NBA Cup Final - Brunson Scores 25, Towns Records a Double-Double, Knicks Rally with Seven Players in Double Figures to Overcome Spurs and Win the Title

On December 17th, Beijing time, the NBA Cup Final saw the Spurs face off against the Knicks. The Spurs maintained a narrow lead during the first three quarters, but the Knicks launched an intense rally in the last quarter. Despite poor shooting from Brunson and Bridges, the substitutes contributed valuable points. Ultimately, the Knicks secured the championship by defeating the Spurs 124-113.

Statistics:

Spurs: Wembanyama scored 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, Vassell added 12 points, Barnes contributed 11 points, Kessler recorded 15 points and 12 assists, Fox had 16 points and 9 assists, Harper scored 21 points.

Knicks: Brunson tallied 25 points and 8 assists, Towns achieved 16 points and 11 rebounds, Anunoby posted 28 points and 9 rebounds, Bridges scored 11 points, Clarkson added 15 points, Robinson had 4 points and 15 rebounds, Colec contributed 14 points, Hart scored 11 points.

Game Progress:

At the start of the first quarter, the Knicks took an early 7-2 lead. Fox hit a mid-range jumper, and Cornette dunked, prompting the Spurs to respond with a 9-0 run to take the lead. Anunoby’s three-pointer stopped the bleeding for the Knicks, but the Spurs kept up their pressure, going on a 6-2 run to try to widen the gap. The Knicks then scored 7 straight points to regain the lead, but Barnes’ layup tied the game. The teams exchanged baskets in a back-and-forth battle, with Fox sinking two free throws in the final 10 seconds. The quarter ended with the Spurs leading 30-28 by 2 points.

In the second quarter, the Spurs struck first with a 5-point run to extend their lead. The Knicks responded with steady scoring to keep the deficit close. Harper’s three-pointer ignited the Spurs’ offense, allowing them to push their advantage to 6 points, though Hart’s three-pointer helped the Knicks stop the bleeding. The Spurs kept scoring, stretching the lead to 7 points at one point, but the Knicks answered with a 6-2 run to narrow the gap. The Spurs maintained roughly a 3-point lead as the half ended. After two quarters, the Spurs were ahead 61-59 by 2 points.

In the third quarter, Fox opened with back-to-back three-pointers to increase the margin. The Knicks fought hard to catch up, but the Spurs consistently answered. Midway through the quarter, Harper’s layup pushed the lead into double digits. Towns hit a three to cut the deficit, but Hart quickly responded with a three-pointer of his own. The Knicks finally found their rhythm, going on an 8-3 run to close the gap, but Wembanyama’s three-pointer halted their momentum. Late in the quarter, the Knicks scored 5 points on two possessions. After three quarters, the Spurs led 94-89 by 5 points.

In the decisive fourth quarter, the Knicks erupted with an 8-0 run to take the lead and forced the Spurs to call a timeout. Fox made one of two free throws in a tough attempt to close the gap, but the Knicks countered with a 7-2 run to go up by 7 points. Kessler’s layup finally stopped the Knicks’ run. The teams then battled closely, with the Knicks holding a lead of about 5 points. In the closing moments, Wembanyama made two free throws to cut the difference to 3 points, but Brunson’s layup steadied the Knicks. Both sides exchanged three-pointers; Anunoby hit another three, and Colec made a crucial block. The Spurs couldn’t recover, and the game ended with the Knicks winning 124-113 to claim the championship.

Starting Lineups:

Spurs: Vassell, Barnes, Cornette, Kessler, Fox

Knicks: Hart, Anunoby, Towns, Bridges, Brunson