Inside the Spurs’ NBA Cup Final Loss: How Rebounding and Late Execution Cost Them the Game

The San Antonio Spurs’ promising NBA Cup run ended in defeat Tuesday night. The New York Knicks secured the championship with a 124-113 victory. The game was held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Spurs showed fight early but faded in the final stretch.

Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts against the New York Knicks in the second half during the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Despite leading for much of the first half, San Antonio could not sustain its momentum. A veteran Knicks team exposed critical weaknesses when it mattered most. The loss provides a clear lesson on the level required to win a title.

A Crushing Defeat on the Boards

The most glaring disparity was in rebounding. New York dominated the glass, outrebounding San Antonio 59-42. The Knicks grabbed a staggering 23 offensive rebounds, leading to 31 second-chance points.

Mitchell Robinson was a force for New York. He collected 15 rebounds in only 18 minutes of play. Ten of those were on the offensive end. This relentless effort wore down the Spurs’ interior defense and extended countless Knicks possessions.

Fourth Quarter Execution Falls Short

The game shifted decisively in the second half. The Knicks used a 13-1 run spanning the late third and early fourth quarters to take control. During this stretch, the Spurs’ offense stalled with rushed shots and key turnovers.

San Antonio’s ball movement, a strength earlier, slowed under pressure. According to ESPN’s game statistics, the Spurs managed only 10 fast-break points. The Knicks’ switching defense successfully contained San Antonio’s guards and forced difficult, contested shots as the clock wound down.

Thought you’d like to know

What was the final score of the NBA Cup Final?

The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs with a final score of 124-113. The Knicks pulled away in the fourth quarter to secure the championship victory.

Who was the leading scorer for the Spurs?

Devin Vassell led San Antonio with 28 points. He shot efficiently from the field but did not receive enough support during the Knicks’ crucial second-half run.

How many offensive rebounds did the Knicks get?

New York collected 23 offensive rebounds. This led directly to 31 second-chance points, which was a decisive factor in their win over the Spurs.

Did the Spurs ever lead in the game?

Yes, San Antonio built several leads in the first half and controlled the pace early. They were unable to sustain their advantage against New York’s physical play and rebounding in the second half.

What is the key takeaway for the Spurs?

The game highlighted the importance of closing out possessions with defensive rebounds. It also underscored the need for composed execution against elite defensive pressure in championship moments.