Two years ago Brunson, the most celebrated second-round pick since Nikola Jokic, led all American-born players in scoring, and he has since maintained the pace. He has been an MVP top-five finisher and for the second time with the Knicks he’s averaging 28 points.

No, the NBA Cup is not the same as the playoffs. But it provides the Knicks with an opportunity to gain more experience in playoff-like atmospheres.

It wasn't a packed house but the MVP chants were audible for Jalen Brunson throughout T-Mobile Arena as his New York Knicks clinched a spot in the NBA Cup final on Saturday night. Brunson's 40 points powered the Knicks to a 132-120 win over the Orlando Magic for their ninth win in the last 10 games.

Jalen Brunson dropped 40 points as the New York Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic 132-120 on Saturday in Las Vegas to clinch a spot in the NBA Cup finals.

Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 40 points and the New York Knicks beat the Orlando Magic 132-120 to advance to the finals of the NBA Cup in Las Vegas. Jalen Suggs scored a team-high 26 points for the Magic, but had some lingering injury issues and missed the end of the game. Paolo Banchero added 25 points for the Magic.

The New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic will compete for a place in the NBA Cup Finals when they face off Saturday in Las Vegas.

The New York Knicks face the Orlando Magic on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 (12/13/25) in the NBA Cup semifinals at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Behind an efficient masterclass from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks pummeled the Raptors in Tuesday night’s NBA Cup quarterfinal, 117-101, advancing to Saturday’s semifinal in Las Vegas against the Orlando Magic.

Spike Lee is READY to watch his Knicks take on the Magic in the NBA Cup semi-finals 🏀 Lee is always a dedicated Knicks supporter, but he has increased his involvement with the team in 2025-2026. The 68-year-old has thoroughly enjoyed the team's current 8-1 run in its last nine games.

Can the New York Knicks get over the hump? That question is looming over the franchise like a cumulonimbus cloud after New York came six wins shy of the promised land in 2025.