Knicks Capture NBA Cup, Secure First In-Season Tournament Crown
knicks-capture-nba-cup-secure-first-in-season-tournament-crown
The New York Knicks earned their first NBA in-season tournament championship on Tuesday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in the NBA Cup final at Madison Square Garden.
Guard Jalen Brunson collected tournament MVP honors after posting 25 points, eight assists and four rebounds in 41 minutes. The league said Brunson received 19 of 20 media votes; the remaining ballot went to OG Anunoby, who paced the Knicks in the title game with 29 points on 11-of-17 shooting, nine rebounds and three assists.
New York trailed by 11 late in the third quarter before its reserves turned the game. Mitchell Robinson grabbed 15 rebounds—10 on the offensive end—in just 18 minutes, while Tyler Kolek contributed 14 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jordan Clarkson added 15 points off the bench as the Knicks seized momentum for good.
“Without them, we don’t win this,” Brunson said, according to The Athletic.
San Antonio rookie Dylan Harper led the Spurs with 21 points in the loss.
Before tipoff, Knicks head coach Mike Brown told his players that a victory would mean a new banner in the arena. With Tuesday’s win, that banner is now assured, even though the NBA Cup outcome does not affect regular-season standings.
Source: Hoops Wire
