NBA Cup 2025: 8 takes on Knicks-Magic and Spurs-Thunder, plus our championship predictions
The road to the NBA Cup trophy now runs directly through Jalen Brunson. In the first leg of the semifinal doubleheader in Las Vegas, the New York Knicks made a resounding statement, dismantling the Orlando Magic 132-120 behind a masterclass from their captain. Brunson’s 40-point explosion—including 25 in the first half—was a stark reminder that when the lights are brightest on the Strip, the Knicks’ point guard is one of the league’s premier closers.
The Knicks' Offense is Final-Ready
New York shot a blistering 60.7% from the field. With Karl-Anthony Towns adding 29 points and Mikal Bridges chipping in 16, the Knicks have evolved into an offensive juggernaut. They aren't just grinding out wins with Thibs-style grit anymore; they are burying teams with elite shot-making.
Orlando’s Ceiling is Capped without Franz
The Magic’s resilience has been the story of the tournament, but you cannot trade baskets with this version of New York without Franz Wagner. Paolo Banchero (25 points) and Jalen Suggs (26 points) were spectacular in spurts, but the Magic lacked the secondary playmaking to survive a shootout against a fully healthy Knicks squad.
The "Real" Finals is Happening Now
As the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs lock horns in the late game, the energy in T-Mobile Arena has shifted from a coronation to a collision of eras. OKC enters at a historic 24-1, chasing the ghosts of the 73-9 Warriors. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the undisputed MVP frontrunner, but the return of Victor Wembanyama changes the calculus. This isn't just a semifinal; it is the rivalry of the 2030s arriving ahead of schedule.
Championship Prediction
We expect the Thunder’s depth and defensive versatility to eventually overwhelm San Antonio in the second half tonight, setting up a marquee Knicks vs. Thunder final on Tuesday. While OKC has been nearly perfect this season, New York is peaking at the exact right moment. We are backing the Knicks to hand the Thunder their second loss of the year and lift the NBA Cup.
The Knicks' Offense is Final-Ready
New York shot a blistering 60.7% from the field. With Karl-Anthony Towns adding 29 points and Mikal Bridges chipping in 16, the Knicks have evolved into an offensive juggernaut. They aren't just grinding out wins with Thibs-style grit anymore; they are burying teams with elite shot-making.
Orlando’s Ceiling is Capped without Franz
The Magic’s resilience has been the story of the tournament, but you cannot trade baskets with this version of New York without Franz Wagner. Paolo Banchero (25 points) and Jalen Suggs (26 points) were spectacular in spurts, but the Magic lacked the secondary playmaking to survive a shootout against a fully healthy Knicks squad.
The "Real" Finals is Happening Now
As the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs lock horns in the late game, the energy in T-Mobile Arena has shifted from a coronation to a collision of eras. OKC enters at a historic 24-1, chasing the ghosts of the 73-9 Warriors. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the undisputed MVP frontrunner, but the return of Victor Wembanyama changes the calculus. This isn't just a semifinal; it is the rivalry of the 2030s arriving ahead of schedule.
Championship Prediction
We expect the Thunder’s depth and defensive versatility to eventually overwhelm San Antonio in the second half tonight, setting up a marquee Knicks vs. Thunder final on Tuesday. While OKC has been nearly perfect this season, New York is peaking at the exact right moment. We are backing the Knicks to hand the Thunder their second loss of the year and lift the NBA Cup.
