New York Knicks outlast San Antonio Spurs to win first title since 1973 behind Jalen Brunson's record-setting 45 points
- Chas Post
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The New York Knicks outlasted the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, capturing the franchise's first title since 1973 behind Jalen Brunson's record-setting 45-point outburst on Saturday!
Following decades of frustration, the Knicks have finally returned to the promised land – snapping the title drought and bringing a championship back to New York for just the third time in NBA history.
San Antonio led 83-73 in the fourth quarter before Brunson took over in crunch time by scoring 15 points in the final
period, highlighted by a go-ahead floater with 1:06 left to propel the Knicks into the lead.
In addition to being the most points ever scored by a Knicks player in the NBA Finals, Brunson's eruption was just the fourth time in NBA Finals history that a player had 45+ points in a title-clinching game.
Despite being doubted, the Knicks were truly a team of destiny this year. "It's everything we dreamed of," Brunson said after leading the Knicks to the franchise's third NBA title. "It's why I came to New York."
2026 NBA Finals recap
Game 1: Knicks 105-95
Game 2: Knicks 105-104
Game 3: Spurs 115-111
Game 4: Knicks 107-106
Game 5: Knicks 94-90
New York Knicks stat leaders
Jalen Brunson: 45 points, 3 assists, 2 steals
Mikal Bridges: 14 points, 4 rebounds
Josh Hart: 13 points, 11 rebounds
OG Anunoby: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals
San Antonio Spurs stat leaders
Dylan Harper: 25 points, 5 rebounds
Victor Wembanyama: 19 points, 14 rebounds
Julian Champagnie: 14 points, 7 rebounds
Devin Vassell: 12 points, 7 rebounds
