What happened: Jose Alvarado and the New York Knicks captured the 2026 NBA Championship with a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 on Saturday night. The win secured a 4-1 series victory and brought the title back to New York for the first time since 1973.
Why it matters: The victory ends a half-century wait for the franchise and fulfills the dream of the Brooklyn-born Alvarado. Alvarado also makes history as just the third Puerto Rican player in NBA history to win a championship.
By the numbers: Series Result: Knicks 4, Spurs 1. Game 5 Score: 94-90. Historic Comeback: 29-point rally in Game 4 (Finals record). Milestone: 3rd Puerto Rican NBA Champion.
What to watch: The Knicks will celebrate their historic title with a championship parade through the streets of Manhattan. The team enters the offseason looking to sustain its position at the top of the NBA.