The Knicks have a trophy and Wembanyama has a chip on his shoulder: Five NBA Cup takeaways

The viewership for the NBA Cup Championship has increased by 3% in its inaugural year on Prime Video, reflecting a growing interest in the tournament. This year's final featured the New York Knicks competing against the San Antonio Spurs, with significant performances from players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson contributing to the excitement.

The New York Knicks celebrated their NBA Cup championship with a 124–113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, led by Jalen Brunson. However, head coach Mike Brown announced that no banner would be raised at Madison Square Garden to commemorate the win, emphasizing a restrained approach to their achievement.

The Boston Celtics achieved a significant victory over the Golden State Warriors, winning 125–85 on January 20, 2025, marking the Warriors' worst home loss in 40 years. Following this game, Celtics player Jaylen Brown made a bold statement during a Twitch stream, asserting that he would defeat Stephen Curry in a one-on-one matchup.

The Indiana Pacers are reportedly considering trading guard Bennedict Mathurin as they seek to strengthen their frontcourt. This move comes as the team evaluates its options to address a significant positional need, particularly following the departure of Myles Turner in free agency.

The Utah Jazz have rejected trade inquiries from the Indiana Pacers regarding Walker Kessler, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury. Despite Kessler's injury status, the Pacers have continued to express interest in acquiring him, indicating their ongoing pursuit of strengthening their roster.

Jermain Defoe participated in an extensive interview with Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros, discussing his remarkable five-goal match for Tottenham, his connection with Spurs fans, and the toughest defenders he encountered in the Premier League. He also revealed an unexpected phone call from Drake that influenced his move to Toronto FC and shared insights on MLS players who could succeed in Europe.

Victor Wembanyama has made a significant impact on the San Antonio Spurs, leading them to a crucial victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinal, marking his return after a 12-game injury absence. His performance included scoring 22 points and grabbing nine rebounds, helping end the Thunder's impressive 16-game win streak.