The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs will face off in the Emirates NBA Cup championship game on Tuesday in Las Vegas. The Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic 132-120 in the semifinals, led by Jalen Brunson's 40 points, while the Spurs edged the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-109 behind Victor Wembanyama's return from injury. Both teams have secured $212,373 per player in prize money, with winners earning an additional $308,560.
The Emirates NBA Cup semifinals concluded with the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs advancing to the championship game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This marks fresh territory for both teams, as most players lack experience in such high-stakes moments outside the playoffs.
In the Eastern Conference semifinal, the Knicks overcame the Orlando Magic 132-120. Jalen Brunson delivered a season-high 40 points on 16-of-27 shooting, adding eight assists. He scored 25 points in the first half and fueled a crucial 9-2 run late in the third quarter after the game was tied at 90. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 29 points while anchoring the defense, and backup guard Tyler Kolek provided key energy off the bench, finishing with four points and four assists in 16 minutes. The Knicks outscored the Magic by 18 points during Kolek's time on the floor. Knicks coach Mike Brown praised Brunson's impact: "He makes the game easier for everybody. That's what MVPs are supposed to do."
The Spurs, meanwhile, snapped the Thunder's 16-game winning streak with a 111-109 victory, handing Oklahoma City its second loss in 26 games. Victor Wembanyama, returning from a 12-game absence due to a left calf strain, came off the bench for 21 minutes and tallied 22 points and nine rebounds. His presence shifted the game dramatically; the Spurs outscored the Thunder 24-4 during his first-half minutes. Wembanyama scored the go-ahead basket with 2:32 left and went 4-for-6 from the foul line in the closing seconds. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson noted the excitement: "Our guys are excited to play really good teams." Thunder coach Mark Daigneault called Wembanyama's impact "huge."
The final won't count toward regular-season records or stats, but the stakes include a trophy and significant bonuses. Jalen Brunson leads the NBA Cup MVP ladder, followed by Towns and Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox. Wembanyama joked post-game: "Can you be Sixth Man of the Year and MVP?" Both teams enter at 18-7.
