Knicks Capture NBA Cup, Brunson Named MVP

New York's championship-caliber squad eyes NBA Finals after defeating Spurs in Las Vegas showdown

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:41pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in bright colors, representing the players and action of the Knicks' NBA Cup championship game.The Knicks' NBA Cup triumph is captured in a dynamic, cubist-inspired illustration that captures the raw energy and drama of the championship game.NYC Today

The New York Knicks have seized the NBA Cup, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in a thrilling matchup at Madison Square Garden. Led by forward OG Anunoby's 28 points and point guard Jalen Brunson's 25-point, MVP-winning performance, the Knicks etched their names into history, igniting dreams of a Knicks resurgence. This victory comes decades after the team's last championship in 1973, sparking debates over the significance of the NBA Cup tournament and its potential impact on the league's balance of power.

Why it matters

The Knicks' triumph not only ends their championship drought but also raises questions about the NBA Cup's role in predicting playoff success. While some view the tournament as a mere preseason tune-up, others see it as a valuable opportunity for exposure and extra earnings. This victory could signal a shift in the Eastern Conference's fortunes, potentially challenging the dominance of powerhouse teams in the West.

The details

In the showdown in Las Vegas, the Knicks were led by forward OG Anunoby, who scored 28 points, and point guard Jalen Brunson, who contributed 25 points and earned the tournament's Most Valuable Player award. The Knicks' depth and chemistry, forged during their college days at Villanova, were on full display as they powered past the Spurs. Despite a nagging calf injury, Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns played through adversity, tallying 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Knicks dominated the interior, securing a 59-42 rebounding advantage, which translated to a 56-44 edge in points scored inside the paint.

  • The NBA Cup final took place on Tuesday evening in Las Vegas.
  • The Knicks' last championship was in 1973.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' point guard, who contributed 25 points and was named the NBA Cup's Most Valuable Player.

OG Anunoby

The Knicks' forward, who led the team with 28 points in the championship game.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' big man, who played through a nagging calf injury to contribute 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Dylan Harper

The Spurs' guard, who stood out with 21 points in the championship game.

Victor Wembanyama

The young Spurs star, who added 18 points in the championship game.

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What’s next

The Knicks' championship victory could signal a shift in the Eastern Conference's fortunes, potentially challenging the dominance of powerhouse teams in the West. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see if the Knicks can carry this momentum into the NBA playoffs and make a deep run towards the Finals.

The takeaway

The Knicks' NBA Cup triumph has reignited hopes for a Knicks resurgence, with their championship-caliber squad showcasing impressive depth, chemistry, and resilience. While the significance of the NBA Cup tournament remains debated, the Knicks' victory has the potential to reshape the league's balance of power and set the stage for an exciting playoff run.