Wembanyama and Brunson Power Spurs–Knicks Showdown in NBA Cup Final
So here’s where the NBA Cup story stands right now, and honestly, it’s delivered exactly the kind of drama the league hoped for. The San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks are set to meet in the NBA Cup final, and they’re getting there on the backs of two stars who absolutely took over the semifinals: Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson.
Let’s start with the scene in Las Vegas. The Spurs edged the Oklahoma City Thunder 111–109 in a game that felt tense from start to finish. Victor Wembanyama had just returned after missing a month with a calf strain, and even a strict minutes restriction couldn’t slow him down. He played only 21 minutes, came off the bench for the first time in his NBA career, and still completely changed the game. It was made obvious in the fourth quarter, when 15 of his 22 points were scored and the Thunder simply couldn’t keep him in check. MVP chants echoed through the arena as his presence warped everything Oklahoma City tried to do, especially on offense.
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What stood out wasn’t just the stat line of 22 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. It was the way the Spurs looked different when he was on the floor. Defensively, shots were altered, driving lanes disappeared, and perimeter pressure ramped up. Even with Oklahoma City holding a double-digit lead earlier and owning the league’s best record, that edge slipped away. Their historic 16-game winning streak was snapped, and the Thunder, for one night, looked human.
On the other side of the bracket, the Knicks punched their ticket in a very different but equally convincing way. Jalen Brunson put on a scoring clinic against the Orlando Magic, dropping a season-high 40 points in a 132–120 win. He did it efficiently, calmly, and mostly without relying on the three-point shot, which made it even more impressive against Orlando’s physical defense. New York shot a season-best 61 percent, and the Magic simply couldn’t generate enough stops to keep up.
Brunson’s performance wasn’t just about advancing. It sent a message. The Knicks have been good this season, but this felt like a statement moment, especially with help from Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby. Orlando had its moments, but defensive lapses, foul trouble, and injuries proved too much to overcome.
Now it all comes down to Tuesday night. Spurs versus Knicks. Wembanyama’s length and impact against Brunson’s scoring and control. It’s not the NBA Finals, but on a big stage, with real stakes and momentum behind both teams, it’s close enough to give fans a clear sense of who’s ready to rise when the lights are brightest.
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