Latest Basketball News

📅December 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM
New York Knicks defeat San Antonio Spurs to win 2025 NBA Cup; Commissioner Silver announces expansion decision in 2026 favoring Las Vegas and Seattle.
1

Knicks Win 2025 Emirates NBA Cup Over Spurs 124-113

The New York Knicks rallied in the fourth quarter, outscoring the San Antonio Spurs 35-19 to secure a 124-113 victory in the NBA Cup final in Las Vegas. Jalen Brunson led with 25 points and eight assists, earning MVP honors, while OG Anunoby added 28 points including five 3-pointers.Source 1Source 3Source 5 The win marks the Knicks' sixth straight victory, though it doesn't count toward regular-season standings.Source 5

2

Jalen Brunson Drops 40 Points in Knicks' Semifinal Win Over Magic

In the semifinals, Jalen Brunson scored a season-high 40 points and eight assists, leading the Knicks to a 132-120 victory over the Orlando Magic. This was Brunson's 19th 40-point game as a Knick, third-most in franchise history.Source 1 The performance propelled New York to the final.Source 1

3

Spurs Upset Thunder 111-109 in NBA Cup Semifinals Behind Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama returned from a 12-game calf injury absence, scoring 22 points to help the Spurs defeat the 24-1 Oklahoma City Thunder. Four Spurs players scored 20+ points, a franchise first, advancing San Antonio to the final.Source 1 De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell joined Wembanyama in the scoring outburst.Source 1

4

NBA Commissioner Silver Sets 2026 Timeline for Expansion Decision

Adam Silver announced the NBA will decide on expansion in 2026, focusing on adding two teams amid revenue-sharing concerns from the $76B media deal. Las Vegas and Seattle lead candidates due to market readiness and economics.Source 2Source 4 Silver emphasized consulting owners on financial impacts before proceeding.Source 4

5

Las Vegas and Seattle Top NBA Expansion List

Las Vegas and Seattle are frontrunners for NBA expansion, with Silver confident Las Vegas can support a team despite other sports presence. The decision hinges on expansion fees offsetting diluted media revenue for 32 teams.Source 2Source 6 Historical ties and economic analysis favor these cities.Source 2

6

Knicks Show Championship Grit in NBA Cup Final Comeback

Trailing by 11 in the third quarter, the Knicks dominated the fourth to win their first NBA Cup title. Coach Tom Thibodeau praised the team's seriousness about hanging a banner.Source 3Source 5 Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds despite a calf issue.Source 5

7

Victor Wembanyama Limited but Productive in NBA Cup Final Return

Wembanyama scored 18 points in 25 minutes off the bench in his second game back from injury during the Spurs' loss. San Antonio shot poorly in the fourth quarter, going 5-of-19.Source 5 Spurs coach noted team-wide struggles despite full roster availability.Source 5

8

Spurs' Bench Stars Shine in NBA Cup Final Loss

Dylan Harper led the Spurs with 21 points off the bench, while De'Aaron Fox had 16 points and nine assists, and Stephon Castle posted 15 points and 12 assists. The Spurs lost their fourth game in 14 despite the efforts.Source 5 Luke Kornet added 14 points.Source 5

9

Knicks' Depth Key to NBA Cup Victory with Reserves Stepping Up

Reserves Jordan Clarkson scored 15 points and Mitchell Robinson grabbed 15 rebounds, including 10 offensive, in the Knicks' win. The team's grit and depth were highlighted as crucial to overcoming deficits.Source 5Source 9 New York won their 10th in 11 games.Source 5

10

NBA Eyes Streaming RSN Before Expansion to Stabilize Local TV

Silver linked expansion timeline to resolving local TV rights decline, aiming for a national streaming RSN via platforms like Amazon or YouTube. This would aggregate local broadcasts before adding teams.Source 4 The 2026 decision aligns with this process.Source 4

11

Silver Confident in Las Vegas as NBA Expansion Market

Despite multiple major league teams, Silver stated Las Vegas could support an NBA franchise based on ongoing economic evaluations. The city hosted the NBA Cup final, boosting its case.Source 4Source 6 A pro forma analysis is underway with owners.Source 6

12

NBA Cup Final Highlights Dramatic Fourth-Quarter Finish

The final 3:53 of Knicks vs. Spurs featured a wild ending as New York pulled away for the win. Video highlights capture the intense rally in Las Vegas.Source 7 The game showcased both teams' potential.Source 1