Basketball · San Antonio and New York
Jalen Brunson scores 45 as Knicks beat Spurs to win first NBA championship in 53 years
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 behind a 45-point performance from Jalen Brunson, securing their first NBA title since 1973 and ending a 53-year drought.
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In brief
The Knicks defeated the Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 to win their first NBA title since 1973.
Jalen Brunson scored 45 points in the clinching game, tying a record for a road player in a series-clinching win, and averaged 32.6 points in the series.
The Knicks overcame a 16-point deficit in Game 5, their fourth double-digit comeback of the Finals, including a 29-point rally in Game 4.
Fans poured into New York City streets after the final buzzer, continuing a citywide festival that began after the Game 4 comeback.
Brunson’s night
Jalen Brunson scored 45 points and was named NBA Finals MVP as the Knicks closed out the series 4-1. The 29-year-old guard made 14 of 27 field goals and 13 of 15 free throws, pouring in 15 points in the fourth quarter to erase a deficit that reached 10 points in the period and 16 in the first half. His 45 points tied the NBA record for a road player in a series-clinching victory.
“It's everything I dreamed of. This is why I picked New York.”
The comeback
New York trailed by 7 entering the fourth quarter and fell behind by 10 before a 10-0 run tied it at 83. The Knicks took their first lead since the opening minutes at 86-85 with just over a minute left and never let go. The rally followed a 29-point comeback in Game 4, the largest in playoff history.
A 53-year wait
The franchise’s last championship came in 1973. Saturday’s win ignited celebrations across New York City, where fans flooded streets from bars and watch parties after the final buzzer. Mayor Zohran Mamdani had earlier urged fans to “be responsible, look out for one another, stay safe, be smart, and make this a night that reflects the very best of our city.”
Family ties
Brunson’s connections to the Knicks run deep. His father, Rick Brunson, is a Knicks assistant coach and was on the 1999 Finals team that lost to San Antonio. Team president Leon Rose was Jalen Brunson’s agent before taking over basketball operations and is his godfather. Rick joined the coaching staff about a month before Jalen signed with New York.
Celebrities and context
The Finals drew prominent spectators, including Prince Harry, Ben Stiller and Timothée Chalamet. President Donald Trump attended an earlier game in the series, prompting long security lines and boos. Earlier Saturday, a World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco was held in New Jersey, with trains crowded with fans streaming back to Manhattan for the basketball game. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama blocked three shots early, but the Knicks’ slow, steady comeback prevailed.
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Sources and context
- The New York TimesJalen Brunson named NBA Finals MVP after historic 45-point effort in Knicks' clinching win
- BBCKnicks win NBA championship for first time in over 50 years
- The GuardianKnicks beat Spurs to win their first NBA title since 1973 as brilliant Brunson shines again
- RFIFinale NBA: les New York Knicks sacrés face aux San Antonio Spurs de Victor Wembanyama
- Jalen Brunson
- Knicks guard who scored 45 points in Game 5 and was named NBA Finals MVP.
- Victor Wembanyama
- San Antonio Spurs forward who had three blocks early in Game 5.
- Rick Brunson
- Knicks assistant coach and Jalen Brunson's father, who played for the 1999 Finals team.
- Leon Rose
- Knicks president of basketball operations and Jalen Brunson's godfather.
- Ariel Hukporti
- Knicks player who became the third German to win an NBA championship.
- Zohran Mamdani
- Mayor of New York City who urged responsible celebrations.
- Places
- San Antonio, New York City
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