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53 years have come and gone since the New York Knicks last won an NBA Championship. But on December 16, 2025, they have brought a title to the Big Apple.
New York made it to the NBA Cup Finals, where they outlasted the Spurs to claim a 124-113 win. The trophy belongs to the #2 seed in the East, and some nice salary bonuses are now available for everyone on the squad.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have been guiding the Knicks throughout the year, but when push came to shove, it was a young second-year guard stepping up to deliver.
Finishing the day with 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists, second-year guard Tyler Kolek delivered the biggest play of the game. The deficit had been cut to five after a Dylan Harper triple. The very next time down, Kolek drove under the basket and found OG Anunoby for the corner three.
The lead was pushed to eight, and from there, they never looked back. While Brunson of course received the MVP award, let’s talk more about Kolek.
Tyler Kolek Coming Up Big
Tyler Kolek had himself a night for New York. He had only been averaging about four points, two rebounds, and two assists per game coming in to Tuesday night’s tilt with the Spurs in Las Vegas.
Kolek put up final numbers, as mentioned above, of 14 points, five boards, and five assists.The team had a negative net rating when he was off the floor. It’s not shocking to see such a line, but to see it against a team like San Antonio, is a very big deal.
Mikal Bridges wasn’t available late in the game, and Kolek was given some major minutes. The Knicks currently sit at #2 in the East, and have now won six games overall. The second-year guard out of Wisconsin looked sensational in college.
To come in and put up a night like this on the big stage, is a very big deal. This is not a nothing thing, and New York fans should be very excited. Down Miles McBride, things were just fine in the backcourt.
While this contest will not count in the standings or on the stat sheet, the NBA Cup going to New York is certainly cause for celebration. Cheers, Mike Brown.
Up Next for the New York Knicks
Tyler Kolek was a hero in this one, and should still get plenty of playing time while McBride recovers. At 18-7, it has been clear from day one of the Mike Brown regime that this team is still great. Unable to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference Finals, they knew what they had to do.
A new voice in the locker room. Starting lineup continuity. A few additions for the bench. No Deuce, and no Landry Shamet, and no problem. New York earned themselves a huge bonus with their effort tonight.
The Knicks will play four games in six days after they get back on the floor on Thursday against Indiana. A Christmas Day matinee at MSG against the Cleveland Cavaliers also lies ahead.
Finishing out on the NBA Cup, plenty of guys stepped up. OG Anunoby had 28 points and nine rebounds. KAT had 16 and 11. Jalen Brunson put up 28 points and five assists. Jordan Clarkson added 15 off the bench.
Good for you, New York. The first title in 53 years.
Zach Weiss Zach Weiss is a sports reporter covering the NBA for Heavy. He also hosts a podcast about the Cleveland Cavaliers, “Across the Cavs,” and serves as a sports broadcaster for various institutions in the Greater NYC Area. He wrote for Knup Sports for six years. More about Zach Weiss
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