The 2025-26 NBA season, still in its early stages, has seen a captivating mid-season twist with the ongoing Emirates NBA Cup tournament. As the league navigates the opening of the trade season, the spotlight has been firmly on the two teams who have defied expectations and injuries to reach the final: the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Their clash for the coveted new trophy on Tuesday is the culmination of a tournament that has already sparked a budding rivalry and provided substantial financial incentives for the players involved.
Knicks and Spurs Clash in the Emirates NBA Cup Final
The Road to Las Vegas
The Knicks and Spurs secured their spots in the final through thrilling semifinal victories. The Knicks, led by an exceptional performance from Jalen Brunson, dismantled the Orlando Magic. Brunson, currently the No. 1 player on the NBA Cup MVP ladder, has proven to be built for the big stage, delivering a 40-point game in the semifinals to break down Orlando’s defense.
The Spurs, meanwhile, survived a spirited challenge from the Los Angeles Lakers in the quarterfinals with a wild finish that included a LeBron James poster dunk over Luke Kornet, with James screaming in his face afterwards. The Spurs managed to hold on even without their star Victor Wembanyama for a crucial stretch, a testament to their resilience and depth. Wembanyama later returned to push San Antonio to the final with a big upset win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals, showcasing the immense talent that makes the Spurs a rising force in the Western Conference.
Beyond the Trophy: Stakes and Storylines
While the NBA Cup final game will not count in the regular season standings or official player statistics, the stakes are high, especially for the players’ wallets. Each full-time player on the final rosters has already earned over $200,000 in prize money, with the championship winners set to take home over half a million dollars each. This significant payday adds a unique layer of intensity to a mid-December game.
The tournament has also served as a backdrop to other major league storylines. December 15 marks the unofficial opening of the NBA trade season, with a vast majority of players who signed offseason contracts now eligible to be dealt. This has sparked a new wave of speculation and rumors, with questions swirling around the futures of stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant. Teams will certainly be making calls to see how motivated the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies are to make a deal happen.
A Budding Rivalry and Potential NBA Finals Preview
The Spurs victory over the Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals, a game featuring Wembanyama’s return and a stunning San Antonio win over a team that has been dominant all season, has potentially ignited a fierce rivalry out West. With both the Thunder and Spurs considered top contenders, their matchups this season are quickly becoming must-watch television. Basketball fans would love to see them play a seven-game series later on in the playoffs.
Similarly, the Knicks’ strong performance has solidified their place among the Eastern Conference elite. The upcoming final, featuring two of the league’s most dynamic young stars in Brunson and Wembanyama, could easily be a preview of a potential NBA Finals matchup down the line. The excitement generated by this unique tournament format highlights the league’s success in adding meaning to the early part of the season, giving fans a competitive, high-stakes event to follow before the traditional playoff race heats up. With the return of Wembanyama, the elite play of Brunson, and the growing popularity of the NBA Cup, there is a strong chance this will be the most-watched game of the NBA Cup’s short history.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
