The New York Knicks have won the 2026 NBA Championship after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94 to 90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The victory completed a 4 to 1 series win and gave the franchise its first NBA title since 1973.
The championship ended a 53 year wait for New York. The Knicks entered the deciding game in San Antonio with a 3 to 1 series lead and needed one more victory to close out the Finals. The Spurs initially controlled the contest and built a 16 point advantage, but the Knicks produced another comeback to secure the championship.
Jalen Brunson was central to the Knicks' victory. The New York guard finished Game 5 with 45 points and took control during the fourth quarter. Brunson scored 13 consecutive points for New York during an important stretch as the Knicks overturned the Spurs' advantage and moved toward the championship.
The result continued a pattern that had developed during the Finals. New York came back from double digit deficits in all four of its victories in the series. Game 5 followed the same pattern as the Knicks recovered after San Antonio established a significant lead. Their late game execution ultimately allowed them to finish the series in five games.
The Spurs had entered the final game looking to extend the series and force another contest in New York. Instead, their 16 point advantage was overturned as the Knicks improved their performance during the second half. San Antonio struggled to maintain its scoring momentum late in the game, allowing New York to complete the comeback.
The championship is the third NBA title in Knicks franchise history. Their previous championships came in 1970 and 1973. The latest title therefore places the 2026 team alongside two earlier championship winning groups in franchise history.
For New York supporters, the result marked the end of one of the longest championship waits in the NBA. The Knicks had not won the league title since their 1973 championship team. Their 2026 victory therefore became one of the most significant results in the franchise's recent history.
Brunson's performance was also recognized individually. He was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player after helping New York close out the series. His 45 point performance in Game 5 provided the scoring leadership the Knicks needed during their final comeback.
The deciding game was played at the Spurs' home arena in San Antonio. New York had the opportunity to finish the series on the road after winning three of the first four games. The Knicks took advantage of that opportunity and avoided the need for a sixth game.
The 2026 Finals also featured a matchup between two teams with different stages of development. New York entered the series with an experienced roster that had developed through the playoffs, while San Antonio featured young star Victor Wembanyama as the centerpiece of its team.
The Knicks' ability to respond to deficits became one of the defining features of their championship run. According to the NBA, New York overcame double digit deficits in each of its four victories over San Antonio. The repeated comebacks helped the team close out the series 4 to 1.
Game 5 was particularly important because San Antonio had established a 16 point lead. Rather than allowing the game to slip away, New York gradually reduced the deficit before taking control during the closing stages. Brunson's fourth quarter scoring helped the Knicks complete the turnaround.
The final score of 94 to 90 reflected a closely contested finish despite the Spurs' earlier advantage. New York's defense and late game execution were important as the Knicks protected their lead during the final minutes.
The championship also marked a major moment for Brunson, who had become the primary offensive leader of the Knicks during their playoff run. His performance in the deciding game added to his postseason impact and resulted in the Finals MVP award.
The Knicks' success brings their 2026 playoff campaign to a conclusion with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy returning to New York. The franchise can now add the 2026 championship to its previous titles from 1970 and 1973.
For the Spurs, the loss ended their championship campaign after five Finals games. San Antonio will now enter the offseason with the experience of reaching the NBA Finals and will evaluate its roster ahead of the next season.
The 2026 NBA Finals also produced a historic result for New York because of the length of time between its championships. The 53 year gap between the 1973 title and the 2026 championship represents a significant period in franchise history.
New York's victory was secured on June 13, 2026, in Game 5. The Knicks won 94 to 90, completed the Finals with a 4 to 1 record and ended their championship wait. Brunson's 45 points and the team's comeback from a 16 point deficit were the key elements of the deciding game.
The championship also gives the Knicks a new starting point for the next phase of the franchise. After more than five decades without an NBA title, New York has once again reached the top of the league.