New York rallied from an 11-point second-half deficit to beat San Antonio 124-113 in the NBA Cup championship game. OG Anunoby led New York with 28 points, and Jalen Brunson added 25. Brunson was named the NBA Cup MVP. Dylan Harper paced San Antonio with 21.

Despite losing to the Knicks in Tuesday's NBA Cup championship game, the Spurs believe their experience in such high-stakes matchups will only benefit them as they build toward a postseason run.

Definitely the latter. Brunson was the steadiest of players and certainly the most impactful for the Knicks during their journey to the midseason championship. The 123-114 victory in the title game over the San Antonio Spurs and against their pesky guards was the Cup’s crowning achievement but, honestly, rather routine for Brunson.

Brunson had 25 points and eight assists in the championship game, averaged 34 points a game through the entire NBA Cup and was named tournament MVP in a nearly unanimous vote. He epitomized the grit and attitude the Knicks needed in this game and will need down the line.

A decision on possible NBA expansion is due next year, and Las Vegas and Seattle are at the head of the line should the league open the door to new franchises, commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged on Tuesday.

“Marcus Smart is another defensive-minded guard whom the [Milwaukee] Bucks have looked at previously, sources say,” Fischer wrote, “but it’s difficult to see the Lakers making him available A) after securing Smart on a favorable deal via the buyout market and B) when they have their own point-of-attack defensive issues.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says the league will look into the possibility of giving relief to the Miami Heat over the status of Terry Rozier.

Which players were recognized for their efforts during the Cup? Check out the full breakdown of the MVP and All-Tournament honors below.