Knicks Secure First NBA Title in 53 Years Behind Brunson’s Finals MVP Performance

New York captures first NBA title since 1973.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 141 min read

"Delete that." Jalen Brunson checking in after becoming an NBA champion. We couldn't delete this one 😂 https://t.co/SY Via @espn on X

What happened: The New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship since 1973, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 on Saturday. Jalen Brunson led the charge with a franchise-record 45 points in the clincher, scoring 13 straight in the fourth quarter to secure the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Why it matters: The victory cements Jalen Brunson as a New York icon and completes a historic season where the Knicks won both the Emirates NBA Cup and the NBA title. Coach Mike Brown’s squad overcame double-digit deficits in all four Finals victories, marking one of the most resilient postseason runs in league history.

By the numbers: Jalen Brunson: 45 PTS (Knicks Finals record), 29.5 PPG in series. Game 5 score: Knicks 94, Spurs 90. Series result: Knicks win 4-1. New York’s first title in 53 years.

What to watch: The city of New York prepares for a championship parade as the Knicks transition into an offseason as defending titleholders.

Sources

@espn 2026-06-14T05:05:57.204610+00:00

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

NBABreakingNew York KnicksJalen Brunson

Follow NBA Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportNBA

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →

Knicks Secure First NBA Title in 53 Years Behind Brunson’s Finals MVP Performance

More on Jalen Brunson

Sources

More on Jalen Brunson