The New York Knicks finally ended their 53-year championship drought
NEW YORK — For the first time in more than 50 years, the New York Knicks have been crowned NBA champions. Jalen Brunson delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 45 points, including 13 straight points in the fourth quarter, to lead New York to a 94–90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
New York erased double-digit deficits in all four of its victories to secure the series 4–1. In Game 5, where the Knicks fell behind by 16 points, Brunson and the rest of the team responded with another resilient comeback.
Additionally, Jalen Brunson captured the NBA Finals MVP award with a performance for the ages. He averaged 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game against a young, talented San Antonio Spurs squad. The championship and Finals MVP cemented Brunson’s legacy as one of the greatest players in Knicks history.
He became just the second player in franchise history to earn NBA Finals MVP honors, joining Knicks legend Willis Reed, who received the award during New York’s title-winning seasons in 1970 and 1973.
This Knicks’ first NBA championship since 1973, clinched on June 13, 2026, is more than just a title for New York. It marks the end of more than five decades of losing seasons, shattered hopes, and endless heartbreak.
“Coach Brown, this is your first year coaching the New York Knicks. How does it feel to get to this point? It's a real. I can't believe it happened. This is the most resilient team I've ever had to coach. I'm so excited for them. Thank you very much. Branson, how does it feel to finally get to this point in the finals and to win the finals? I don't know what I'm feeling right now. I'm in awe. Whenever someone counted us out, we found a way to come back and do something about it.”