Knicks Rally Again Behind Jalen Brunson’s 45 Points to Defeat Spurs, Capture First NBA Championship Since 1973

The wait is finally over for New York basketball fans.

The New York Knicks completed a remarkable postseason run by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals, securing the franchise’s first NBA championship since 1973. Led by an unforgettable 45-point performance from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks erased another double-digit deficit and finished the series 4-1, ending a 53-year title drought.

Jalen Brunson Delivers a Historic Finals Performance

On the biggest stage of his career, Jalen Brunson produced one of the greatest performances in Knicks history.

The All-Star guard scored 45 points, including 13 consecutive points during a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter, helping New York overcome a 16-point deficit and seize control late in the game. Brunson's 45 points set a new franchise record for points scored in an NBA Finals game, surpassing the previous mark held by Knicks legend Willis Reed.

Brunson's leadership and scoring brilliance were the driving forces behind New York's championship run. His ability to take over games in clutch moments became a recurring theme throughout the playoffs, and Game 5 was no exception. 

The performance also earned Brunson NBA Finals MVP honors, further cementing his status as one of the most important players in modern Knicks history. 

Another Comeback Defines the Knicks’ Championship Identity

If there was one characteristic that defined the 2026 Knicks, it was resilience.

Throughout the Finals, New York repeatedly found itself trailing by double digits. Yet each time, the team responded with poise and determination. Remarkably, the Knicks rallied from double-digit deficits in all four of their victories against San Antonio. 

Game 5 followed a familiar script.

The Spurs controlled much of the first half and built a lead as large as 16 points. San Antonio's defense frustrated New York early, while the Knicks struggled to find rhythm offensively. But as they had done throughout the series, the Knicks steadily chipped away at the deficit before Brunson took over in the final quarter. 

The championship-clinching comeback came just days after New York authored one of the most dramatic victories in NBA Finals history, erasing a 29-point deficit in Game 4 and winning on OG Anunoby's last-second tip-in. 

Key Contributions Beyond Brunson

While Brunson grabbed the headlines, New York received important support from several key teammates.

Mikal Bridges contributed 14 points and provided strong perimeter defense, while Josh Hart added 13 points and 11 rebounds in another gritty performance. OG Anunoby also chipped in 11 points and continued his strong two-way play throughout the series. 

The Knicks did not shoot particularly well overall, but they compensated with toughness, rebounding, defensive intensity, and timely execution in the closing minutes. Their collective effort proved enough to overcome a talented Spurs squad led by rising superstar Victor Wembanyama. 

Spurs Show Promise Despite Finals Defeat

Although the championship celebration belonged to New York, the Spurs demonstrated why many analysts believe they have a bright future.

Rookie standout Dylan Harper led San Antonio with 25 points, while Victor Wembanyama finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocked shots. For much of Game 5, the Spurs appeared positioned to extend the series, but New York's experience and composure proved decisive down the stretch.

Despite the loss, San Antonio's Finals appearance signals the franchise's rapid return to contention and suggests that the Spurs could remain a major force in the Western Conference for years to come. 

A Championship Decades in the Making

For Knicks fans, this victory represents far more than a single championship.

Since winning titles in 1970 and 1973, the franchise endured decades of near misses, rebuilding projects, coaching changes, and playoff heartbreak. Generations of fans waited for the moment when the Knicks would once again stand atop the NBA. 

That moment finally arrived in San Antonio.

The championship not only ends one of the longest title droughts in professional sports but also restores one of the NBA's most iconic franchises to the top of the basketball world. Thousands of Knicks fans made the trip to Texas to witness history, and celebrations immediately erupted across New York City following the final buzzer. 

Conclusion

The 2026 NBA Finals will be remembered as the series that transformed Jalen Brunson from a star into a New York sports legend.

His record-setting 45-point masterpiece powered the Knicks to a 94-90 victory over the Spurs, secured a 4-1 series triumph, and delivered the franchise's first NBA championship in 53 years. Combined with a postseason filled with dramatic comebacks and unforgettable moments, the title run instantly becomes one of the greatest chapters in Knicks history. 

For New York, the decades-long wait is over. The Knicks are NBA champions once again. 🏆🏀