The 2025 NBA Cup Finals Are Set: Knicks vs. Spurs in a Clash of Rising Contenders
After weeks of high-stakes basketball, the inaugural NBA Cup has reached its climax - and we’ve got a finals matchup that nobody saw coming, but everyone should be excited about. The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, both No. 3 seeds in their respective regions, have battled their way through the tournament bracket and now stand one win away from hoisting the NBA Cup trophy.
How We Got Here: Knicks and Spurs Earn Their Spots the Hard Way
Let’s start with the Knicks. New York’s path to the final has been anything but easy, but it’s also been a statement.
First, they rolled past the Toronto Raptors with a convincing 117-101 win in the quarterfinals. Then came an uptempo shootout with the Orlando Magic in the semis - a 132-120 victory that showcased the Knicks’ offensive firepower and ability to close out games in crunch time.
On the other side, the Spurs have made their own noise out West. They dropped 132 points on the Lakers in the quarterfinals, then edged out the Oklahoma City Thunder - one of the league’s best teams this season - in a nail-biter, 111-109.
That win handed the Thunder just their second loss of the year and sent a clear message: San Antonio isn’t just here for the ride. They’re here to win.
Wembanyama Watch: Spurs Star Returns in a New Role
All eyes will be on Victor Wembanyama heading into the final. The 7-foot-4 phenom has been managing an injury, and in a surprising move, came off the bench in the semifinal against OKC - the first time he’s done that in his young NBA career.
But don’t let the bench role fool you. Wemby made his 21 minutes count, putting up 22 points, grabbing nine boards, swatting two shots, and turning the ball over five times.
It wasn’t a perfect outing, but it was a reminder of just how impactful he can be in limited minutes. If he’s closer to full strength for the final, the Knicks will have their hands full trying to contain him - whether he’s starting or coming in as a supercharged sixth man.
Tipoff Details: When and Where to Catch the NBA Cup Final
The stage is set for Tuesday, December 16, with tipoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. The game will be played at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas - a neutral site to keep things fair and focused purely on basketball.
While the NBA Cup final won’t be on traditional TV, fans can stream the action live on Amazon Prime Video. And while it hasn’t been officially confirmed, expect a big-time broadcast pairing - Ian Eagle and Kevin Harlan are likely to be on the call, which only adds to the big-game atmosphere.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just another regular-season game. The NBA Cup might be new, but for the players and coaches involved, it’s a real chance to make history.
For the Knicks, it’s an opportunity to bring hardware back to New York - something that’s been in short supply for decades. For the Spurs, it’s a chance to fast-track their rebuild and prove that their young core, led by Wembanyama, is ready to compete at the highest level.
We’ll be tracking all the action, highlights, and key moments as the Knicks and Spurs battle it out for the 2025 NBA Cup. Buckle up - this one has all the makings of a classic.