The New York Knicks won the 2025 NBA Copa title by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in the final played at T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, on the night of December 16th. The match, which marked the third edition of the league’s in-season tournament, saw the Knicks overcome a deficit of up to 11 points in the second half thanks to a strong fightback in the fourth quarter. The Nova York team outscored the Spurs 35-19 in the final minutes and dominated the rebounds, securing the franchise’s first trophy since 1973.
The victory represented the third different champion in three editions of the competition, starting in 2023 with Los Angeles Lakers and followed by Milwaukee Bucks in 2024. Jalen Brunson, voted MVP of the tournament, contributed 25 points and eight assists, while OG Anunoby led the attack with 28 points.
- Knicks advanced to the final after eliminating Orlando Magic in the semifinals by 132 to 120.
- The Spurs reached the decision after beating the Oklahoma City Thunder by 111 to 109.
- The final did not count towards regular season statistics, except for previous tournament matches.
Knicks individual highlights
OG Anunoby shone with 28 points, converting five three-point shots in an efficient performance. Ele was the main scorer in the first half, scoring 20 points and helping to maintain the initial balance. Jalen Brunson, despite a low record of 11 hits in 27 goals, distributed eight assists and commanded the attack in the decisive moments.
Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds, despite dealing with a knee injury that temporarily took him off the court. Sua presence in the paint was essential for the dominance in rebounds. Do bench, Mitchell Robinson grabbed 15 rebounds, including ten offensive ones, generating crucial second chances.
Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek added important boosts off the bench. Clarkson scored 15 points and was decisive on triples in the fourth quarter. Kolek, in extensive minutes, helped with the transition and adjusted defense.
Dominance in rebounds and second-chance points
The Knicks controlled the rebounds 59 to 42, exploiting the defensive flaws of the Spurs. Essa’s superiority resulted in 32 second-chance points, a mark that San Antonio hadn’t allowed since 2001. Mitchell Robinson led the way with ten offensive rebounds, converting extra possessions into scores.
In the fourth quarter, the Knicks opened with a 12-1 run, quickly reversing the score. The defense intensified the pressure, limiting the Spurs to just 19 points in the final half. Essa collective strategy sealed the turnaround and the title.
Spurs’s performance in the final
The Spurs led for a large part of the game, imposing a fast pace with their rotation of point guards. Dylan Harper came off the bench to score 21 points, being the team’s top scorer. Victor Wembanyama recorded 18 points in limited minutes, but struggled against Knicks’s tight scoring.
De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle contributed scoring and assists, keeping the offense fluid. Apesar from initial control, the Spurs suffered from opposing offensive rebounds and low performance in the fourth quarter. The Texan team showed potential, but did not maintain the advantage in the final moments.
Path of teams in the tournament
The Knicks finished the group stage with an advantage in points differential and advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating the Toronto Raptors. Nas semi-finals, Brunson scored 40 points against Orlando Magic. Essa campaign highlighted the depth of the New York cast.
Spurs surprised by eliminating strong teams, including Oklahoma City Thunder in the semi-finals. Wembanyama and young people like Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle gained valuable experience. The final represented a milestone in the rebuilding of the franchise.
Prizes and cash prizes
Each Knicks player received around 530 thousand dollars for the title. The runners-up Spurs pocketed approximately 212 thousand dollars per athlete. Semifinalistas won smaller amounts, encouraging competition.
Jalen Brunson was voted MVP almost unanimously, averaging more than 33 points in the tournament. Sua leadership was fundamental to the success of Knicks. The individual award capped a dominant campaign.
Repercussions of the title for the Knicks
The achievement brought the franchise its first trophy in more than 50 years, boosting the squad’s morale. Jogadores as Brunson and Anunoby reinforced their status as pillars of the team. The fans celebrated the banner that will be erected at Madison Square Garden.
The bank showed strength, with decisive contributions from reserves such as Robinson and Clarkson. Essa depth could be key for the remainder of the regular season. Os Knicks will play again soon, facing an intense schedule.
Prospects for the Spurs after the final
San Antonio demonstrated competitiveness against elite teams despite the defeat. The experience in the final accelerates the development of young people like Wembanyama and Harper. The team returns to Texas with valuable lessons for the rest of the season.
The tournament highlighted the Spurs’s new identity, with an emphasis on speed and defense. Apesar from runner-up, the performance indicates potential for playoffs. The franchise continues to rise with its young core.