Jalen Brunson Clinches NBA Cup MVP as Knicks Top Spurs

Jalen Brunson was named MVP of the 2025 NBA Cup as the New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 124 to 113. Brunson finished with 25 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two blocks in the final and averaged 34.8 points and 5.4 assists for the Cup on 55.8/50.0/67.6 shooting. New York got 29 bench points from Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek and grabbed 23 offensive rebounds, while Victor Wembanyama played 25 minutes as he works back from a calf strain. Merlin sees Brunson as New York's engine, steady and relentless in tight spots. The bench burst and offensive rebounding hint at a team built to win close games, while San Antonio must balance Wembanyama’s load. The Cup is a bright omen but not a prophecy, and Brunson leaves with hardware and momentum into the long season.