Mad Dog Russo Rips Knicks’ NBA Cup Celebration as ‘Inauthentic’ Gimmick

The New York Knicks won their first NBA Cup championship Tuesday night. Veteran sports broadcaster Chris “Mad Dog” Russo delivered a scathing critique of the tournament the next day. His rant aired on ESPN’s “First Take” from the network’s studios.

Russo questioned the entire point of the midseason trophy. He argued it disrespects the franchise’s storied history. His comments ignited a fresh debate about the three-year-old NBA Cup’s legitimacy.

Radio Legend Dismisses Tournament as Meaningless

Russo directly challenged fans celebrating the win. He invoked legends from the Knicks’ championship past. Somewhere, Walt Frazier and Willis Reed are questioning this celebration, he said.

He called the NBA Cup an inauthentic creation. It was made just to jazz up the regular season, he argued. Russo insisted it means nothing in the big championship picture.

The sports radio host pointed to recent history as proof. The Milwaukee Bucks won the 2024 NBA Cup. They then crashed out in the first playoff round in 2025.

The Los Angeles Lakers won the inaugural tournament in 2023. They also suffered an early postseason exit that year. Russo compared the event to the World Baseball Classic, which he has long criticized.

Knicks’ Banner Decision Adds Fuel to the Fire

The controversy gained another layer with the Knicks’ own decision. The organization announced it will not hang an NBA Cup banner in Madison Square Garden. This breaks from the precedent set by the Lakers and Bucks.

Head Coach Mike Brown had mentioned hanging a banner right after the victory. The team’s reversal suggests a focus on the larger goal. They want to pursue an actual NBA championship, not a midseason trophy.

Russo grew animated discussing this on air. He referenced deep-cut Knicks legends like Dean Meminger. Celebrating this cup undermines the legacy of real titles, he argued.

The Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in the final. Jalen Brunson earned MVP honors with 25 points. The win improved New York’s record to 18-7, second in the Eastern Conference.

The debate over the NBA Cup’s meaning is far from settled. Chris Russo’s fiery criticism highlights a significant divide among fans and pundits. The New York Knicks’ own banner choice suggests even champions question the tournament’s lasting legacy.

Dropping this nugget your way

What is the NBA Cup?

The NBA Cup is an in-season tournament established in 2023. It features all 30 teams competing for a separate trophy during the regular season. The final is played in Las Vegas.

Why did Chris Russo criticize the Knicks’ celebration?

Russo believes the tournament is an “inauthentic” marketing creation. He feels celebrating it disrespects the team’s real championships from 1970 and 1973. He argued serious fans should not treat it as a major achievement.

Are the Knicks hanging a banner for the NBA Cup?

No, the New York Knicks have decided against hanging a banner. This differs from the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, who did hang banners for their NBA Cup wins. The Knicks organization is prioritizing focus on the NBA championship.

Who won the NBA Cup MVP?

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson was named the NBA Cup Most Valuable Player. He scored 25 points in the championship final against the San Antonio Spurs. His leadership was pivotal throughout the tournament.

Has an NBA Cup winner ever won the NBA Finals?

No NBA Cup champion has gone on to win the NBA Finals in the same season. The first two winners, the 2023 Lakers and 2024 Bucks, were eliminated early in their respective playoffs.