After 53 years, the New York Knicks are NBA champions. And the wait sure seemed worth it

The New York Knicks clinched their first NBA championship in 53 years after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Owner James Dolan grabbed the 30-pound gold-plated trophy immediately, shouting, 'Hey New York! I'm sorry it took so long! But here we are, and hopefully it won't take that long again!' The victory marked the franchise’s third NBA title, joining teams like Boston, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors with multiple championships. The Knicks’ playoff run included a 13-game winning streak and a dramatic comeback in Game 4, where they overcame a 29-point deficit to win at Madison Square Garden. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called the Game 4 victory 'amazing,' noting it was unprecedented in his experience. The team’s success followed decades of frustration, including losses in Game 7 of the 1994 Finals and a five-game defeat to the Spurs in the 1999 Finals. The franchise has endured 24 different coaches and over 400 players since its last title in 1973, with legends like Patrick Ewing, Carmelo Anthony, and Bernard King failing to end the drought. Former guard John Starks reflected on the long wait, saying, 'The third time is the charm,' as the Knicks finally defeated the Spurs in five games this season. Madison Square Garden will now add a championship banner, following a tradition of minimalist design featuring only the Knicks logo and '2025-26 World Champions.' The victory caps a historic season for New York sports, as the Knicks’ triumph follows the New York Liberty’s 2024 WNBA title and New York City FC’s 2021 MLS Cup win. The city’s major professional teams—Yankees, Mets, Giants, and Jets—had not won a championship since 2012, making this a long-awaited moment for Knicks fans.