In this week, we recap the standout moments from the past seven days in the NBA. The New York Knicks lifted the NBA Cup, the Atlanta Hawks continued their struggles, and Cooper Flagg made history with a record-breaking performance.

Team of the Week: New York Knicks
The New York Knicks take the spotlight this week after claiming the NBA Cup.

Following a semi-final victory over the Orlando Magic, OG Anunoby starred in the final with 28 points, leading the Knicks to a 124-113 win over the San Antonio Spurs. This marks New York’s first NBA Cup triumph and their first title in 52 years.

While the team will savor this milestone, their focus remains on bigger ambitions, aiming for an NBA Finals appearance this summer. The Knicks have also hit their stride after a slow start to the season, winning 12 of their last 14 games to sit second in the Eastern Conference.

Underperformers of the Week: Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have had a challenging week and a tough season overall.

Injuries to Trae Young, inconsistent performances from Kristaps Porzingis, and struggles from Zaccharie Risacher have left the Hawks at 15-15, ninth in the East. This week, they suffered three consecutive defeats against the Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls. Their loss to the Bulls was a thriller, with 302 combined points as Chicago edged Atlanta 152-150.

However, with Young recently returning from injury, the Hawks still have an opportunity to turn their season around.

Player of the Week: Cade Cunningham
Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham continues to shine, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier talents.

In three games this week, Cunningham posted:

• 32 points and 10 assists in a win over the Boston Celtics
• 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists in an overtime loss to the Dallas Mavericks
• 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a dominant victory against the Charlotte Hornets

The 24-year-old is a key reason the Pistons sit atop the Eastern Conference, averaging 9.2 assists per game this season, second only to Nikola Jokic (10.7).

Play of the Week: Dennis Schroder
The Sacramento Kings, struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference, secured a crucial win over the Houston Rockets thanks to an overtime game-winner from Dennis Schroder.

Story of the Week: Cooper Flagg
Despite the Dallas Mavericks falling 140-133 to the Utah Jazz, Cooper Flagg had a historic reason to celebrate. The sensational rookie became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40+ points, posting 42 and breaking LeBron James’ 22-year-old record.

“Obviously, we didn’t win, so it’s tough to be happy,” Flagg said. “But obviously, it’s a success.”

Flagg’s remarkable form shines bright in a Dallas squad largely writing off the season. While the Mavericks have few positives this year, Flagg’s generational talent is impossible to ignore.