Jalen Brunson scores 45 points as Knicks win first NBA championship in 53 years

New York secured its first NBA championship since 1973 on Saturday, beating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the Finals. Point guard Jalen Brunson led the decisive surge, scoring 13 straight points in the fourth quarter and finishing with 45 points, which earned him the Finals MVP award.

The Knicks overcame multiple double-digit deficits throughout the series, rallying from 14-point holes in the first two games, a 29-point deficit in Game 4, and a 16-point deficit in the final match. Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs acknowledged the Knicks’ dominance for most of the series but noted that mistakes were heavily penalized.

"It was surreal," Knicks coach Mike Brown said of the victory.

"Never," Brunson replied when asked if he ever doubted the team’s chances.

Brunson’s postseason averages were 28.4 points, 6.1 assists and 2.7 turnovers, rising to 32.6 points per game in the Finals. He shot 6-for-12 in the final two minutes of each series game and recorded no turnovers in those clutch moments.

His father, former Knicks assistant Rick Brunson, praised his son’s development, saying the achievement was “surreal.”

The championship also highlighted the Knicks’ roster moves, including the acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, made possible after Brunson agreed to a contract below his market value to provide salary-cap flexibility.

Walt Frazier, a member of the Knicks’ 1970 and 1973 title teams, expressed surprise at the team’s 16-3 postseason record and looked forward to the upcoming victory parade in Manhattan.