The New York Knicks produced a commanding late comeback to beat the San Antonio Spurs 124–113 and lift the NBA Cup in Las Vegas on Tuesday night.
In the latest Knicks vs Spurs showdown, New York turned a five-point deficit at the start of the final quarter into a convincing win, outscoring San Antonio 35–19 over the last 12 minutes.
While the tournament final does not count towards regular-season standings, the performance under pressure highlighted the Knicks’ growing confidence.
What happened in the Knicks vs Spurs NBA Cup final?
The decisive moment arrived immediately after the restart. The Knicks opened the final period with an 8–0 run, forcing San Antonio into hurried shots and disrupting their rhythm.
The Spurs, who had led 94–89 after three quarters, struggled to respond as New York tightened defensively and began finding space from beyond the arc.
San Antonio shot just 26.3% in the fourth quarter, a stark contrast to the Knicks’ improved efficiency at both ends of the floor.
Who led the Knicks to victory?
OG Anunoby was the standout performer for New York, finishing with 28 points and sinking five three-pointers. His corner three with just under two minutes remaining pushed the lead back to eight points and effectively ended the contest.
OG Anunoby 28 PTS, 9 REBS, 3 ASTS, 1 BLK, 5 3PM, 0 TOs on 10/17 FG vs Spurs
KNICKS ARE NBA CUP CHAMPIONS https://t.co/N0ZGY2zoPq pic.twitter.com/dt4cZbJomg
— NBA Performances (@NBARewinds) December 17, 2025
NBA Cup MVP Jalen Brunson added 25 points and eight assists, controlling the tempo during the decisive stretch.
“Brunson’s decision-making in the fourth quarter was outstanding,” said a BBC Sport NBA analyst during post-game analysis.
Karl-Anthony Towns also made a crucial contribution. Despite missing over 12 minutes with a calf issue, he returned late to post 16 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Knicks close out the game.
Spurs fade after strong third quarter
San Antonio appeared in control after a strong third quarter, during which Victor Wembanyama scored 12 of his 18 points. However, the Spurs were unable to maintain that momentum.
Wembanyama, playing just 25 minutes in his second appearance after missing 12 games with a calf injury, was eased back cautiously. The Spurs’ offence stalled in the final quarter, and missed shots allowed New York to run away with the game.
His limited minutes come as the franchise remains cautious despite the growing excitement around Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs impact and rising dominance, which continues to shape long-term expectations in San Antonio.
Dylan Harper led San Antonio with 21 points, while De’Aaron Fox added 16 points and nine assists. Despite solid individual performances, the team struggled to match New York’s intensity when the game tightened.
Knicks vs Spurs: Shooting comparison
| Team | Field Goal % | 3-Point % | 4th Quarter Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 46.7% | 37.5% | 35 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 41.4% | 35.9% | 19 |
The numbers underscore how New York’s efficiency, particularly late in the game, proved decisive.
What does this victory mean in context?
The Knicks have now won six straight games and 10 of their last 11, a run that reinforces their status as one of the league’s in-form teams.
Although the NBA Cup does not affect league positions, victories in high-pressure settings can shape a team’s mindset heading into the heart of the season.
For UK fans following the NBA, the final offered a clear demonstration of how momentum and execution can swing elite-level games.
Key moments
- New York began the fourth quarter with an 8–0 scoring run
- San Antonio managed just 19 points in the final period
- OG Anunoby hit the decisive late three-pointer
As NBA coverage continues to expand in the UK, games like Knicks vs Spurs showcase the intensity of the league’s in-season tournament.
With more accessible broadcasts and growing interest, British fans are increasingly engaged with high-stakes NBA action.
