The New York Knicks have won their third NBA Championship, ending a 53-year wait with a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
The Knicks won the best-of-seven series 4-1 and showed great fight throughout, coming from behind in all four of their wins. It is their first title since 1973.
In Game 5 at Frost Bank Center, the Knicks once again had to fight back. They trailed by 16 points in the second quarter and were still down by 10 early in the fourth quarter before producing another strong comeback.
Jalen Brunson led the way and was named Finals Most Valuable Player. He scored 45 points, including 15 in the final quarter, as he inspired another dramatic turnaround.
“I have no words. It’s everything I dreamed of,” Brunson said. “I’m in awe. It’s why I came to New York.
“Whenever someone counted us out, we found a way to come back and do something about it.
“Whatever you put in front of us, we’re going to find a way… every time we step on this court. Every time.”
Brunson’s 45 points set a new Knicks Finals record, passing Willis Reed’s 38 points in 1970. He also became only the fourth player in history to score at least 45 points in a title-winning game.
The Knicks were still behind by 10 points with under eight minutes left, but Brunson scored 10 straight points to level the game at 83-83.
He then put New York ahead 90-88 with just over a minute remaining. Free throws from Josh Hart and OG Anunoby helped extend the lead, as the Knicks held on in a tense finish.
San Antonio pushed hard late on. Victor Wembanyama missed a three-point attempt, while Stephon Castle’s dunk reduced the gap to two points with 16 seconds left. But the Knicks stayed calm from the free-throw line to seal the win.
Dylan Harper scored 25 points off the bench for the Spurs, while Wembanyama finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks.
After the game, Wembanyama admitted his team made too many mistakes.
“We weren’t ready. I wasn’t ready to win a ring,” he said. “We’re not lacking in talent or ability, but we make too many mistakes. I make too many mistakes.
“This is the biggest lesson of my life. It’s painful but I’m not running away from that. I’m using it to fuel me.”
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