The wait is finally over. The New York Knicks are celebrating their first NBA championship since 1973, ending a 53-year drought with a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday (Sunday, June 14, 2026, PH time) at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Historic Victory on the Road
The Knicks clinched the best-of-seven series 4-1, securing the title on the road in front of roaring fans. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 45 points, delivering a performance for the ages. He was named the 2026 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, averaging 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds against the Spurs.
Brunson joined legendary Michael Jordan as the only players in league history to record 45 or more points in a road game and win a title-clinching contest. Jordan achieved this feat in the 1998 NBA Finals in Utah.
Emotional Aftermath
“I’ve got no words,” Brunson said after a long pause, with tears in his eyes. “It’s everything I ever dreamed of.” He added, “I don’t know what I’m feeling. I’m just, like, I’m in awe. I don’t know. Whenever someone counted us out, we find a way to come back and do something about.”
Poetic Justice for New York
The victory provided a sense of poetic closure for New York fans. By defeating the Spurs, the Knicks avenged their 1999 Finals loss to San Antonio. The franchise’s last championship came in 1973, and the 1999 loss had lingered for decades.
Defensive Stifling of Wembanyama
While Spurs’ generational talent Victor Wembanyama filled the stat sheet with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks, the Knicks’ stifling defense held him to a dismal 7-of-19 shooting from the field. The Knicks’ defensive effort was key to limiting the Spurs’ offense and securing the championship.
