The New York Knicks are riding high after an impressive run that ended with them hoisting the Emirates NBA Cup trophy, taking down the San Antonio Spurs in the final with a 124-113 win. It was a statement victory for a team that’s been steadily climbing the Eastern Conference ranks - and Jalen Brunson was at the heart of it all. The Knicks guard was named NBA Cup MVP after a string of standout performances that showcased his leadership, clutch scoring, and ability to control the tempo when it mattered most.
And the win didn’t just come with bragging rights. Each Knicks player pocketed a cool $500,000 for the tournament victory, a bonus that didn’t go unnoticed around the league - especially by Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Before the Knicks’ recent matchup with the Sixers at Madison Square Garden, Maxey was getting treatment on the massage table when Brunson walked over to greet him. The exchange quickly turned lighthearted.
Maxey, flashing a grin, congratulated Brunson on the Cup win and quipped, *“Give me some of that money you got.” * Brunson, without missing a beat, shot back, *“You make more than me.”
- Maxey kept the joke going, insisting he didn’t make that much. It was a fun moment between two rising stars, and a reminder that even in a competitive league, there’s still room for a little humor.
But once the game tipped off, it was all business.
Brunson logged 37 minutes and delivered a solid all-around performance - 22 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. Mikal Bridges matched his effort, also playing 37 minutes and adding 21 points, five assists, and seven rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with a double-double of his own: 22 points, 11 rebounds, and a single assist.
Despite those efforts, the Knicks couldn’t get past the Sixers, falling 116-107. It was a tough loss, especially on their home court, and it came on the heels of a demanding stretch in the schedule. But don’t expect Brunson to use that as an excuse.
When asked postgame if the team deserved any grace for the loss given their recent workload, Brunson didn’t hesitate. *“No.
We’ve got to hold each other to a higher standard,”* he said. That’s the tone of a leader who’s not satisfied with moral victories - someone who knows this team has bigger goals than just a midseason tournament.
The Knicks currently sit in second place in the Eastern Conference with a 19-8 record. They’ve shown they can compete with the league’s best, and with the NBA Cup already in their trophy case, they’ve got the confidence - and the chemistry - to keep making noise.
Next up: a showdown with the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden. If the Knicks want to keep pace in the East, they’ll need to bring that same energy - and maybe a little more - against a team that always comes ready to battle.