The New York Knicks have made headlines by clinching the NBA Cup, marking their first championship win since 1973. This victory is not just a testament to their skill but highlights the vital role played by the team’s bench players in turning the tide during crucial moments of the game.
During the intense championship match held in Las Vegas on Tuesday night, there was a pivotal moment late in the third quarter when the Knicks found themselves trailing significantly against the young and energetic San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs had built a comfortable double-digit lead, putting the Knicks in a precarious situation. However, an unexpected twist unfolded as the Knicks' bench stepped up magnificently.
Players such as Jordan Clarkson, Tyler Kolek, and Mitchell Robinson energized the squad, narrowing the deficit to just five points by the time the fourth quarter began. Their momentum carried through into the final period, where Clarkson and Robinson took charge, with Robinson snatching four offensive rebounds within the first 90 seconds. These rebounds directly contributed to two three-pointers from Clarkson, the second of which placed the Knicks ahead for the remainder of the game with just over ten minutes left on the clock.
Ultimately, the Knicks dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Spurs 35-19, sealing a 124-113 victory. Jalen Brunson, who was named the NBA Cup MVP thanks to his impressive tally of 25 points and eight rebounds, underscored the significance of his teammates’ contributions in his post-game remarks. "OG Anunoby, Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, Mitchell Robinson—they all played incredibly well tonight. Without their efforts, we wouldn't have secured this victory. Our mantra moving forward is simple: we will find a way to win," Brunson articulated with genuine appreciation.
Anunoby had an outstanding game, scoring 28 points—a remarkable performance that would have marked a season high if the game were part of the regular season. However, the reliability of the Knicks' bench has been inconsistent in previous games, making their performance in this championship particularly noteworthy.
Clarkson added 15 points, including three successful three-point shots, while Robinson not only provided 15 rebounds but notably secured 10 of those from the offensive end. Kolek also contributed significantly with 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists, earning him valuable minutes in crunch time. His critical assist to Anunoby for a three-pointer that effectively sealed the game with under two minutes remaining was a key highlight.
The Knicks’ strategy underwent a significant transformation this season. Last year, under coach Tom Thibodeau, the team heavily relied on their starting lineup, with all five starters averaging at least 35 minutes of playtime. Notably, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Anunoby ranked among the league's top six for minutes played. Meanwhile, the bench struggled, producing a league-low average of just 21.7 points per game.
This lack of depth became apparent during their Eastern Conference finals exit, where they competed against the Indiana Pacers, whose bench outperformed the Knicks’ reserves significantly. The Pacers’ bench scored 210 points on an impressive 50.7% shooting in that series, while the Knicks managed only 117 points at 38.5% shooting.
Following the disappointing playoff run, the Knicks made the tough decision to part ways with Thibodeau, bringing in Mike Brown as their new head coach. They also sought to bolster their roster by adding depth with signings like Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele, and Malcolm Brogdon (who retired before the season). While not all these moves have yielded immediate results, the Knicks now have a variety of options at their disposal, and Coach Brown isn’t hesitant to utilize them.
In the current season, Brunson stands as the sole player averaging 35 minutes per game, while ten players are contributing at least 10 minutes each night. Although the Knicks still lean on their starting five—Brunson, Town, Bridges, Anunoby, and Hart—they have seen three bench players consistently score at least nine points per game, excluding Robinson, who plays a crucial defensive role and excels on the boards. In stark contrast, last season, Miles McBride was the only bench player to exceed seven points per game.
Bench scoring has shown a remarkable improvement:
Season Points per game League rank
2025-26 30.7 (28th)
2024-25 21.7 (30th)
So, the pressing question remains: can the Knicks’ bench sustain this level of performance when it truly counts? After the game, Coach Brown acknowledged the importance of the Cup, stating, "Any time you can be the last team standing in any competition, especially when it involves hanging a banner at the iconic Madison Square Garden, it’s something you take seriously. All our players understood the significance of this moment."
While the Knicks value this trophy, their ultimate ambition lies in the championship contest set for June. With the last title dating back to 1973, the road ahead is daunting, especially given the presence of the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Nevertheless, the Knicks are currently positioned as strong contenders, listed as the favorites in the Eastern Conference and holding the third-best odds of winning the NBA Finals.
To make a deep playoff run this spring, the Knicks must continue to see their bench perform at the levels displayed in this recent game. Depth is more crucial than ever in today’s fast-paced and physically demanding basketball landscape; relying solely on a handful of star players is simply insufficient. Teams that fail to harness the strength of their reserves often falter, as evidenced by the experiences of the Thunder and Pacers last season.
Despite the stellar contributions from Clarkson, Robinson, and Kolek against the Spurs, the lingering uncertainty remains: Can the Knicks count on this trio in high-pressure situations come April? Clarkson’s performance can be unpredictable, Robinson struggles with free-throw shooting and health issues, and Kolek is still untested on the big stage. Adding to the complexity, both McBride and Shamet are currently injured and did not leave a mark during the 2025 playoffs.
While the Knicks’ bench has shown significant improvement compared to last season, the crucial question lingers: Is it sufficient to propel the team towards a championship victory? For the NBA Cup? Absolutely. But for the playoffs? That remains to be seen.
