Image Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

What Can The New York Knicks Do To Beat Spurs In NBA Cup Final Showdown?

Image Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks will enter Tuesday’s Emirates NBA Cup Final game as slight favorites against the San Antonio Spurs, aiming to cap their strong run with a title. Jalen Brunson and his teammates advanced to the final after defeating the Orlando Magic 132–120, powered by an offense ranked second in efficiency across the league.

Standing in their way are the Spurs, who stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinal. Victor Wembanyama returned from a 12‑game absence to deliver a decisive impact in San Antonio’s 111–109 victory, instantly shifting the narrative around the young team. The Knicks must prepare for a full 48‑minute battle against an opponent that has already shown it can withstand pressure from one of the NBA’s most dominant squads.

Oklahoma City opened its clash with San Antonio by racing to a 12‑point lead in the first quarter. The Thunder’s defensive intensity and execution initially kept the Spurs off balance, but Wembanyama’s presence helped his team claw back. Despite relentless pressure, the Spurs refused to fold, demonstrating the resilience that now awaits the Knicks in the final.

Wemby was asked about having a budding rivalry with OKC 🍿 pic.twitter.com/igKbFiMtjD
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 15, 2025

For New York, transition defense will be critical. San Antonio averages 16.1 points per game on the break, a figure they matched against the Thunder, who typically allow just 11.2. Guards De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper thrive in open‑court situations, creating opportunities before defenses can set. The Knicks, not known for elite transition coverage, must elevate their effort to prevent the Spurs from exploiting this area.

Brunson’s Hot Streak Highlights Knicks’ Need For Balanced Offense

Jalen Brunson’s scoring surge has been central to New York’s success. Over the past five games, he has averaged 32.8 points on 55.9 percent shooting, including 45.7 percent from three‑point range. Yet the Knicks are most dangerous when the offense flows through multiple contributors. Their 27.0 assists per game rank ninth in the league, and ball movement has fueled a 37.8 percent team clip from deep. Against San Antonio’s aggressive defense, maintaining this balance will be essential.

The Knicks must also guard the paint with urgency. San Antonio overcame a poor shooting start against Oklahoma City by attacking inside, scoring six of nine fourth‑quarter field goals from the restricted area. Without a rim protector of Chet Holmgren’s caliber, New York will rely on collective defense from Brunson, Jordan Clarkson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges to keep the Spurs’ guards from penetrating.

Finally, managing Wembanyama’s minutes could tilt the contest. The 7‑foot‑5 played 21 minutes in the semifinal, and coach Mitch Johnson may extend him to 25–30 in the final. Even so, there will be stretches when he is off the floor. The Knicks must capitalize during those periods, pressing their advantage before his return.

With Brunson in peak form and the Spurs energized by Wembanyama’s comeback, the NBA Cup Final promises intensity from start to finish. For New York, discipline on defense, ball movement, and seizing opportunities when San Antonio’s star rests could determine whether the cup heads to Madison Square Garden.