After defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup Finals last night in Las Vegas, the New York Knicks have been crowned their first championship since 1973. Although it isn't the Larry O'Brien Trophy, it's still something to feel accomplished about.
The Knicks got off to a slow 2-3 start this season, but since Halloween, New York has won 17 of their last 21 games including 6 in a row. In addition, New York is doing this without Miles McBride and Landry Shamet off the bench and a couple of starters not 100% healthy.
The Knicks got to Vegas after winning Group C in the East, defeating the Raptors to go to Vegas, and then defeating the Magic in the semifinals on Saturday Night. The NBA Cup MVP went to none other than Jalen Brunson, but the supporting cast played a huge role as well.
Just last night we saw the bench catch fire. Tyler Kolek played his best professional game yet with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, with key minutes late in the game as well. Under Tom Thibodeau, I don't think Kolek would've seen the court nearly as much as he did last night under Mike Brown.
With Deuce McBride sidelined, Tyler Kolek is making the most of his opportunity. Jordan Clarkson lived up to his expectations when the Knicks signed him this previous summer. Clarkson had a couple of clutch threes late in the game along with the best plus/minus on the team as well.
Who can forget about Mitchell Robinson when he grabs 15 rebounds in just 18 minutes. Robinson was huge on the boards for New York with 10 of the 15 rebounds coming as offensive boards.
The starters balled out, but the bench sealed the deal during the Knicks first ever NBA Cup Championship. Just 25 games into the regular season, the Knicks look to be in pretty good shape as we approach 2026.
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