Knicks win first NBA championship since 1973 as Jalen Brunson scores 45 in Game 5
New York defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, clinching the series 4-1 and securing the franchise's first title in 51 years.
The New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship since 1973 on Saturday, beating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the Finals to close the series 4-1. The Knicks overcame a 16-point first-quarter deficit, rallying in the second half to take the lead and hold on for the win.
Jalen Brunson led New York with 45 points, becoming the second player in league history to score 45 on the road in a title-clinching game, joining Michael Jordan in 1998. Brunson made his first three three-point attempts early, hit key free throws in the third quarter and added 15 points in the final period as the Knicks erased a 75-65 gap.
The victory marked the Knicks' first championship in 51 years and earned Brunson the NBA Finals MVP award. The win followed a postseason run that included an 11-game winning streak entering the Finals and a historic 29-point comeback in Game 4.
"I’ve got no words," Brunson said in a post-game interview, expressing his emotion after the triumph.
The Spurs' final attempt to close the game came with a missed three-pointer by Victor Wembanyama as the final buzzer sounded.