New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) poses with the most valuable player trophy after victory over the San Antonio Spurs during the Emirates NBA Cup Final.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) poses with the most valuable player trophy after victory over the San Antonio Spurs during the Emirates NBA Cup Final.
Key Points
The New York Knicks returned from Las Vegas with the 2025 NBA Cup in hand, with fans reading to attend a home celebration on Friday at Madison Square Garden before the Knicks take on the Philadelphia 76ers.
Even though most fans don’t consider the NBA Cup a bona fide title meriting hanging a banner, the expectation was for the franchise to commemorate the accomplishment the same way the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers did after winning previous editions of the tournament.
ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news on Tuesday that New York would go in a different direction.
“The New York Knicks will not raise an NBA Cup championship banner at Madison Square Garden, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported. “The Lakers and Bucks raised banners for NBA Cup titles over the last two years. Knicks will celebrate with home fans Friday.”
On Tuesday, the Knicks delivered a 124-113 win over the San Antonio Spurs behind a superb performance by OG Anunoby, with 28 points, and tournament-MVP Jalen Brunson.
Although the MSG’s rafters are home to banners recognizing division and conference titles, not just NBA championships, the Knicks are breaking tradition here.
A source also told SNY’s Ian Begley the team’s decision reflects the franchise’s priority on competing for the NBA title in June rather than commemorating the less heralded in-season tournament.
That aligns with league sources who told The Athletic that New York is focused on a championship pursuit, not symbolic additions to the rafters.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11)
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11)
During Tuesday’s postgame ceremony, head coach Mike Brown referenced a potential banner during his speech.
“The most positive is being able to hang a banner up at MSG, the most iconic arena in the league,” Brown said.
New York will instead host an in-arena celebration during Friday’s game, as the Knicks face the 76ers at Madison Square Garden at 7:00 p.m. ET.