18-7. For the Knicks, it’s a strong sign of hope for the Eastern Conference and perhaps, a glimpse of championship glory ahead.