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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the league, Victor Wembanyama returned from injury to lead the surging San Antonio Spurs past the seemingly unstoppable Oklahoma City Thunder 111-109 in the NBA Cup semifinals. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson dropped a masterful 40 points as the New York Knicks overwhelmed the Orlando Magic 132-120. Now, the stage is set for an epic NBA Cup Finals showdown in Las Vegas: the gritty, star-powered Knicks against a Spurs team that’s suddenly looking like a force of nature.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

The Emirates NBA Cup championship— on Tuesday under the bright lights of T-Mobile Arena— promises fireworks. Here’s everything you need to know about this can’t-miss clash between two teams riding unstoppable momentum.

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The Thunder entered the semis unbeaten in group play and boasting one of the best starts in NBA history, but Wembanyama’s triumphant return flipped the script. In just 21 limited minutes, the 7-foot-4 phenom poured in 22 points and dominated the paint, proving once again why he’s the game’s most unique talent.

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And he’s far from alone: the Spurs’ dynamic backcourt of De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle has fueled a breakout season, while the team went an impressive 9-3 without their superstar. Fresh off dismantling the Lakers in the quarterfinals, San Antonio has emerged as a legitimate contender, blending youth, speed, and sheer upside.

On the other side, the Knicks have been the tournament’s quiet constants— advancing to the knockout rounds in all three years of its existence and finally breaking through to the finals. This is their first finals after previous knockout exits. Their offensive machine hummed at peak efficiency against Orlando, with Brunson (40 points) and Karl-Anthony Towns (29 points) combining for 69 in a relentless barrage that the Magic couldn’t contain.

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When is the NBA Cup 2025 Final? Know the Date, Time and Schedule

The 2025 NBA Cup Final between the Spurs and Knicks will be on Tuesday, 16th December. The championship game is tipping off at 8:30 p.m. ET. Both teams earned their spots by winning their semifinals tonight.

Where Will the NBA Cup Final Be Held? All to Know

The NBA Cup Final will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The venue has been selected as a neutral site since the inception of the tournament, hosting both tonight’s semifinals and the championship game in the coming week.

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Las Vegas acts as the centerpiece for the closing stage of the Cup, and the games are played in the same arena to create a playoff style atmosphere. Both the Knicks and the Spurs will play their second straight game at the venue.

In the previous two finals, the Los Angeles Lakers prevailed over the Indiana Pacers in 2023, and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder last year.

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How to Watch It? Know the NBA Cup Streaming Details

The NBA Cup Final will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video in the United States, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET. For viewers outside the US, availability varies by region, either on Prime Video or through NBA League Pass.

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Whichever teams ends up winning the Cup will receive about $530,000 for every player, and it’s served as a big incentive for the Spurs, who are one of the youngest rosters in the league. Apart from the prize money, there are also individual awards for the Cup, including a tournament MVP and an All-Tournament team.

Only time will tell which team will take the Cup home, but it’s sure to be an exciting game.

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Siddharth Rawat

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Siddharth Rawat is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports, focused on covering roster moves and injury updates from the Newsroom Desk. Combining a background in literature with analytical approach, he provides reports that go beyond surface-level news. Siddharth has closely followed the Cleveland Cavaliers for years, offering timely and insightful updates on any trades, injuries, or roster shifts involving the team. In addition to his sports journalism, Siddharth is a passionate gaming content specialist with extensive knowledge of game culture and esports. He holds a degree in literature and computer science and has experience in organizing esports events and conducting industry research. His blend of creativity, structure, and research experience allows him to craft engaging content and community-focused experiences tailored for gaming and interactive media audiences.

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Tanay Sahai

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