Although the New York Knicks have reason to be in high spirits after their most recent accomplishment, it was soon revealed that Jalen Brunson and the rest of the Knicks squad are eager to make their presence felt in the postseason.
Their recent win in the NBA Cup Final against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs went a long way toward proving that the Knicks are a force to be reckoned with. However, recent reports suggest the Knicks are keeping their focus on the big picture and are unwilling to risk anything in the aftermath of that success.
Knicks’ NBA Cup Win Won’t Lead to Banner
Although the NBA Cup is a new midseason tournament that fans and players are still adjusting to, it carries little weight compared with an NBA championship. The Knicks reportedly will not raise a championship banner to commemorate their victory in the 2025 edition of the NBA Cup.
Although the Knicks’ midseason accomplishment is worthy of acknowledgment and praise, Ian Begley’s report indicates the organization will not unveil a banner to celebrate the victory.
Knicks will not raise an NBA Cup banner at Madison Square Garden, per league source. NYK doesn’t want to diminish accomplishment but has bigger goals in mind, winning title in June, source said. NYK is very proud of players & staff winning NBA Cup and will celebrate…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 17, 2025
It has been more than 50 years since the New York Knicks last raised an NBA championship banner inside Madison Square Garden, a moment that came after their 1973 title. That victory, led by stars such as Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, and Earl Monroe, marked the franchise’s second and most recent championship. Since then, generations of Knicks fans have waited in vain for another banner, enduring decades of playoff disappointments and rebuilding seasons while the Garden’s rafters have remained unchanged.
Given that the Milwaukee Bucks, who won the NBA Cup last year by defeating the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder, added a banner to their rafters, it is reasonable to question why the Knicks are reluctant to do the same.
The Knicks’ success during the current NBA season may have fans believing the team is on the verge of winning a championship. With an 18-7 record, the second-best record in the East, the Kicks appear poised to make a deep postseason run. Ultimately, the question remains whether the Knicks’ midseason tournament success signals their ability to contend for a title. The coming months will provide greater clarity on how they measure up against other Eastern Conference teams.