Knicks clinch first NBA title in Texas; Brunson 45 points, Finals MVP

NBA Playoffs 2026: Knicks clinch first NBA title since 1973 with another comeback victory over Spurs

The New York Knicks erased a 16-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Saturday (13 June).

The New York Knicks broke a 53-year title drought to claim their first NBA championship crown since 1973 with a 94-90 win over the San Antonio Spurs in the fifth game of the 2026 Finals in Texas on Saturday (13 June).

Spearheaded by a stellar Jalen Brunson , the Knicks claimed their third NBA title in franchise history, proving to be basketball ’s comeback kings, taking the finals series 4-1. In all four of their victories, the Knicks had to claw their way back from double-digit deficits.

Point guard Brunson again starred, contributing 45 points for the New York team as they erased a 16-point disadvantage for an epic come-from-behind victory.

The Spurs held a commanding 10-point lead after the first quarter and extended it to 16 points in the second quarter. The Knicks then launched a stunning comeback to get within touching distance at the break, with the Spurs leading 42-37.

The Knicks were in the doldrums with eight minutes left on the clock, trailing the Spurs by 10 points. That is until Brunson stepped up to the plate, scoring the next 10 points to level matters at 83-83 with less than five minutes to go. This triggered a tense tit-for-tat exchange, with Brunson landing a jump shot with just over a minute left to edge the Knicks ahead at 90-88.

Free throws by OG Anunoby and Josh Hart extended their lead to four points, with Stephon Castle dunking to reduce the deficit to two points (92-90) with just 16 seconds remaining. Anunoby had the final say with the clincher to trigger the celebrations.

“I don’t know what I’m feeling,” Brunson told the NBA website . “I’m in awe. Whenever someone counted us out, we found a way to come back and do something about it.”

Mikal Bridges (14) and Hart (13) combined to add 27 points to the Knicks’ winning score with Brunson walking away with the Finals MVP crown. Brunson showed his temperament for the big moment, scoring 15 of his points in the final quarter.

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Picture by Scott Wachter-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect