On Tuesday, December 16, the NBA Cup Final will pit the New York Knicks against the San Antonio Spurs at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, a neutral venue that also hosts the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. The matchup features the league’s most prolific scorers, with Knicks guard Jalen Brunson averaging 28.8 points per game and Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama averaging 25.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks. Both teams share identical 18‑7 records and have earned their spots by overcoming tough competition in the Eastern and Western Conferences, respectively. The game will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video, and the winning team’s players will each receive an additional $530,933.
Teams and Records
The New York Knicks finish the regular season with an 18‑7 record, riding a five‑game winning streak that keeps them firmly in the playoff hunt. The San Antonio Spurs also hold an 18‑7 record, matching the Knicks’ win‑loss tally while navigating a conference that presents a higher overall difficulty level. Both teams have secured their places in the final by defeating formidable opponents in their respective conference playoffs.
Key Players and Stats
Jalen Brunson leads the Knicks with 28.8 points per game, followed by Karl‑Anthony Towns who averages 22.4 points and 11.9 rebounds. Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart serve as the Knicks’ key role players, while Jordan Clarkson and Mitchell Robinson provide additional support. In San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama posts 25.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game, and De ’Aaron Fox averages 23.9 points with a 39.1% three‑point shooting percentage from 6.5 attempts.
Recent Performances and Injuries
The Knicks have been hampered by injuries, as Miles McBride and Landry Shamet are sidelined for the final. The Spurs entered the game fully healthy, with all core players available after a period of absences that included Wembanyama and Fox. Both teams have shown resilience, maintaining strong records despite these setbacks.
Historical Context
San Antonio recently defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were the runners‑up in the 2024 NBA Cup Final before capturing the NBA Championship in the summer. New York’s path to the final included a victory over the Orlando Magic in the semifinal. These results underscore the competitive nature of both teams’ journeys to the championship.
Game Details
The final will take place on Tuesday, December 16, with tipoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT). The neutral venue, T‑Mobile Arena, is located in Las Vegas and is also home to the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. The event will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video, providing nationwide access to fans.
Prize Money
Players on the winning team will each earn an extra $530,933, while players on the losing team will receive a prize of $212,373. These amounts reflect the league’s commitment to rewarding excellence in the NBA Cup.
NBA Cup Finals History
Since its inception in 2023, the NBA Cup has featured two finals. In 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 123‑109. In 2024, the Milwaukee Bucks bested the Oklahoma City Thunder 97‑81.
Victor Wembanyama’s Recent Matchups
In his last two games against the Knicks, Wembanyama recorded 40 points and 20 rebounds in a 130‑126 win, followed by 42 points and 18 rebounds in a 117‑114 loss. These performances highlight his impact on the Spurs’ offensive and defensive efforts.
Spurs’ Supporting Cast
Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, and Julian Champagnie all average double‑digit points for San Antonio. Their contributions provide balance to Wembanyama’s dominance and offer the Spurs depth in scoring.
Knicks’ Supporting Cast
Beyond Brunson and Towns, the Knicks rely on Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Jordan Clarkson, and Mitchell Robinson to sustain their offensive output. Injuries to Miles McBride and Landry Shamet have forced adjustments to the lineup.
Expectations for the Final
The Spurs possess the tools to secure victory, with a healthy roster and a strong offensive core. However, the Knicks have experience as underdogs, often exceeding expectations in high‑stakes games. The matchup promises a competitive and closely contested battle.
Key Takeaways
- The NBA Cup Final features the Knicks (18‑7) versus the Spurs (18‑7) on December 16 at T‑Mobile Arena.
- Brunson leads the Knicks with 28.8 points per game; Wembanyama leads the Spurs with 25.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks.
- Winning players receive an additional $530,933, while losing players receive $212,373.
The 2025 NBA Cup Final is set to deliver a thrilling showdown between two evenly matched teams, each boasting star talent and a history of resilience. Fans can expect a high‑intensity game that showcases the best of the NBA’s emerging and established stars.
Hi, I’m Ethan R. Coleman, a dedicated journalist and content creator at newsoflosangeles.com — your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and stories from Los Angeles and beyond.
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