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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket ahead of Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first quarter of the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks won their first championship of any kind since 1973 by beating the Spurs in the NBA Cup. They did so with a very strong fourth quarter, outscoring San Antonio 35-19. It was a win that should give them a lot of confidence.
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are two of the best players New York has. Brunson is the go-to guy, while Hart is the Swiss Army Knife of the team. He does pretty much everything that the team needs. Those two teammates are also very close, going back to their days at Villanova.
After the victory over the Spurs, Hart and Brunson were interviewed together to talk about the game. Brunson took a subtle jab at Hart as they were signing off.
GettyThe New York Knicks celebrate winning the NBA Cup. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Takes Jab at Josh Hart Over Lack of Practice
After Udonis Haslem says that every team could just a player like Hart, Brunson quipped with a funny comment.
Oh No He Didn't
UD: “Every team could use a Josh Hart bro. I love what you do dawg”
Josh: “Appreciate you”
Jalen: “Not if that coach looks to practice a lot”
“Not if that coach looks to practice a lot.”
“They called game checks, right? You want me at 7:30 or 11? What time you want me?” Hart fired back.
These two players love to give each other some crap, and it’s clear that they are good enough friends to do it. Brunson and Hart are both really big parts of this Knicks team. Right now, the Knicks have the second-best offense in the league because of their efforts.
Hart has the second-best offensive rating of his career, and he has been very efficient with his shots. His elevated play is a big reason why the Knicks believe they have a shot to win the NBA championship. At the very least, they feel they should be favorites to win the Eastern Conference.
GettyBucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo sits on the court. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Knicks Still Could Make a Big Move
While New York is playing very well, they still have a shot to make a seismic move once the trade deadline approaches. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been linked to the Knicks as a team that he would want to play for. He is a top-five player in the league.
Adding Antetokounmpo would not be cheap for the Knicks. The Milwaukee Bucks would ask for a lot in return, which could end up neutering a lot of what makes them great. There are questions about whether or not the Knicks even want Antetokounmpo with the way they are playing.
New York has the assets if they want to make a move for him. Yet, they will likely assess the landscape of the rest of the league over the next couple of months before deciding one way or the other. They are playing like one of the best teams in the league right now.
This team is in a better spot than the one that made the Eastern Conference Finals last season. There is no Pacers team that can slow them down this time. Only the Cavaliers and Pistons are serious threats to beat them in the postseason.