The San Antonio Spurs put up a fight in the NBA Cup Championship game but couldn’t hold off the New York Knicks down the stretch, falling 124-113 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. For three quarters, this one was neck and neck - but when the lights got brightest, the Knicks turned it up a notch, outscoring San Antonio 35-19 in the final frame to seal the deal.
Still, there’s a lot to like about what the Spurs showed on this stage. With Victor Wembanyama back in the rotation and a young backcourt that’s starting to click, this team is clearly on the rise.
Rookie Dylan Harper didn’t hesitate when asked about the team’s potential. “The sky is the limit,” he said - and after watching him and his teammates compete, it’s hard to argue.
Harper led the way with 21 points in just 28 minutes off the bench, showing off a confident shooting stroke that’s becoming a real weapon. He hit 5-of-7 from deep and added seven rebounds, flashing the kind of versatility that makes scouts salivate. It wasn’t just Harper, though - San Antonio had seven players score in double figures, a testament to the depth and balance that’s starting to define this young squad.
Wembanyama, still easing his way back from a calf injury, came off the bench for the second straight game. But even in limited minutes, the 7-foot-4 phenom made his presence felt: 18 points, six boards, and a pair of blocks in 25 minutes. And yes, his pregame outfit turned heads - but it’s what he’s doing on the court that continues to make headlines.
The Spurs earned their spot in the title game by knocking off the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals, a win that turned some heads around the league. And for much of this championship game, they looked like they belonged.
San Antonio was in control until late in the third quarter, when New York ripped off a 13-1 run that flipped the momentum. From there, the Knicks never looked back.
This loss will sting, no doubt. But for the Spurs, the bigger picture is starting to come into focus. With Wemby healthy, Harper emerging, and the backcourt trio of Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Devin Vassell starting to gel, the foundation is being laid for something special in San Antonio.
Next up: a quick turnaround with a Thursday matchup against the Washington Wizards. And if this tournament run is any indication, the Spurs are just getting started.