Knicks Win NBA Cup, But Keep the Celebration Grounded
The Knicks walked away with the NBA Cup on Tuesday night-but don’t expect to see a banner hanging from the rafters at Madison Square Garden anytime soon. Despite clinching the league’s in-season tournament, the team has opted not to raise a banner, choosing instead to keep the focus on the long game. A league source put it plainly: the Knicks are “focused on the bigger picture.”
That’s a different approach than what we’ve seen from past winners. Both Milwaukee and Los Angeles commemorated their Cup victories with banners, but New York is keeping things low-key. There will still be a celebration before Friday night’s home matchup against Philadelphia, but it’ll be more about acknowledging the moment than immortalizing it.
Josh Hart’s Return Has Sparked a Run
Since Josh Hart rejoined the starting lineup, the Knicks have looked like a different team-winning nine of their last ten. And the turnaround didn’t just happen by accident.
According to head coach Mike Brown, a candid conversation with Hart in November helped change the trajectory. Brown admitted he hadn’t figured out how best to use Hart early in the season, largely due to Hart’s preseason injury.
Hart owned his part, saying he hadn’t been playing up to his own standards. That honest exchange seems to have been a reset button for both player and coach-and the chemistry has been clicking ever since.
Brown Adjusts, Roster Responds
One of the biggest shifts this season has been Brown’s willingness to adapt. Early on, he leaned heavily into implementing his offensive system. But as the season’s gone on, he’s taken a step back, giving his players more freedom to lean into their natural strengths.
Rival coaches have noticed. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic pointed out that the Knicks are now playing more to their personnel-letting stars be stars, while still emphasizing movement and ball sharing. It’s a subtle but important evolution, and it’s paying off on the court.
Bench Depth Makes the Difference
While OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson were the headliners in the Cup final, the Knicks’ bench played a huge role in sealing the win.
Mitchell Robinson was a force on the glass, grabbing 10 offensive rebounds in just 18 minutes of action-a relentless effort that tilted the possession battle in New York’s favor. And second-year guard Tyler Kolek had his breakout moment, dropping 14 points and pulling down five rebounds in a performance that turned heads.
It’s those kinds of contributions-gritty, unglamorous, but game-changing-that show how deep this Knicks team really is.
No Banner, But Plenty of Momentum
The Knicks may not be raising a banner, but they’re raising eyebrows around the league. With Hart back in rhythm, Brown adjusting on the fly, and the bench stepping up in big moments, this team is starting to look like more than just a feel-good story.
They’re not chasing midseason accolades. They’re chasing something bigger. And right now, they’re doing it with the kind of momentum that makes you pay attention.