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Featured Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Knicks NBA Cup Win: Why It Matters

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Scott Anthony | Last updated Dec 20, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in an NBA Cup Finals win, with the final score being 124-113. As they exited group stages and played their way through the knockout rounds, the Cup provided the Knicks with a playoff atmosphere early in the season. Winning the whole thing resulted in a confidence boost across the board. The Cup is in its third year, and comparing it to the NBA Finals causes many fans to bristle at the idea that the Cup has any meaning. The Knicks won’t be hanging their NBA Cup banner. Their focus is entirely on making the NBA Finals.

Knicks NBA Cup Win: Why It Matters

Bonus Money

The bonus payout teams receive is one of the most common reasons cited. Main roster players and head coach Mike Brown each received a total payout of approximately $530,000. Two-way players and assistant coaches receive a smaller percentage, and the rest of the staff, including the trainers who keep players healthy, receive no bonus.

Jalen Brunson, when asked after winning the Cup finals, said, “I’m giving some of it back to our training staff…they helped us to get here.” This follows Brunson being put on the spot before the Cup finals in a press conference, being asked if the team planned on “spreading the wealth.”

Playing In High-Stakes Situations

Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek (13) dribbles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Money aside, the confidence boost is massive. Coach Brown found bench players rising to the occasion, such as Tyler Kolek, who made an impact late in the Cup finals. With Kolek, Brunson was able to breathe and play off-ball, which spread the opposing defense. Jordan Clarkson ignited the Knicks to begin the fourth quarter, nailing two threes and snagging an offensive rebound, which he fed to Mitchell Robinson for an easy two. This 8-0 run gave the Knicks the lead early in the fourth, and they never gave it up again.

Brown is still experimenting and questioning his roster. High-stakes games like the Cup finals act as a catalyst to find those answers. With Kolek stepping up, look for him to play increased minutes.

Fans Opinions Vary

Fan sentiment about the value of the Cup certainly changes depending on who you ask. Some bristle at the idea of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver attempting to bring money and attention into the league. Additionally, others cite the Emirates sponsor as a major issue, with claims that the NBA is facilitating sportswashing.

In terms of legacy, the Cup does not compare to the Larry O’Brien trophy. Since 1977, it has been the standard to which teams and all players are measured. The legacy of a player can and has been defined by their NBA Finals ring count, and the Cup may never reach such importance.

Knicks Decline To Hang The Cup Banner

Shortly after winning the NBA Cup, the Knicks decided not to hang their Cup championship banner in Madison Square Garden. While coach Brown alluded to the importance of hanging a banner in MSG, the focus is clear. Unquestionably, the Knicks are competing for a Larry O’Brien Finals trophy, and won’t crown themselves prematurely.

The Knicks are likely to hang such a banner after the dust settles on their season. The in-season tournament will continue the fight to gain attention and legitimacy in the eyes of players and fans alike.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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