The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks meet early this morning in the NBA Cup Final in Las Vegas (02:30), a stage that could mark a turning point for both franchises. Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson headline a matchup defined by physical contrast, historical weight, and strong emotional charge. The French star’s 2.24 meters against Brunson’s 1.88 meters reflect a clear clash of styles and leadership.
Wembanyama enters the final after overcoming a delicate period in his career. A blood clot in his shoulder temporarily halted his continuity, but he now returns focused on winning silverware. Lifting the Cup does not equal an NBA championship, yet it serves as a powerful statement of intent. San Antonio already eliminated major contenders, including the Los Angeles Lakers led by Luka Dončić and LeBron James, and the Oklahoma City Thunder of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, widely viewed as unbeatable. After that victory, Wembanyama stated that the Spurs’ achievement “means something.”
A title that sends a message
According to Mundo Deportivo, the NBA Cup gives the Spurs a chance to confirm that their project is ready to compete. In Wembanyama’s third season, the team has shown solidity even without its star. During his absence, San Antonio posted a 9–3 record, reinforcing the idea of a competitive supporting cast. Players like De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle sustained the team’s performance and allowed the group to remain competitive.
🇫🇷 Victor Wembanyama après un mois sans compétition ?
21 minutes
22 points
9 rebonds
2 contres
+21
La WIN face au Thunder invaincu depuis 16 matchs— NBA France (@NBAFRANCE) December 14, 2025
Wembanyama’s return raised the team’s ceiling and proved decisive against Oklahoma City’s elite defense. The squad coached by Mitch Johnson took a clear step forward with the Frenchman back in uniform. In his return, the unicorn delivered 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists in just 21 minutes off the bench, underlining his immediate impact. His comments also added intrigue. Before the semifinal, he told ESPN that he would be the best player once he returned, and after beating the Thunder, he described Spurs basketball as “pure and ethical,” a remark many interpreted as a subtle jab at the champion’s defensive style. He also avoided mentioning Chet Holmgren when asked about his generational rival, choosing instead to praise Gilgeous-Alexander.
On the opposite side, the New York Knicks face a historic opportunity. The franchise has not won a title in 52 years, since 1973, and has not reached a final in 26 years, after losing the 1999 Finals to San Antonio at the dawn of the Gregg Popovich dynasty. For Jalen Brunson, lifting the Cup would represent a symbolic milestone and another step in restoring the prestige of Madison Square Garden. The NBA Cup is not the championship ring, but it could serve as a meaningful preview. For both Spurs and Knicks, the night in Las Vegas offers far more than just a trophy.
