Knicks win first NBA title since 1973; Brunson 45 closes Spurs

Sunday, June 14, 2026Confirmed

Sports Desk

What we know

The New York Knicks won their first NBA championship in 53 years, beating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 on Saturday night in San Antonio to take the Finals 4-1. Jalen Brunson scored 45 points, including 13 straight in the fourth, as New York erased a 16-point deficit — the fourth double-digit comeback win of the series.

Brunson was named Finals MVP after averaging 32.6 points in the series. Owner James Dolan told fans, “Sorry it took so long,” with the Larry O’Brien trophy nearby; it was New York’s third title and first since 1973.

What's confirmed

Final: Knicks 94, Spurs 90 in Game 5 Saturday June 13 at San Antonio; series 4-1 (AP/USA Today/NBC).
Brunson 45 points; Finals MVP; career-defining road clincher (AP/NBA/USA Today).
Knicks first title since 1973; third franchise championship (AP/NBC).
Knicks rallied from 16-point Game 5 deficit; fourth Finals win from double-digit hole (AP).

What's still developing

Parade and roster decisions for New York after the title drought ends.
San Antonio offseason after Wembanyama’s first Finals loss.

Sources

AP News — The Knicks are NBA champions after Brunson's 45 leads way to 94-90 win over Spurs link
USA Today — Knicks win first NBA championship since 1973, ending decades of heartbreak link
NBC News — Weekend Rundown June 14 — Knicks beat Spurs for first NBA title in 53 years link
Sporting News — Knicks vs Spurs: New York returns to NBA throne behind Brunson's Game 5 link