The New York Knicks are the new kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA) after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 to capture the franchise's first title in 53 years. The series ended 4-1 on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Finals MVP Performance
Jalen Brunson, the 6-foot-2 guard, erupted for 45 points to lead the Knicks to their first championship since 1973. Brunson was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.
"I've got no words," said Brunson, who cried tears of joy. "It's everything I ever dreamed of."
"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," he added.
Brunson became the second player in NBA history to score 45 or more points in a road game that clinched a title. The other was Michael Jordan in Utah in 1998.
Sweet Revenge
The championship was especially sweet for the Knicks as they avenged their loss to the Spurs in the 1999 NBA Finals.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama finished with 19 points on 7-of-19 shooting, along with 14 rebounds, five blocks, and two assists.
Knicks fans held watch parties and celebrated the victory, even as the game was played in San Antonio.
