The New York Knicks claimed the Emirates NBA Cup with a 124 – 113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, pulling away in the fourth quarter after a tightly contested final. While the scoreline suggests control, the game remained in the balance until New York’s depth proved decisive late on.
Knicks Stars Dominate
OG Anunoby led the way with an outstanding performance. He scored 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds, shooting 58.8 per cent from the field and 50 per cent from three-point range.
Jalen Brunson also impressed. The Knicks guard finished with 25 points and 8 assists, controlling tempo and punishing defensive lapses.
Embed from Getty ImagesKnicks Fourth-Quarter Control Decides the Final
After three closely contested quarters, the Spurs went into the fourth with a 94 – 91 lead. However, once the game entered the final period, New York found another gear. Their defence tightened, the ball moved quicker, and their leading scorers delivered under pressure.
In the end, it was Clarkson who really made the difference. Off the bench, he sank back-to-back threes, swinging the scoreline in favour of the Knicks, 94-97.
After regaining the lead early in the fourth quarter, the Knicks never lost it. OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson stayed efficient on offence, while Mitchell Robinson anchored the defence and controlled the boards alongside Anunoby.
Spurs Miss a Reliable Scoring Outlet
San Antonio struggled to generate consistent offence. Victor Wembanyama, still easing back from a calf strain, was limited to just 25 minutes. Without their franchise player at full capacity, the Spurs struggled to establish a clear offensive focal point.
Embed from Getty ImagesRookie Dylan Harper was the exception. He scored 21 points and was the only Spur to top 20. Harper also remained efficient, shooting 50 per cent from the field, 71.4 per cent from three, and 100 per cent from the free-throw line. However, his efforts alone were not enough to keep pace once the Knicks pulled clear.
What the Win Means for the Knicks
For the Knicks, this victory serves as a litmus test. They proved they can execute under pressure against a competitive opponent on a big stage. Securing the first piece of silverware this season may also provide momentum as the campaign progresses.
The Knicks currently sit second in the Eastern Conference, and this win could give them the confidence to challenge the leaders, the Detroit Pistons, while building momentum ahead of the NBA playoffs in April.
Spurs Take Lessons, Not Setbacks
While the Spurs leave empty-handed, there is plenty to be encouraged by. Earlier in the tournament, they beat Oklahoma City, handing them just their second loss of the season. That victory came with Wembanyama on restricted minutes and against a team with a historic 24-1 start. Pushing a healthy Knicks side deep into the final further suggests that San Antonio’s trajectory is moving in the right direction.
Below you can watch the highlights of the Emirates NBA Cup final: