Spurs Fall Short in Emirates Cup Final, But Show They’re Ahead of Schedule
Victor Wembanyama finally looked mortal, and the San Antonio Spurs came up short in the Emirates Cup Final. But if you think this was a loss with nothing gained, think again.
There’s a $212,373 runner-up check headed their way-half of which goes to the team’s two-way players-and more importantly, there’s experience money can’t buy. For a young squad still finding its identity, this tournament run might just be the turning point.
Head coach Mitch Johnson isn’t worried about the trophy case. What he’s banking on is the growth his team showed under pressure.
The Spurs weren’t supposed to be here. They entered the season far from the contender conversation, and yet, they played like they belonged.
That’s the kind of mental edge that pays off when the real postseason lights come on.
And history is quietly on their side. In previous years, the Cup runner-up has gone on to make deep playoff runs-conference finals, even the NBA Finals.
It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a sign that this tournament can be a springboard. The Spurs, still early in their rebuild, just passed a crucial test.
The Vegas Factor-and What Could’ve Been at Home
Las Vegas brought the glitz, but it’s hard not to imagine how much more electric this could’ve been with home-court energy. Neutral sites are fine for spectacle, but they dull the edge of true playoff atmospheres.
Picture Wembanyama lighting up the third quarter in front of a packed Frost Bank Center. That place would’ve been shaking.
Or flip it to the Knicks side-OG Anunoby’s dagger three in the final minutes would’ve blown the roof off Madison Square Garden. That’s the kind of moment fans live for, and it’s a reminder that while Vegas brings the lights, it can’t replicate the soul of a home crowd.
Third-Quarter Fireworks, Fourth-Quarter Fade
The third quarter was straight-up chaos-in the best way. Both teams combined for nine three-pointers in a stretch that felt more like an All-Star shootout than a Cup final.
It was the kind of back-and-forth that had you hearing Cuba Gooding Jr. in your head yelling, “Show me the money!” But when the dust settled, it was the fourth quarter that told the real story.
That’s where the Spurs blinked. They gave up too many open looks from deep, got sped up on offense, and let the game slip away.
It’s a lesson that’ll stick with them-how not to close out a high-stakes game. That kind of film session might sting, but it’s the kind of pain that builds playoff muscle.
And yeah, they missed out on a bigger payday. But maybe the real loss was not getting to celebrate with their preferred postgame beverage poured into the Emirates Cup. That moment will have to wait.
Brunson’s Strength, Anunoby’s Impact
Jalen Brunson may be listed at 6’2", but don’t let that fool you-he’s built like a tank and plays with the kind of strength that makes defenders bounce off him. His pull-up game is surgical, and even though the Spurs held him to 40.7% shooting, that’s still a win when you remember he leads the league in 40-point playoff games since 2019-20.
He walked away with MVP honors, but the real engine for the Knicks in this one? OG Anunoby.
Anunoby was everywhere-hitting from the perimeter, bullying defenders inside, and making plays when it mattered most. His two-way dominance was the difference-maker, especially in crunch time.
Castle Rising, Wemby’s Role Shifting, and Harper’s Emergence
Stephon Castle didn’t steal the show, but he’s quietly closing the gap on De’Aaron Fox in terms of impact. Defensively, he’s already a problem-switchable, physical, and versatile.
He still bites on pump fakes here and there, but that’s part of the learning curve. Offensively, he’s still raw, but the flashes are real.
His assist-to-turnover ratio sits at 1.68-not elite, but it shows he’s willing to take risks, and that’s how young guards grow. If he keeps trending this way, don’t be surprised when his name starts showing up in top-10 player conversations.
Wembanyama’s stint as a sixth man has been short but revealing. He’s still the franchise cornerstone, but his bench role highlighted something important: someone else has to rise when he’s not in the starting five.
Enter Dylan Harper. The rookie has shown he’s more than just a spark-he’s a legit playmaker who can break down defenses and create for others.
He’s getting stronger every game, and if Wemby returns to the starting lineup full-time, Harper might be the perfect super sub to keep the second unit humming.
Mitchell Robinson’s Glasswork and Wemby’s Next Step
Mitchell Robinson turned into a one-man wrecking crew on the offensive glass, and that was a big part of why the Spurs couldn’t close the gap. He grabbed 10 offensive boards, using his strength and positioning to outmuscle taller defenders. It was a reminder that rebounding isn’t just about height-it’s about leverage, timing, and toughness.
Wembanyama, for all his shot-blocking brilliance, gave up position a few times chasing blocks. It’s a fine line-his instincts are elite, but sometimes the best play is staying grounded and securing the board. That’s part of his evolution, and games like this will help him get there.
Loss on the Scoreboard, Win in the Long Game
This was one of the Spurs’ worst shooting nights of the season, and they still had a shot late. That says something.
Like a boxer forced to fight outside his comfort zone, the Spurs showed they can hang in a game that doesn’t suit their style. They didn’t get the belt, but their stock went up.
They’ve proven they’re more than just a rebuilding team with a generational talent. They’re learning how to fight, how to adjust, and how to stay in games when things aren’t going their way. That’s what separates the good from the great.
And if this tournament was any indication, the Spurs are ahead of schedule.