Villanova in the Pros
Villanova Knicks Brunson, Hart and Bridges to Play for NBA Cup
The Villanova Knicks are used to championship aspirations. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges won National Championships under Jay Wright in 2016 and 2018; Josh Hart was a member of the 2016 team.
Now united on the New York Knicks, the Wildcats’ pro trio has a chance to raise another championship trophy when they take on the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup Championship, set to take place in Las Vegas at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The Knicks took down the Orlando Magic 132-120 on Dec. 13 in order to secure their place in the championship game.
The NBA Cup began in the 2023-24 season as an initiative to promote viewing interest in regular season games. Players receive incentives for their participation as well, as each player on the winning team will earn $530,933; the runners-up will receive $212,373. That sort of money is a drop in the pond for Brunson, Bridges and Hart, the latter of whom is on the cheapest deal… but he’s still earning north of $20 million each season.
Brunson currently ranks seventh in the NBA in scoring, averaging 28.8 points and 6.4 assists per game. Bridges is enjoying a resurgent season after struggling last year as he adjusted to the Knicks, while Hart provides strong contributions on both ends of the court.
