The New York Knicks grew to become the third crew to elevate the NBA Cup this previous week, becoming a member of the Los Angeles Lakers (2023) and the Milwaukee Bucks (2024). However the wildest second of the sport got here throughout the crew’s celebration of profitable over $500,000 per participant. We’ll get to that in a bit.
From All-Stars making historical past, to coaches “crashing out,” listed here are a number of the most memorable moments from the final week within the NBA.
Hart caught in 4K after Knicks win NBA Cup
Rejoice, Knicks followers, New York is a metropolis of champions. Kinda.
The New York Knicks haven’t gained a championship since 1973. However on Tuesday, they gained the third iteration of the NBA Cup after defeating the San Antonio Spurs, 123-114. Nonetheless, the Knicks usually are not hanging a banner inside Madison Sq. Backyard, league sources advised The Athletic on Wednesday. An attention-grabbing selection for a crew that hangs division-winning banners, however I digress.
Except for the dialog about how extremely the NBA Cup needs to be regarded, there was a viral second between Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson throughout the on-court celebration that was caught on digital camera, prompting the taking pictures guard to handle the video on Twitter after he returned to the locker room.
Rattling in 4k…..😂😂😂😂
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) December 17, 2025
IT WAS AI
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) December 17, 2025
In the event you clicked that hyperlink and have questions, let me present some context. Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson each attended Villanova on the identical time and have been members of two nationwide championship-winning groups, first in 2016 and once more in 2018. They co-host a podcast collectively referred to as “Roomates Present” and are seemingly shut mates — although each would in all probability disagree in the event you requested.
That mentioned, the web doesn’t care about context, as evidenced by the second’s virality.
Jokić turns into profession chief in assists for facilities
Nikola Jokić hardly wants extra accolades to be cemented among the many all-time nice huge males in NBA historical past. He’s a three-time MVP at 30 years previous, and appears like he shall be in rivalry for extra earlier than he retires.
On Thursday, Jokić crossed one other milestone by passing the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for many assists by a middle in NBA historical past.
It’s laborious to think about one other middle catching Jokić’s still-growing report anytime quickly, particularly with him nonetheless in his prime and racking up double-digit complete on a nightly foundation.
I imply, take a look at these dimes!!!
THE BEST DIMES FROM THE BEST PASSING CENTER OF ALL TIME https://t.co/xtsybgoet8 pic.twitter.com/nmoJCtvXUG
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 19, 2025
Finch ejected in lower than 6 minutes
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch was ejected from his crew’s sport towards the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on Friday after erupting at officers over a no-call on ahead Julius Randle lower than midway via the primary quarter.
Chris Finch was ejected six minutes into OKC-Minnesota and needed to be held again by 4 employees members 👀 pic.twitter.com/B4BjXK48Mw
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) December 20, 2025
This early ejection was an extension of Finch’s lengthy historical past of frustration with the best way he believes the Thunder are officiated. After a win towards Oklahoma Metropolis final season, Finch made his emotions identified.
“It’s so irritating to play this crew as a result of they foul a ton. They actually do,” he mentioned. “They foul. They foul on a regular basis. After which you’ll be able to’t actually contact Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander). It’s a really irritating factor, and it takes a variety of psychological toughness to play via it.”
Finch’s protests might have affected a sport the Timberwolves went on to win, 112-107. Minnesota shot 47 free throws, which was 17 greater than the Thunder, who have been whistled for 30 private fouls.
After the Timberwolves’ win, Anthony Edwards was requested if “Finchy’s” ejection bought Minnesota fired up.
“I’m f—–g with that, I’m f—–g with that, that’s my canine, so I’m not joyful he bought threw out the sport … If I’d have noticed him going again on the ref the second time, I in all probability would have pulled him again,” Edwards replied.
Honorable Point out
Don’t look now, however Andre Drummond is a shooter.
Drummond went 3-4 from deep in MSG 😳
Hand down, man down 🎯 pic.twitter.com/hzBCvqcKYR
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 20, 2025
Drummond’s three-point taking pictures this season has been a revelation. Earlier than the 12 months, Drummond was a 12.9 p.c shooter from 3, connecting on solely 18 of his 140 makes an attempt. This season, the Sixers middle is 14 of 34, good for 41.2 (!) p.c from 3.
What to search for this week
Christmas Day is approaching, which suggests the NBA will showcase a few of its greatest matchups on Thursday’s slate:
Midday (ET) – Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks
2:30 pm (ET) – San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
5 pm (ET) – Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors (I do know what you’re pondering… however it could possibly be enjoyable!)
8 pm (ET) – Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers
10:30 pm (ET) – Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets
