Karl-Anthony Towns highlighted team execution and energy after the New York Knicks claimed the NBA Cup with a 124-113 comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
“Don’t care. We won the game. Got the shirt and the hat. That’s what I’ve been striving for all day,” Towns said when asked about his brief absence and Mitchell Robinson’s contributions, adding, “Shout out to Mitch man. He had a hell of a day at the office.”
Towns stressed the importance of validating the team’s position in the Eastern Conference. “It’s all about execution…Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, Mitch, just so impactful in our game today…Ariel too coming in the game…showed us what we need to do to impact more as starters,” he said.
On the prize money, Towns revealed his charitable focus. “I’m probably a donator…I got my thing over in DR with Go Sports and Go Ministries…educating kids and giving them the resources to chase their dreams,” he explained.
Despite a calf issue that forced him out briefly in the first half and third quarter, Towns returned in the fourth to help stabilize the interior, finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds. He reflected on the unpredictable nature of basketball: “Tonight definitely enjoy these moments…we don’t know what tomorrow has, but the present is something to cheer for and celebrate.”
Towns also weighed in on the idea of a banner to commemorate the win. “Some teams feel different ways about it…for us to be in a position to say that we won and we’re the champions…we’re going to celebrate this one tonight,” he said, emphasizing the value of the achievement for the team.
The Knicks overcame a late third-quarter deficit with a decisive 13-1 run to take control, never trailing again after going up 100-95. OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson combined for 53 points, with Brunson earning NBA Cup MVP honors.
New York dominated the boards 59-42 and scored 56 points in the paint, with Robinson grabbing 15 rebounds in just 18 minutes. Towns’ return in the fourth helped the Knicks maintain interior stability despite the Spurs’ efforts from Dylan Harper, Victor Wembanyama, and De’Aaron Fox.
The NBA Cup victory does not affect regular-season standings, leaving both teams at 18-7 atop their divisions. The Knicks will travel to Indiana on Thursday, while the Spurs return home to host Washington.
