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.
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.
