Knicks’ NBA Cup title may not count in standings, but it counts in the building

The Knicks have a banner to raise.

New York knocked off San Antonio on Tuesday night, 124-113, to win the NBA Cup final and claim the franchise’s first in-season tournament title. It may not count in the standings, but it counts in the building.

Jalen Brunson was named tournament MVP, the league announced. His numbers in the final were solid, if unspectacular by his standards.

Brunson finished with 25 points, eight assists and four rebounds in 41 minutes, shooting 11-of-27 and committing four turnovers. Still, the award reflected his work throughout the group stage and knockout rounds, not just one night.

According to the NBA, Brunson earned 19 of the 20 media votes. The lone other vote went to OG Anunoby, who delivered a monster performance in the championship game with 29 points on 11-of-17 shooting, nine rebounds and three assists.

The Knicks looked in trouble midway through the third quarter, trailing by 11 with just over two minutes left. That’s when the bench changed everything.

Mitchell Robinson dominated the glass with 15 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards, in just 18 minutes. Tyler Kolek added 14 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jordan Clarkson chipped in 15 points off the bench. The momentum flipped and never came back.

Brunson made sure to share the credit afterward.

“Without them, we don’t win this,” he said, per The Athletic.

Rookie Dylan Harper led San Antonio with 21 points in the loss.

Before tipoff, Knicks coach Mike Brown told his team a banner would go up if they won. On Tuesday night, they made sure it will.