The New York Knicks celebrate with the trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 to win the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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Tyler Erzberger

By Tyler Erzberger

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On Tuesday night in Las Vegas, the New York Knicks lifted their first NBA trophy in 52 years, as they beat the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup Finals.

While commissioner Adam Silver watched on from the stands, it was a historic night for one of the premier franchises in the world of basketball.

But the Knicks are planning to go against the man and league they just hoisted a trophy from with today’s news.

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Previously, while not forced, NBA Cup-winning teams were heavily “persuaded” to create banners to hang in the rafters of their home arenas following their title victories to lend legitimacy to the newly implemented in-season tournament.

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket ahead of Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first quarter of the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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The Los Angeles Lakers, the inaugural champions of the NBA Cup, were against raising a banner as the team stated they only wished to showcase their 17 NBA championship victories. Soon after, though, the Lakers relented and hung a smaller banner for the NBA Cup win, announcing that if they won any other Cups, instead of creating a new banner, they would just add to the initial banner.

While the Milwaukee Bucks, the winners of last year’s tournament, had no qualms hanging an NBA Cup banner, the New York Knicks came out on Wednesday, announcing that they will not be hanging on in Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks stated that while there will be a celebration prior to their next home game on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers, the franchise is focused on the larger goal of winning the NBA championship.

While the Lakers postured similarly following their win, there is no word yet from Silver or the NBA on the Knicks’ position.

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