What happened: Mikal Bridges and the New York Knicks captured the 2026 NBA championship with a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5. Bridges recorded 14 points and a critical free throw in the final seconds to seal the 4-1 series win. The victory brings the first NBA title to Madison Square Garden since 1973.

Why it matters: The championship validates New York's decision to trade five first-round picks for Bridges, who proved to be the missing piece for a championship roster. By winning both the NBA Cup and the Finals, the Knicks became the first team in history to sweep both titles in one season. The win marks a definitive end to five decades of franchise frustration.

What to watch: The Knicks will celebrate with a ticker-tape parade through the Canyon of Heroes on June 18. The focus now turns to keeping the championship core together for a repeat bid in 2027.