Tag: Emirates NBA Cup

Jalen Brunson Crowned NBA Cup MVP After Masterclass vs Spurs

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.

Brunson And Hart Reveal Knicks’ New Motto After NBA Cup Triumph

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.

Brunson and Wembanyama set for showdown in NBA Cup MVP race

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.

Wembanyama returns to spark Spurs upset of powerhouse Thunder in Cup semifina

Victor Wembanyama
December 2025

Victor Wembanyama marked his return from a calf layoff by posting 22 points and nine rebounds in 21 minutes as the Spurs knocked off top seeded Oklahoma City in the Emirates NBA Cup semifinal, handing the Thunder only their second loss in twenty six games. Coming off the bench to warm applause, Wembanyama immediately tipped in a basket, assisted a Dylan Harper three and later protected the rim against Chet Holmgren, with coach Mitch Johnson praising his relentless but rusty effort and stressing every high pressure possession will accelerate San Antonio’s long term growth.

Brunson’s 40-piece sends Knicks to NBA Cup final and fuels MVP drumbeat

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.

Emirates NBA Cup knockout rounds get bespoke Las Vegas court

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.

Spoelstra hits 800 wins as Heat celebrate milestone in Cup victory

Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heats)
November 2025

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra reached 800 career wins as his team beat Milwaukee in Emirates NBA Cup group play, learning of the milestone only after a jubilant locker-room soaking and becoming just the third coach to hit that mark with a single franchise. Spoelstra, whose home recently burned down, said he felt deep gratitude toward the organisation after years of continuity and success, while Tyler Herro and team-mates hailed his longevity as the 13-6 Heat continue their strong start and push for Cup progression and playoff positioning.

Curry ill; Warriors star out vs Nuggets in Cup opener

Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
November 2025

Curry misses a second straight game with illness after sitting vs Sacramento. He leads the NBA in made threes and paces Golden State in scoring and steals. Rookie Will Richard impressed with 30 points starting in his place Wednesday. Without Curry, Golden State leans on perimeter creation by committee and Richard’s spacing. Draymond Green (rib) trends probable; Jimmy Butler (back) remains questionable for broader slate context. Expect staggered minutes for ball-handlers and high-usage wings.

Dončić returns for Lakers vs Grizzlies

Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
November 2025

After a left finger sprain and lower-leg contusion, Dončić is back to start West Group B of the Emirates NBA Cup against Memphis. He rejoins a lineup with Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton after back-to-back 40-point openers. Medical staff cleared Dončić following symptom resolution and function tests. J.J. Redick will balance on-ball reps with Reaves to manage load, leverage Smart’s point-of-attack defense, and spam Dončić-Ayton two-man actions. Early substitution patterns should cap cumulative minutes across the Cup’s group slate.

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