Not everyone has been a fan of the NBA Cup through the last year and a half. It's easy for the players to be excited, though, with the kind of cash prizes that come from victories in the main tournament. Even in group play.

So perfect, in fact, that the Knicks have systematically loaded the roster with Brunson’s friends and college teammates, completing the title-validated picture from his Wildcats years. And why wouldn’t you?

The Knicks should’ve had a great deal on Black Friday. Instead, they paid full retail price for a 99-98 victory over the Hornets.