The New York Knicks just won the NBA Cup championship, beating the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 during Tuesday’s finale at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
OG Anunoby led the way for New York with 28 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while NBA Cup MVP Jalen Brunson scored 25 on top of four boards and eight dimes. On the other hand, seven players scored in double figures for the Spurs, but only rookie Dylan Harper breached the 20-point mark with 21.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who was apparently dealing with the loss of his grandmother on the same day, came off the bench amid his recovery from a calf injury and recorded 18 points, six rebounds and two blocks.
Despite the win, however, the Knicks do not plan to hang a banner for the championship. The previous two winners of the NBA Cup, the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, both raised banners for the in-season tournament title in their respective arenas.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Knicks simply plan to have a celebration with fans when they return home on Friday. They play the Indiana Pacers first at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday before hosting the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden the next day.
“The New York Knicks will not raise an NBA Cup championship banner at Madison Square Garden, sources tell ESPN. The Lakers and Bucks raised banners for NBA Cup titles over the last two years. Knicks will celebrate with home fans Friday,” Charania wrote.
Dwight Howard Not a Fan of the Knicks’ Decision
While some fans understand why the Knicks decided not to raise a banner — after all, the ultimate prize remains the NBA championship and the Larry O’Brien Trophy — former All-Star center Dwight Howard isn’t a big fan of the move.
For Howard, it’s important to celebrate wins in the league, especially since not every team can win such titles.
“I’m going to be second hand embarrassed if the Knicks don’t raise the NBA Cup Banner then don’t make it to the championship this year,” Howard wrote on X. “Celebrate your wins while you can.”
Sure enough, whatever the Knicks’ reason may be for not hanging a banner, Howard’s message should only add extra motivation for them as they pursue a third championship in franchise history.
