The New York Knicks will not raise an NBA Cup championship banner at Madison Square Garden, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday. While the Lakers and Bucks have displayed banners for NBA Cup titles the past two years, the Knicks plan to honor the win with fans at Friday’s home game.
New York secured the NBA Cup on Tuesday with a 124-113 comeback victory over the San Antonio Spurs at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The victory gives the franchise its first NBA Cup banner, although it does not end New York’s overall championship drought dating back to 1973.
The Knicks overcame a second-half deficit behind OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson, who combined for 53 points. Anunoby scored 28, while Brunson added 25 to earn NBA Cup MVP honors, sparking a decisive 13-1 run late in the third quarter that gave New York a 100-95 lead that they never relinquished.
Rebounding proved crucial, with the Knicks dominating the glass 59-42 and scoring 56 points in the paint. Mitchell Robinson contributed 15 rebounds in just 18 minutes, including 10 offensive boards that expanded possession and helped New York close out the game.
Karl-Anthony Towns added 16 points and 11 rebounds despite a calf problem that briefly forced him to the locker room in the first half and briefly sidelined him in the third quarter. He returned in the fourth quarter to stabilize the interior.
San Antonio was led by Dylan Harper’s 21 points off the bench, while Victor Wembanyama added 18 and De’Aaron Fox contributed 16 points. The Spurs struggled to match New York’s physicality inside, especially during the Knicks’ decisive run.
Financially, each Knicks player on a standard contract earned $318,560 for winning the NBA Cup, which when combined with reaching the Finals totaled $530,933 per player. Despite the tournament victory, the match will not impact the regular season standings, leaving both teams at 18–7 in their respective divisions.
The Knicks travel to Indiana on Thursday for their next regular season game, while the Spurs return home to take on Washington. Friday’s homecoming celebration at Madison Square Garden will give fans a chance to celebrate the team’s first NBA Cup championship in franchise history.
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