On Tuesday night in Las Vegas, the Knicks will play for their first trophy of the century. Soon, an orange-and-blue banner could be raised at Madison Square Garden for just the second time since 1999.
That may not mean much to the countless people who scoff at the significance of the three-year-old NBA Cup, but the in-season tournament’s greater meaning may not be revealed for months.
Victory over the Spurs (18-7) will not put a dent in the 52-year title drought for the Knicks (18-7), but it could be a showcase of their potential against their toughest opponent of the young season and the world’s greatest defensive game-changer (Victor Wembanyama).
It will provide more experience under a spotlight, playing a game with greater hype than most regular-season affairs, with more at stake than glory or pride. Each player on the winning team will receive nearly $531,000. The members of the runners-up will get over $212,000.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
