How the Spurs vs Knicks rematch in the 2026 Finals validates the NBA Cup

Back in December 2025, the New York Knicks won the NBA Cup. They did so by beating the Western Conference's representative, the San Antonio Spurs. Back then, most people within the NBA world knew it was an elite matchup, but they didn't expect it to be an NBA Finals preview.

Now that the Spurs managed to usurp the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the NBA Finals will be a rematch of the NBA Cup Final. 

The Knicks vs Spurs NBA Finals is a rematch of their NBA Cup Final

In a storyline right out of the soccer world, the cup tournament during the season has also led to some big-time matchups down the line. This time, the NBA will have the same two teams for the NBA Cup Final and the NBA Finals at the end of the Playoffs.

It is the first time this has happened, as only the Thunder reached the 2025 NBA Finals during the same season they were in the final game of the NBA Cup. Now, there is a chance that the Spurs can get their revenge against the Knicks.

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Some people have thrown the idea around that the NBA Cup is a non-factor at the end of the season. Now, the two best teams from early in the season are now also the two best teams in the league after winning their respective Conference Finals series.

It is just further proof that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hit the nail on the head with the in-season tournament. It was an unpopular idea for some parts of the NBA world, but it seems it is delivering Finals previews now.

Now that it has been confirmed, a lot of people will most likely respect the NBA Cup more. It might be early in the season, but it will be a good preview of what the rest of the season could look like.

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