Knicks reportedly make decision on NBA Cup banner

The reports from Knicks and national insiders have indicated that the team will recognize the victory before Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. That will mark the first Knicks game at MSG since their Vegas vacation, which will immediately yield a trip to Indiana on Thursday night (7 p.m. ET, MSG).

“NYK doesn’t want to diminish accomplishment but has bigger goals in mind, winning title in June, source said,” SNY insider Ian Begley said. “NYK is very proud of players and staff winning NBA Cup and will celebrate players/acknowledge title on Friday, giving home fans chance to congratulate players.”

While there are plenty of blue-and-orange banners hanging from MSG’s ceiling, none have been raised since the Knicks’ most recent Atlantic Division title was recognized after 2012-13. Ironically, the Knicks earned their latest officially-recognized Association title against the Spurs, the team they faced during their last NBA Finals showing in 1999.

Discourse around the NBA Cup since its introduction in 2023 has centered on what, if any, value a victory in the championship round carries. Many were surprised when the original champions, the 2023 Los Angeles Lakers, opted to raise a Cup banner next to the franchise’s plethora of postseason commemorations. Both the Lakers and the 2024 champion Milwaukee Bucks continue to display a Cup banner at their respective home arenas.

The victorious Knicks, for their part, have sought to let what happened in Vegas stay in Vegas thought several stars acknowledged a special feeling that Tuesday’s win generated.

I think it’s good that we won this. I think the way we won it is special, as well. I mean, our fans are always going to support us through thick and thin,” said NBA Cup MVP Jalen Brunson, who humorously acknowledged that the Knicks would likely hold no parade in the aftermath (h/t Yahoo! Sports). “I always focus on staying levelheaded through the positives, through the negatives. You can’t get too high, can’t get too low.”

“This is great. We’re going to enjoy this. But once we leave tomorrow, we’re moving on.”