The New York Knicks won the NBA Championship on June 13, 2026, by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the Finals at Frost Bank Center. This victory marks the Knicks' first championship since 1973, ending a 53-year title drought. The Knicks entered the game with a 3-1 series lead and managed to secure the championship despite not winning the clinching game at their home venue, Madison Square Garden.
The game began with the Spurs taking an early lead, and the Knicks struggled in the first quarter, scoring only 13 points. However, they rallied back after trailing by 16 points in the first half, cutting the deficit to five points by halftime. Jalen Brunson played a key role, scoring 16 of the Knicks' first-half points.
In the second half, the Knicks faced challenges, including foul trouble for their key players. Despite this, Brunson continued to perform, scoring 14 points in the third quarter and tying the game in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with 45 points, which is tied for the third-most points scored in a clinching NBA Finals game.
The Knicks' strategy of fouling in the final moments prevented the Spurs from attempting a tying three-pointer, allowing New York to secure the championship. The victory is significant for Knicks fans, who have endured a long wait for another title.