After 52 years, the Knicks have won the championship again! The Spurs’ issues are quite obvious!

The NBA Cup Finals have come to an end.

The Knicks rallied late to beat the Spurs 124-113 and secured the championship, becoming another team to hoist the trophy after the Lakers and Bucks.

Brunson earned the Finals MVP award!

Statistical highlights: Anunoby scored 28 points with 9 rebounds and 3 assists, Brunson had 25 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 blocks, Towns contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds, Clarkson added 15 points and 2 boards, Colec posted 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, Hart recorded 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, Bridges had 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, Robinson finished with 4 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks.

Harper scored 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, Wembanyama put up 18 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 blocks, Fox had 16 points, 2 rebounds, and 9 assists, Castle added 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 12 assists, Cornette contributed 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist, Vassell scored 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.

This marks the Knicks’ first championship title in 52 years, since 1973.

Although it’s not the O’Brien Trophy, for the formerly struggling Knicks, this is undoubtedly fantastic news.

They needed this kind of energy boost.

Since we’re talking about the NBA Cup, we must start with the money aspect.

After all, you could see the excitement from the Knicks’ bench players when the game ended.

This year, each player on the championship teamwith an official contractis entitled to receivea bonus of $530,933(before taxes).

The runner-up bonus is $212,000, which is significantly less, so there’s no doubt about the competitive spirit of these two teams.

Head coaches and standard contract players can receive the full bonus mentioned above, assistant coaches get 75%, and two-way contract players can earn up to 50%.

Looking back at their path to the finals, the Knicks finished the group stage with a 3-1 record, topping the Eastern Conference Group C, then eliminated the Raptors in the quarterfinals and defeated the Magic in the semifinals.

The Spurs led Western Conference Group C, beating the Lakers on the road in the playoffs, then knocking out the league-leading Thunder in the semis to reach the finals.

This final isn’t counted towards regular season records; it’s all about honor and money.

For some players, especially role players and staff, this is a life-changing opportunity.

Let’s talk about the game itself.

The favorite’s downfall was real.

After San Antonio knocked down the giant Thunder, they became the giants themselves.

Many might have forgotten that the New York Knicks are a strong Eastern contender aiming for the championship.

For the first three quarters, the Spurs were dominant for a long stretch, but the tide turned in the fourth quarter and they were overtaken.

Where did New York’s advantage lie?

Watching the game, my biggest impression is that since Coach Thibodeau took over, their offense has improved significantly; Brunson’s isolation plays have greatly decreased, and the two top-tier 3-and-D players stand out, making the offense very well-rounded.

This is not a criticism of Thibodeau; if you expect their offense to be extremely complex and dazzling, it’s not.

However, there is a clear difference in ball sharing and overall involvement.

This season, the Knicks rank third in the league in average points per game, and their three-point attempts and outside shooting percentages are all among the top five in the NBA.

In terms of roster, their strengths are the height and athleticism on the wing.

Missed shots? Just rebound!

Mirotic alone grabbed 10 offensive rebounds, Towns and Anunoby had 4 each, creating nearly 20 extra scoring opportunities...

Additionally, bench players Clarkson and rookie Colec made significant contributions... The Knicks’ victory was well deserved.

Jordan’s sudden hot streak was incredible; the Chinese men’s basketball team can attest to that, and he definitely showed it today...

For the Spurs, aside from a brief run where Wembanyama scored 8 straight points, his overall performance was not outstanding.

Whenever he stepped out to shoot, the team’s rebounding was left unprotected.

Moreover, his playing time was limited today.

From this loss, the Spurs need to recognize their problem: Castle, Vassell, and Fox — before the trade deadline, one of them will likely be moved.

One more thing, Fox, as a veteran, had a disastrous fourth quarter; if he’s not suitable, then he’s just not suitable.

On one hand, the Spurs lack height on the wing, and Barnes is an inconsistent player.

More importantly, this game proved that second overall pick Harper is a high-level talent.

He had the best outside shooting and was the most effective defender against big players, yet at one point he was left without the ball...

Who will be the future primary passer to Wembanyama?

Look at the picture!