On Tuesday night, the New York Knicks snapped a 52-year trophy drought by winning their first-ever NBA Cup, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124–113 in the final. As celebratory photos flooded social media, one image stood out: a Knicks guard recreating Kobe Bryant’s iconic championship pose. The homage quickly went viral, drawing praise and nostalgia from fans.
Knicks Guard Pays Subtle Tribute to Kobe Bryant After NBA Cup Win
The Knicks’ NBA Cup victory over the Spurs was already a moment worth celebrating, but it took on an added layer of meaning once the final buzzer sounded. Inside the locker room, amid champagne, smiles, and relief, one quiet scene stood out. Knicks guard Tyler Kolek sat with the NBA Cup trophy resting in front of him, head slightly bowed, recreating Kobe Bryant’s legendary 2001 Finals photograph, one of the most iconic images in basketball history.
Knicks sophomore Tyler Kolek recreates the Kobe championship photo pic.twitter.com/AfXKgybBQl
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) December 17, 2025
The moment was a clear homage to Bryant. The photo was taken after the Los Angeles Lakers secured their second straight championship back in 2001. That image of Bryant, exhausted yet fulfilled, has long symbolized the emotional weight of winning at the highest level. More than two decades later, Kolek’s recreation instantly resonated with fans, blending nostalgia with a new generation’s appreciation for the game’s history.
On the court, New York leaned on balanced production. OG Anunoby led the way with 28 points, continuing his strong run of form in a Knicks uniform. Jalen Brunson added 25 points and eight assists, once again setting the tone as the team’s offensive engine. He was named MVP for the 2025 NBA Cup bracket.
Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Josh Hart filled the box score with his trademark energy. He scored 11 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.
While the victory itself was a strong team effort, it also marked a meaningful moment for a franchise that has spent years trying to reestablish itself.
Meanwhile, Kolek quietly made his presence felt. In 20 minutes off the bench, the guard finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists, showcasing the skills and feel for the game that made him an intriguing addition to New York’s backcourt rotation.
Currently, Kolek is on a four-year contract worth $9,062,682. The second-round pick is still early in his NBA journey, but he is already part of a historic night in franchise history. Though his performance did not dominate headlines, it reflected steady growth and confidence in meaningful minutes.
