Knicks rally again behind Jalen Brunson's 45 points to defeat Spurs, win franchise's first NBA championship since 1973

The New York Knicks secured their first NBA championship since 1973 after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the Finals on Saturday night. The Knicks trailed by 16 points early in the fourth quarter but rallied behind Jalen Brunson, who scored 45 points—including 15 in the final stanza—to lead the team to a 4-1 series victory. Brunson’s performance included 14 of 27 field goals, 4 of 7 three-pointers, and three steals, marking his fourth game of the Finals with 30-plus points. The Spurs took an early double-digit lead in the first quarter but collapsed under pressure, allowing the Knicks to tie and eventually take control. Brunson’s clutch free throws and a floater with 1:06 remaining sealed the game, with the final buzzer sounding after a missed three by Victor Wembanyama. The win capped an historic playoff run for the Knicks, who overcame long odds to reach the Finals and win their first title in 50 years. Knicks fans in San Antonio and across New York erupted in celebration, with players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Brunson embracing in emotional moments. Brunson, who played alongside his father and Knicks assistant Rick Brunson, was overwhelmed by the achievement, telling ESPN he had ‘no words’ for the experience. His 45-point outburst made him the second player in NBA history to score that many in a road championship-clinching game, joining Michael Jordan’s 1998 performance. The victory also marked the end of an unprecedented postseason for the Knicks, who entered the Finals on an 11-game win streak. Brunson’s Finals MVP award solidified his status as a franchise icon, delivering on years of fan expectations and restoring pride to New York’s basketball legacy. The Spurs, despite their star power, fell short in a series defined by resilience and late-game heroics from Brunson.