What happened: The New York Knicks cemented their place in basketball history by becoming the first team to win both the Emirates NBA Cup and the NBA Championship in the same season. The feat was finalized on June 13, 2026, when the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to secure their first title in 53 years.

Why it matters: The franchise drew praise for its 'baller move' of refusing to hang the NBA Cup banner earlier this season, opting instead to wait until it could be raised alongside a championship banner. The bold strategy paid off, marking the first time a team has swept both major trophies since the tournament's inception and ending the league's longest active championship drought.

What to watch: The Knicks are expected to raise both the Emirates NBA Cup and the NBA Championship banners during their 2026-27 home opener at Madison Square Garden this October.