Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks were named to the NBA Cup All-Tournament Team. Brunson also received MVP honors for his outstanding performance. The selections followed the Knicks’ dominant victory in the inaugural NBA Cup.
Knicks Crowned Cup Champions, Brunson MVP
The New York Knicks secured the NBA Cup championship, with Jalen Brunson earning MVP honors. Media panels announced the selections, recognizing both Brunson and Towns for their pivotal roles in the tournament. Brunson’s MVP status was widely reported by outlets like ESPN.
Brunson delivered an exceptional tournament, averaging 33.2 points and 5.8 assists per game. He shot 53% from the field and 46% from three-point range. His peak performance saw him tally 40 points and 8 assists against Orlando in a 132-120 semifinal win.
Karl-Anthony Towns also made a significant impact, averaging 21.1 points and 10.9 rebounds. He maintained efficient shooting splits of 48% from the field, 37% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the free-throw line. Towns recorded 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 140-132 victory over Miami during the Cup.
The All-Tournament Team also featured other standout players from across the league. Luka Doncic of the Lakers, De’Aaron Fox from the Spurs, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder joined Brunson and Towns. The Knicks finished their Cup campaign with an impressive 6-1 record, defeating San Antonio, Orlando, Toronto, Miami, Charlotte, and Milwaukee.
Cup Success Fuels Regular Season Run
The Knicks carried their Cup momentum directly into the regular season. The team extended its regular-season winning streak to seven games. This included a dramatic 114-113 comeback victory over the Indiana Pacers on December 18, 2025.
Jalen Brunson once again delivered in the clutch, sinking a go-ahead 3-pointer with just 4.4 seconds remaining. OG Anunoby then sealed the win with a crucial steal on the final possession. This win improved the Knicks’ overall record to 19-7, with a 6-6 mark on the road.
Brunson led the Knicks in the Pacers game with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Mikal Bridges contributed 22 points and 8 rebounds. Rookie Tyler Kolek stepped up with career highs of 16 points and 11 assists. The Knicks overcame a 16-point deficit to secure the narrow victory, as detailed in the game recap.
Short-Handed Knicks Show Resilience
The Knicks faced the Pacers with a significantly depleted roster due to injuries. Karl-Anthony Towns was sidelined for the game, as were Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, Deuce McBride, and Landry Shamet. Despite missing multiple key players, the team showcased its depth and resolve.
The Pacers also contended with their own injury woes. Tyrese Haliburton, Ben Sheppard, Aaron Nesmith, and Obi Toppin were all absent from their lineup. This context highlights the resilience displayed by both squads under challenging circumstances. The Knicks’ ability to close out the game demonstrated their mental toughness and collective effort.
Accolades and Recognition
The NBA Cup triumph represents a significant accomplishment for the New York Knicks. Accolades continue to roll in for the team following their championship run, a sentiment echoed by ESPN Africa. While no banner will hang in Madison Square Garden, the recognition is a testament to their performance.
Brunson and Towns’ selections to the All-Tournament Team underscore their standout individual contributions. Their consistent high-level play powered the Knicks through a tough schedule of playoff contenders. These honors reflect their critical roles in the team’s success. This collective and individual recognition further solidifies the Knicks’ strong standing in the league.
Eastern Conference Outlook
The Knicks, as defending Eastern Conference champions, find their season momentum bolstered by both the NBA Cup success and their ongoing seven-game winning streak. This combination of achievements positions them as a formidable force early in the season.
The recent victory over the Indiana Pacers holds additional significance. The Pacers were last season’s finalists, and this win sets up intriguing rematch implications for the rest of the season. Rick Carlisle, the Pacers coach, also reached his 999th career win in this game, nearing a significant milestone. The Knicks will look to maintain their high level of play as the season progresses.
Ishaan Singh 
Annsly Raena