The essentials
Brunson's 45-point Game 5 performance gave the Knicks their first championship in 56 years.
Jalen Brunson delivered a championship-clinching performance with 45 points in Game 5, earning NBA Finals MVP honors as the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to win the 2026 NBA championship. Brunson's scoring output set a Knicks Finals record and capped a dominant Finals run in which he averaged 32.6 points per game across the series.
The Knicks' victory marks their first NBA championship since 1970, ending a 56-year championship drought for the franchise. The team claimed the title with a 4-1 series victory, demonstrating the offensive firepower and resilience that defined their postseason run. New York finished the playoffs with a 16-3 record, showcasing dominance across multiple rounds.
The championship Game 5 took place in San Antonio, where the Knicks overcame a 16-point deficit to secure the decisive victory. The Knicks' balanced scoring attack and late-game execution proved decisive against the Spurs' efforts to mount a championship challenge.
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Brunson's 45-point showing delivers Knicks first title since 1970
Brunson's championship-clinching 45-point performance established him as the Finals' dominant offensive force, setting a Knicks Finals record. His 32.6 points per game average throughout the series powered New York's offensive attack. The scoring output in Game 5 proved decisive as the Knicks claimed their first championship in 56 years, demonstrating Brunson's ability to deliver at the highest competitive level.
Knicks complete 4-1 Finals victory behind consistent Brunson production
The Knicks' four-game Finals series victory showcased sustained offensive excellence, with Brunson anchoring the attack throughout. New York's 16-3 playoff record reflected dominance across the postseason leading to the championship. The Knicks overcame a 16-point Game 5 deficit in San Antonio, demonstrating the resilience that characterized their Finals performance and ultimately delivered the franchise's first title since 1970.