Knicks Stun Spurs in Shocking NBA Cup Final Comeback: You Won't Believe How They Did It!

New York Knicks end their more-than-half-a-century trophy drought in the NBA with a victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

Published On 17 Dec 2025

In an exhilarating finale, the New York Knicks triumphed over the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 124-113, marking an end to a remarkable 52-year trophy drought for the franchise. The historic victory, achieved at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, saw OG Anunoby lead the Knicks with 28 points, showcasing his skills with five three-pointers.

The Knicks' point guard, Jalen Brunson, contributed significantly, finishing with 25 points and earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award. This win represents the Knicks' first silverware since their last NBA Finals victory in 1973, igniting a sense of pride and hope among their dedicated fan base.

Entering the finals, the Spurs were riding high on confidence after an impressive upset against the top-seeded and reigning NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in the semifinals. The young French sensation, Victor Wembanyama, played a pivotal role in that victory, raising expectations for San Antonio’s performance in the finals.

However, the Knicks executed a disciplined game plan that ultimately thwarted the Spurs’ ambitions. Despite trailing by 11 points late in the third quarter, the Knicks rallied in the fourth, outscoring the Spurs 35-19. A crucial turning point came when Clarkson and Tyler Kolek hit back-to-back three-pointers, narrowing the lead and shifting the momentum in New York's favor.

With contributions from seven players finishing in double figures—Karl-Anthony Towns with 16 points, Jordan Clarkson with 15, and both Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges contributing 11 points each—the Knicks demonstrated a balanced offensive attack. Additionally, Mitchell Robinson provided a crucial defensive presence off the bench, securing 15 rebounds and two blocks.

“OG Anunoby, Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, Mitchell Robertson – they played their as**s off tonight,” said Brunson after the game. “Without them we don’t win this. We got down 10 or whatever it was and we found a way to win. That’s going to be our motto going forward: We’re going to find a way.”

San Antonio, though disappointed, had notable performances, with Dylan Harper leading the bench with 21 points and De’Aaron Fox adding 16 points as a starter. However, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson identified team dynamics as a factor in the loss, citing too many offensive rebounds conceded and missed opportunities that hindered their chances.

“I think we struggled more as a team… We gave up a lot of offensive rebounds, which hurt us getting out in transition,” Johnson stated. “When we played with the appropriate space, but the right spacing and the right tempo, we got some really good looks. And we missed them. I think it was probably more of a team thing than I thought Victor was individually struggling.”

Looking ahead, Johnson remains optimistic about San Antonio’s prospects in the Western Conference, emphasizing the value of competitive experiences against seasoned teams. “Playing really competitive games against really, really good teams... I think is a valuable experience,” he noted.

The victory not only signifies a monumental achievement for the Knicks but also sets a hopeful tone for the rest of the season. Knicks head coach Mike Brown expressed confidence in the team's trajectory, stating, “Any time you can participate in an event where you’re the last one standing and you’re able to hang up a banner, especially at iconic Madison Square Garden, you take that seriously.”

For Knicks fans, this victory is more than just a trophy; it represents a long-awaited return to prominence in the NBA landscape. As the team celebrates this milestone, they also set their sights on a deeper playoff run, hoping this championship can ignite a resurgence in their storied legacy.