Anthony Edwards
February 2026
Edwards was named All-Star Game MVP after leading USA Stars to tournament victory, delivering consistent scoring impact across the mini-game format and outperforming rivals in cumulative influence. He scored 32 points across three games, hit key clutch threes and helped secure overtime progression and final victory. Media voters valued his all-round tournament impact over single-game scoring totals.
Jalen Brunson
December 2025
Brunson produced another big-stage masterclass in the Cup final, controlling the game offensively and punishing San Antonio’s guards in isolation and pick-and-roll. His poise, shot creation and decision-making under pressure confirmed him as the tournament’s standout performer and earned him the NBA Cup MVP award. Logging heavy minutes and consistently tilting the floor in New York’s favour, Brunson outplayed a deep Spurs backcourt while still sharing credit with role players who delivered crucial contributions. His performance reinforced his status among the league’s elite offensive guards and showcased the leadership that now defines this Knicks era in knockout basketball.
Jalen Brunson
December 2025
Speaking post-game on Prime, Brunson admitted the final was “ugly” but said the Knicks’ focus and connection carried them through. Hart highlighted how recent adversity has toughened the group, with late-game stops and key buckets now seen as expected responses instead of surprises. Brunson publicly praised Anunoby, Kolek, Clarkson and Robinson for their impact, then distilled New York’s mindset into a simple motto: “We’re going to find a way.” Hart echoed that the squad’s growth under pressure is building long-term belief, with the Cup run viewed internally as a launchpad for deeper postseason ambitions.
Jalen Brunson, Victor Wembanyama
December 2025
With the Knicks and Spurs set to meet in the Emirates NBA Cup final, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama have emerged as the leading contenders for the competition’s inaugural MVP award, with one decisive performance likely to secure both the Cup and individual honours. The latest Cup MVP ladder highlights Brunson’s ruthless efficiency and string of high-scoring displays, plus Wembanyama’s game-changing impact off the bench on his return from injury, noting that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the only top candidate already eliminated before Tuesday’s showcase in Las Vegas.
Jalen Brunson
December 2025
Jalen Brunson poured in 40 points with eight assists to lead the Knicks past the Magic and into the Emirates NBA Cup final, extending his run of consecutive 30-plus point games and sharpening calls for All-NBA and Kia MVP recognition as New York chases two trophies. Brunson matched Jalen Suggs in the first half then pulled away after the break, calmly controlling tempo while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby supplied strong support, prompting coach Mike Brown to publicly push his MVP case by emphasising how consistently Brunson carries the Knicks’ offense in big moments.
Victor Wembanyama
December 2025
Wembanyama is close to returning from a strained left calf after four weeks out, with coach Mitch Johnson saying the center had an intense workout and could be ready for the Cup semifinal in Las Vegas. He has missed 12 straight games since November 14. San Antonio have surprisingly gone 9-3 without him, riding Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox and a deep rotation, but Johnson still calls Wembanyama the biggest puzzle piece. His comeback would add scoring, rim protection and star power as the Spurs push for a place in Tuesday’s Cup final.
Emirates NBA Cup
December 2025
The league has unveiled a special Las Vegas court for the Emirates NBA Cup Knockout Rounds, featuring the tournament trophy at center court, the full eight-team bracket beneath it and a 5×5 mosaic pattern carried across the floor. Designed by Victor Solomon in collaboration with the NBA and teams, the floor mirrors this season’s in-season court concepts, placing Cup trophies in both paints to give the semifinals and championship on Prime Video a distinct visual identity and reinforce the competition as a standalone marquee event.
Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers, Slovenia)
September 2025
uka Doncic scored 42 points with 10 rebounds in Slovenia’s EuroBasket win over Italy, despite briefly leaving with a leg scare. Already a top-50 all-time EuroBasket scorer, Doncic is carrying Slovenia with dominant performances across the tournament. After returning from injury, Doncic led Slovenia with efficiency and resilience, easing fears of serious damage. The Lakers star recently signed a three-year, $165m extension and continues to cement his status as one of basketball’s most transcendent global figures.
Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic (NBA)
January 15 & 18, 2026
The NBA has confirmed that the Grizzlies and Magic will play regular-season games in Berlin and London in January 2026, marking the league’s first regular-season game in Germany and 10th in London.
The games will be held at Uber Arena and The O2, presented by Tissot. The NBA also revealed future games in Manchester and Paris for 2027, and in Berlin and Paris for 2028, with teams to be announced later.
NBA and former NBA players across 24 national teams
August 27 – September 14, 2025
EuroBasket 2025 will feature current and former NBA stars including Luka Dončić (Slovenia), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), and Nikola Jokić (Serbia) competing across four host nations. Preliminary rosters highlight significant NBA involvement.
Countries like Serbia (Jokić, Bogdanović), France (Risacher, Coulibaly), and Germany (Schröder, Wagner) bring depth, while newcomers like Ben Saraf (Israel) and Saliou Niang (Italy) join the mix. The final will be held in Arena Riga, Latvia.
