The stage is set for the championship game of the 2025 NBA Cup (the league’s in-season tournament), where the New York Knicks will face the San Antonio Spurs in a battle for the new trophy, bragging rights, and a significant cash prize.
This matchup features two of the league’s hottest teams—both entering the final with an impressive 18-7 record—and offers a fascinating clash of styles.
Game Details
| Detail | Information |
| Matchup | New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs |
| Date | Tuesday, December 16, 2025 |
| Time | 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. CST) |
| Location | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV |
| Stakes | NBA Cup Trophy, Bragging Rights, and an extra $308,560 per player for the winning team (total Cup earnings over $530,000). |
Road to the Final
New York Knicks (Eastern Conference Champion)
The Knicks secured their spot by defeating the Orlando Magic 132-120 in the semifinals, led by a scorching performance from their star guard.
-
Knicks’ MVP: Jalen Brunson has been sensational throughout the tournament, dropping a season-high 40 points in the semifinal victory. He is the engine of the New York offense, driving their consistent success.
-
X-Factor: Karl-Anthony Towns has provided elite scoring and rebounding alongside Brunson. In the semifinals, rookie guard Tyler Kolek provided a huge spark off the bench, significantly impacting the team’s plus/minus.
San Antonio Spurs (Western Conference Champion)
The Spurs pulled off a massive upset in the semifinals, defeating the heavily favored (and defending champion) Oklahoma City Thunder, 111-109, in a thrilling finish that snapped OKC’s 16-game winning streak.
-
Spurs’ MVP: De’Aaron Fox and rookie Stephon Castle have headlined a strong, aggressive guard rotation, but the biggest story is the return of Victor Wembanyama.
-
The X-Factor: Wembanyama’s Return: The young superstar returned from a 12-game calf injury absence in the semifinal, scoring 22 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in just 21 minutes. He was a +21 in his limited time on the floor, anchoring a defense that completely stifled the Thunder when he was in the game. His presence changes everything for the Spurs.
Matchup Breakdown: Point Guard vs. Paint Dominance
This final presents a classic battle between an elite offense driven by a top-tier small guard and a defense anchored by a generational rim protector.
| Category | New York Knicks | San Antonio Spurs |
| Offensive Focus | Jalen Brunson’s relentless attack, supported by Karl-Anthony Towns’ versatility. | Aggressive guard play (Fox, Castle) and Devin Vassell’s perimeter shooting. |
| Defensive Edge | Physical perimeter defense and Josh Hart’s gritty play. | Victor Wembanyama’s elite rim protection and ability to cover ground. |
| Key Question | Can Brunson (who has been prone to high-volume shooting) maintain his efficiency against a Spurs defense energized by Wembanyama? | Can Wembanyama’s conditioning hold up, and will his sheer defensive presence be enough to slow down the Knicks’ high-scoring pace? |
| Betting Line | Knicks -2.5 |
