Live Updates: Emirates NBA Cup Championship - Spurs vs Knicks in Las Vegas
Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs will challenge Jalen Brunson’s New York Knicks for the Emirates NBA Cup tonight at 8:30 ET, streaming on Prime. The NBA.com live blog will capture the pivotal moments, standout performances, notable observations, breaking news, and top highlights from the championship clash.
Recent highlights to catch up on:
- Last night’s live blog: Pistons defeat Celtics, Nuggets beat Rockets to cap a 5-game slate
- Saturday’s live blog: Knicks, Spurs advance to Emirates NBA Cup Championship
- Download the NBA App for in-app coverage
What to know about Tuesday night’s game:
- This is the Emirates NBA Cup Championship. After months of group play and a single-elimination knockout, the Knicks and Spurs have earned their shot at the trophy and the chance to bring it home for their fans.
- Puck drops at 8:30 ET on Prime, live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
- Jalen Brunson is leading the Emirates NBA Cup MVP ladder, boasting 34.8 points per game in Cup play.
8:15 PM / DECEMBER 16, 2025
The atmosphere is electric in Las Vegas with tip-off just minutes away.
UPCOMING ELITE GUARD SHOWDOWN
Jalen Brunson, who scored 40 points in the semifinals, anchors the Knicks against No. 2 overall pick Dylan Brooks and the Spurs in the Emirates NBA Cup Championship.
8:30 PM ET | Prime
7:00 PM / DECEMBER 16, 2025
Follow the paths of the Knicks and Spurs on the road to this matchup. Get ready for tip-off.
HOW THE SPURS & KNICKS REACHED THIS POINT
Before the two teams clash for the Emirates NBA Cup tonight at 8:30 PM ET on Prime, take a closer look at each team’s journey to the final.
6:30 PM / DECEMBER 16, 2025
Welcome to the Emirates NBA Cup Championship game. The Spurs and Knicks are competing for hardware and league-wide recognition in Las Vegas.
Key player notes:
- Victor Wembanyama has posted averages of 25.8 PPG, 12.6 RPG, and 3.8 APG this season, while shooting 50.4% from the floor. In his career against New York, he’s averaged 32.0 PPG, the highest tally against any opponent.
- He’ll be matched up against Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, a traditional bigs duo known for their post defense but sometimes challenged by Wembanyama’s perimeter mobility.
- On the other side, Jalen Brunson brings 28.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and 6.4 APG, facing a guard-heavy Knicks lineup featuring De’Aaron Fox (23.9 PPG, 6.2 APG) and 2024-25 Kia Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle (18.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.9 APG).
- Castle’s blend of height, strength, and speed could test Brunson, who thrives on getting into the lane for floaters and step-backs.
Brunson enters the final with elite efficiency: he’s held opponents to about 8.4% worse shooting from two-point range this season, while he himself specializes in penetrating and creating shots for himself and teammates.
Lead-up coverage:
- NBA.com’s Shaun Powell provides deeper context on tonight’s showdown.
Prediction and stakes:
This matchup is more than just a title game. The Spurs could validate their status as West contenders and secure a landmark achievement in Wembanyama’s budding career. The Knicks, chasing their first NBA trophy since 1973, have a chance to avenge the painful 1999 NBA Finals defeat while reclaiming a storied franchise legacy.
All eyes are on the City of Lights as Las Vegas hosts a marquee showdown that could redefine the season’s narrative.
