New York Knicks end 53-year title drought, beat Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 to win NBA Finals
Jalen Brunson scored 45 points as the Knicks erased a 16-point deficit to clinch the series 4-1 and secure their third championship, the first since 1973.
Game 5 comeback
The New York Knicks rallied from a 16-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5, winning the NBA Finals 4-1 and capturing their first championship since 1973. At San Antonio, the Spurs led by double digits in the first half behind Victor Wembanyama’s defensive presence, but the Knicks slowly chipped away. They entered the final quarter trailing by seven points before taking their first lead since the opening period with about three minutes remaining and never looking back.
It’s everything I ever dreamed of.
Brunson’s historic night
Brunson, a 29-year-old guard taken 33rd overall in the 2018 draft, carried the Knicks in the second half with repeated clutch baskets and finished with 45 points, three rebounds and three assists. He was named Finals MVP. His father, Rick Brunson, was a member of the Knicks when the team last reached the NBA Finals in 1999 and lost to these same Spurs. Mike Brown, the Knicks’ head coach hired last summer, was an assistant on Gregg Popovich’s Spurs staff that season. Key contributions came from Mikal Bridges (14 points), Josh Hart (13 points, 11 rebounds) and OG Anunoby (11 points, eight rebounds).
- Jalen Brunson (NYK)
- 45
- Mikal Bridges (NYK)
- 14
- Josh Hart (NYK)
- 13
- OG Anunoby (NYK)
- 11
- Dylan Harper (SAS)
- 25
- Victor Wembanyama (SAS)
- 19
- Julian Champagnie (SAS)
- 14
- Devin Vassell (SAS)
- 12
End of a 53-year drought
The championship is the third in franchise history, adding to titles in 1970 and 1973. For decades the Knicks were synonymous with missed chances: the Patrick Ewing era, front-office missteps and a carousel of coaches. This team transformed under Brown, with Karl-Anthony Towns offering steady inside play and Anunoby delivering pivotal postseason moments. The Knicks also became the first champion in 22 years without a player selected in the top five of the NBA draft.
Spurs’ effort comes up short
Victor Wembanyama, the 22-year-old French star in his first playoff run, posted 19 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks but scored only three points in the fourth quarter. Dylan Harper led the Spurs with 25 points, continuing a strong finals series. Julian Champagnie added 14 points and Devin Vassell had 12. The Spurs, who were seeking their sixth title and first since 2014, could not withstand the Knicks’ composure in the final minutes.
