The first silverware of the 2025‑26 NBA season is up for grabs. The NBA Cup has narrowed to a showdown between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Both teams have finished the regular season with identical 18‑7 records.
New York is riding a five‑game winning streak and boasts a roster led by Jalen Brunson, who averages 28.8 points per game. Karl‑Anthony Towns contributes 22.4 points and 11.9 rebounds each night. Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Jordan Clarkson and Mitchell Robinson provide key support, while Miles McBride and Landry Shamet are sidelined by injuries.
San Antonio also sits at 18‑7, though the team has had to cope with periods when Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox are out. Wembanyama averages 25.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. Fox averages 23.9 points and shoots 39.1 % from beyond the arc on 6.5 attempts.
In their last two matchups against New York, Wembanyama posted 40 points and 20 rebounds in a 130‑126 win, followed by 42 points and 18 rebounds in a 117‑114 loss. Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie are all averaging double‑digit numbers for the Spurs.
The Spurs entered the contest fresh off a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were runners‑up in the 2024 NBA Cup Final before lifting the main NBA Championship in the summer. The Knicks secured their spot by defeating the Orlando Magic in the semifinal. Both teams appear to have the tools to win, though the Knicks have often been viewed as underdogs.
The 2025 NBA Cup Final will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT at T‑Mobile Arena, the neutral venue that also hosts the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. The game will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video.
Players on the winning team will each receive an extra $530,933, while those on the losing side will earn $212,373. This prize structure adds a tangible incentive to an already high‑stakes matchup.
The NBA Cup has seen only two finals since its inception in 2023. In 2023 the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 123‑109, and in 2024 the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 97‑81.
Key Takeaways
- Knicks and Spurs both finish the season 18‑7 and meet on Dec. 16 for the Cup Final.
- Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson will likely lead their teams in scoring.
- Winners earn $530,933 each; losers receive $212,373.
The matchup promises to be a clash of talent and determination, with both franchises eager to claim the inaugural NBA Cup trophy for the 2025‑26 season. Fans can watch the showdown on Prime Video and cheer on their favorite players as they compete for the coveted title.
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