The Spurs and Knicks are set to battle for the NBA Cup trophy Tuesday, December 16, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Who will take it all?
In their last five meetings, the Knicks hold a 3-2 edge, though those games came in previous seasons, as the teams have not faced each other yet this year. Three of those five games were close, with the margin decided by one or two possessions.
Both teams this year are looking relatively equal with the same 18-7 regular season record, and both went 3-1 in NBA Cup group play. The Knicks shine a bit more with their top scoring duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns averaging 51.2 points combined, while the Spurs duo of Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox average 49.7 points combined.
What Pushes the Spurs
The main factor that could push the Spurs ahead is their win over the 24-1 Thunder, which gives them a level of confidence the Knicks lack right now. The Spurs also have eight players averaging double figures compared to six for New York.
The biggest factor is Wembanyama. He forces any type of player to shy away from the paint, which forces teams to put up more shots from behind the arc. This changes players’ rhythms, which can throw them in a loop and ruin their averages. Wembanyama is the definition of a key player who is out of this world.
What Pushes the Knicks
The Knicks have strong veteran power, unlike the young Spurs, with names such as Brunson, Towns, Josh Hart, Jordan Clarkson and OG Anunoby. Most of them have significant experience in high-intensity games like the playoffs. That experience goes a long way in matchups like this, bringing high IQ and decision-making the Spurs may not yet have in their arsenal. Brunson and Towns sit first and second in Cup MVP voting, while Fox ranks third.
Both teams have a strong case, but the world will see who gets crowned the winner of the third NBA Cup championship.
Jesse Vanderveer is a basketball report and writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @JesseVanderveer22
