The NBA Cup final in Las Vegas will see the New York Knicks take on the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, a game that carries no impact on standings but offers a trophy, bragging rights, and a sizable cash prize.
Prize Money and Stakes
By reaching the final, both teams have already secured $212,373 per player. The losing side gets nothing extra, while the winners will receive an additional $308,560, raising their total to $530,933. Two-way players receive half of the standard contract amount.
Tyler Kolek: The Quiet Hero
Tyler Kolek, a backup guard for the Knicks, said, “It means a lot to some,” Kolek said. “Maybe not as much to others, obviously.” He earned $2.2 million this season, a modest sum compared to teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns ($53.1 million), OG Anunoby ($39.6 million), Jalen Brunson ($34.9 million), Mikal Bridges (just under $25 million) and Josh Hart (around $19.5 million). Kolek’s impact in Saturday’s semifinal was notable: New York outscored Orlando by 18 points in his 16 minutes, while the Magic outscored the Knicks by six when he was off the floor. He finished with four points and four assists, and his energy was praised by teammate Karl-Anthony Towns, who said, “Tyler did a fantastic job today, our young fella, of impacting winning,” Towns said after the game. “And he did that on a big stage. … One of his finest games as an NBA player was tonight, and it may not show up on the stats sheet, but everybody in our locker room knows how important he was to us.”
Family Car Stories
Kolek took his NBA Cup quarterfinal bonus from last season, a little over $50,000, and bought his mother a car. He said, “That’s a big amount of money for a guy like myself,” Kolek said. “It’s not only about the money. We want to win this to hold up the trophy and for the fans.” This year, he hinted that his father might receive a new vehicle, and the question of who will get the better car has become a playful rivalry. Coach Mike Brown, who has praised Kolek’s competitive spirit and given him a larger role recently, added a humorous angle. He said, “I just want to know if his dad’s going to get a better car than his mom or vice versa, because we’ll find out soon which parent he likes more,” Brown said, laughing. “Better be his mom. … Hey, I’m not causing trouble. I’ve just got two eyes open. Wait to see what he’s going to do. Just take care of your mom. Just remember that. Take care of your mom.”
The Final Countdown
The NBA Cup final will not count toward the regular season standings, and the statistics from the game will not be added to official totals. Yet for the Knicks and Spurs, the match is a chance to secure a trophy and earn a substantial prize. With the stakes set, players and fans alike are watching to see whether Tyler Kolek’s quiet contributions will translate into a championship win and whether his family car saga will bring a smile to the night.
Key Takeaways
- The prize money for each winning player totals $530,933, while the losing team receives nothing extra.
- Tyler Kolek, a $2.2 million guard, played a pivotal role in the Knicks’ semifinal victory and is the subject of a lighthearted family car story.
- Coach Mike Brown’s comments highlight the personal side of the competition, juxtaposing the high stakes of the NBA Cup with everyday family moments.
The night promises both high-stakes basketball and a touch of personal drama, as the Knicks and Spurs battle for the trophy and the players, especially Tyler Kolek, look to turn their hard-earned bonuses into something memorable for their families.
