Knicks Outlast Spurs in Emirates NBA Cup Final as Late Collapse Spoils Wemby's Return
After a thrilling semifinal win over Oklahoma City, the Spurs rolled into the Emirates NBA Cup Championship game with momentum and a chip on their shoulder. What followed was a high-octane battle against the New York Knicks - a game that had the feel of a playoff track meet, with both teams trading haymakers.
For much of the night, the Spurs looked like they were ready to walk away with the trophy. But as the fourth quarter unfolded, so did their grip on the game.
The Spurs controlled large stretches of the action, especially in the third quarter, where they built up a double-digit lead and looked poised to run away with it. But that 11-point cushion was short-lived. New York clawed back late in the third to trim the lead to five, and by the early minutes of the fourth, the Knicks had flipped the script entirely.
The turning point came with 7:40 left in regulation. Down seven, the Spurs looked like they had a momentum-shifting play - Julian Champagnie drilled a three while Luke Kornet was called for a questionable offensive foul.
Head coach Mitch Johnson challenged the call and won, but not without consequences. In the heat of the moment, Johnson picked up a technical foul, the three was wiped off, and instead of a potential four-point swing, the Spurs were inbounding from the sideline.
That sequence took the wind out of San Antonio’s sails.
There was also a controversial moment when OG Anunoby saved a ball while appearing to have a foot out of bounds - no whistle. From there, the Spurs unraveled.
Forced shots, sloppy passes, and empty possessions defined the final minutes. The Knicks capitalized, closing out the game 124-113 and claiming the Cup.
Dylan Harper Shines Off the Bench
One of the brightest spots for San Antonio was rookie guard Dylan Harper. The lefty lit it up with 21 points off the bench, knocking down five of his seven attempts from beyond the arc and pulling in seven boards.
The Knicks gave him too much space, and Harper didn’t hesitate to make them pay. His confidence is growing by the game, and he’s proving to be a reliable spark plug alongside De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.
If Harper stays healthy and keeps this up, he’s not just in the All-Rookie conversation - he’s a lock for First Team honors.
Wemby Flashes Brilliance, Still Shaking Off Rust
Victor Wembanyama came off the bench again as he continues his return from injury, and while the stat line - 18 points, six rebounds, two blocks, an assist, and a steal in 25 minutes - doesn’t scream dominance, there were stretches where he looked every bit the generational talent.
In the third quarter, Wemby caught fire. He hit a couple of threes, knocked down mid-range jumpers, and threw down a pair of alley-oops that reminded everyone just how special he can be.
But in the fourth, the rhythm faded. Instead of attacking the rim, he settled for quick shots early in the clock - a sign that he’s still finding his legs after time off.
Still, the flashes were there, and that’s more than enough reason for optimism in San Antonio.
De’Aaron Fox: Electric Early, Fades Late
De’Aaron Fox finished with 16 points, nine assists, and a steal, showing off his usual mix of speed, craft, and deep shooting. He had moments where he completely dictated the pace, especially in the first half.
But the turnovers - five in total - hurt, and he struggled to find a groove late in the game when the Spurs needed a steady hand. If San Antonio had pulled this one out, Fox would’ve been in the running for Cup MVP.
Instead, it was a game of what-ifs.
Stephon Castle Nearly Triple-Doubles on Off Night
Stephon Castle’s stat line tells the story of a player who impacts the game even when his shot isn’t falling. He dropped 15 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds, and a block, despite shooting just 5-of-15 from the floor.
Castle came out hot as a facilitator, dishing out seven assists in the first quarter alone. His growth as a playmaker has been one of the most encouraging developments for the Spurs this season.
He’ll want to clean up the late-game turnovers, but the way he’s evolving beyond just being a slasher is a big-time development.
Luke Kornet: Quietly Efficient
Luke Kornet continues to make the most of his minutes. The big man scored 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting, grabbed six rebounds, and added an assist.
Most of his buckets came as a lob threat in the pick-and-roll - a role he’s thriving in. With Wemby still ramping up, Kornet’s steady presence has been valuable.
Whether he continues to start once Wemby is fully back remains to be seen, but he’s making a strong case.
Devin Vassell: Streaky But Still Impactful
Devin Vassell had a tough night shooting the ball, finishing with 12 points on 4-of-14 from the field. But he still found ways to contribute - five rebounds, three assists, and solid defense on multiple assignments.
Vassell’s game has always been about versatility, and while he’s prone to cold spells, he remains a crucial two-way piece for this young Spurs squad. When he finds his rhythm, he can swing games on both ends.
Harrison Barnes: Veteran Presence, Cold From Deep
Harrison Barnes added 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. But the most glaring stat?
He’s now 0-for-12 from three over his last two games. That’s a tough stretch for a player who came into Las Vegas shooting 40% from deep.
The veteran forward still brings leadership and timely plays, but San Antonio will be hoping he rediscovers his shooting touch as the season moves forward.
Spurs’ Emirates Cup Run: More Than Just a Moral Victory
Yes, the Spurs came up short in the title game. But their run through the Emirates NBA Cup was anything but disappointing.
They emerged from a brutal group, beat the Lakers without Wembanyama, and snapped the reigning champs’ 16-game win streak. They pushed one of the East’s best teams to the brink in the final.
That’s the kind of stretch that can galvanize a young team.
And while this game doesn’t count toward the regular season standings - and none of the stats will show up in the official books - the experience gained, the confidence built, and the chemistry developed are all very real. This team is growing. Fast.
The Spurs may not have left Las Vegas with the hardware, but they left with something arguably more important: belief.