Knicks reveal unexpected choice regarding NBA Cup banner following victory

Knicks Opt Against NBA Cup Banner After Tournament Win

LAS VEGAS – According to reports, the Knicks have decided against hanging a banner for their recent NBA Cup victory. They secured the title with a 124-113 win over the Spurs but have chosen to look ahead, focusing on bigger aspirations, as communicated by league officials.

However, the team intends to mark their achievement in a fitting manner before their home game against the Sixers this Friday.

This choice caught some off guard, particularly after coach Mike Brown motivated his players in a pregame talk, highlighting the banner as a reward for their efforts.

The Knicks embarked on this season with a clear goal: to win an NBA Championship, not just the NBA Cup. That mindset prevailed as they left Vegas.

This marks the first NBA Cup championship without either the Bucks or Lakers claiming a banner.

The decision likely won’t sit well in the league office, especially since Adam Silver has championed the tournament to boost regular season excitement. It’s worth noting that the NBA doesn’t dictate what banners are displayed in arenas.

Before Tuesday’s game, opinions among Knicks players varied on whether to hang a banner.

Mikal Bridges was not in favor. “No, I’m fine,” he stated, suggesting that the focus should stretch beyond just a banner.

Mitchell Robinson, on the other hand, was quite enthusiastic. “Hang something up and thank us for something,” he said.

OG Anunoby and Josh Hart expressed some interest in a banner but seemed indifferent overall.

“They can put up a banner,” Anunoby remarked, indicating his experience with a championship ring from 2019 with the Raptors. “But there’s no parade [for that].”

Hart chimed in with, “I don’t know. Yeah, why not? It’s a title; you want to win it. So, yeah, put up the banner. Sure, there’s a different standard between a cup game and the finals, but anytime you get a chance to win and compete, that’s what you focus on.”