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Knicks Win 2026 NBA Title as Brunson Scores 45 to Clinch First Championship Since 1973

Jalen Brunson's late‑series surge rewrote expectations about the Knicks' title window.

Overview

  • The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 on Saturday night to win the 2026 NBA Finals 4-1 and secure the franchise's first championship since 1973.
  • Jalen Brunson scored 45 points in the clincher, set a Knicks record for points in a Finals game, and was the unanimous choice as Finals MVP after averaging 32.6 points in the series.
  • New York's title run was defined by resilience: the Knicks trailed by double digits in every Finals game and staged a 29-point comeback in Game 4, the largest rally in Finals history.
  • Celebrations in New York turned chaotic after the win with large street gatherings, multiple arrests, a bus set on fire and reports of a shooting near Times Square, and city officials have announced a Manhattan parade while investigations continue.
  • San Antonio's young core led by Victor Wembanyama and rookie Dylan Harper showed promise for the future despite fatigue and late‑series execution issues that contributed to the Spurs' loss.