The New York Knicks are NBA champions again after defeating the San Antonio Spurs, 94-90, in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Saturday night (Sunday, June 14 Philippine Time).
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| New York Knicks win first NBA championship since 1973. Photo courtesy: X/NBA |
The victory secured a 4-1 series win and delivered the franchise's first NBA championship since 1973.
Jalen Brunson led the way with a spectacular 45-point performance, setting a Knicks franchise record for points scored in an NBA Finals game.
Brunson was also named the 2026 NBA Finals MVP after averaging 32.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game throughout the championship series.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 53 YEARS, THE KNICKS ARE NBA CHAMPIONS 🏆
— NBA (@NBA) June 14, 2026
New York defeats San Antonio 4-1 in the NBA Finals, capturing their third championship in franchise history! pic.twitter.com/i1gmntBe06
The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama and a talented young roster, built an early double-digit lead and appeared poised to extend the series.
New York responded with its trademark resilience, gradually erasing the deficit through disciplined defense and timely scoring.
Brunson took control in the crucial moments, repeatedly delivering baskets that kept the Knicks ahead during a tense fourth quarter.
The championship capped a remarkable postseason run in which the Knicks won 15 of their final 16 playoff games.
One of the defining moments of that run came in Game 4, when New York erased a 29-point deficit for the largest comeback victory in NBA Finals history.
The Knicks also established control of the series by winning the first two games in San Antonio before returning home with a commanding advantage.
For a franchise that endured more than five decades of disappointment, the championship finally ended a 53-year wait for basketball's ultimate prize.
Brunson's Finals heroics cemented his status among the greatest players in franchise history and elevated him to legendary status in New York sports.
As the final buzzer sounded and celebrations erupted, the Knicks secured their third NBA championship and completed one of the most memorable title runs in franchise history.
— The Summit Express
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