The New York Knicks have won their first NBA championship in 53 years after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Powered by a dominant display from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks overturned a second-half deficit to seal the series 4-1 and claim only the third title in franchise history.
Brunson scored 45 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, as New York outscored San Antonio 29-18 in the final period. He was named NBA Finals MVP after averaging 32.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists across the series.
“This is everything I dreamed of. This is why I came to New York,” Brunson said after lifting the trophy.
The championship ends one of the longest title droughts in American professional sports and sparked celebrations among Knicks supporters.
For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks in Game 5 but was unable to prevent defeat.
“It’s painful, but I’m not running away from that. I’m using it to fuel me,” Wembanyama said.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged New York’s superiority over the series.
“We weren’t ready to win an NBA championship. The better team won,” he said.
The title caps a remarkable playoff run for the Knicks, with Brunson leading a team that repeatedly battled back from adversity to deliver a long-awaited championship.
