The New York Knicks have done it again, overcoming another double-digit deficit to secure their first NBA title in 53 years with a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Jalen Brunson was the hero, scoring 45 points including 13 consecutive points in the fourth quarter, earning him the NBA Finals MVP award. The Knicks won the series 4-1, completing a remarkable comeback after trailing by 16 points in the game.
Brunson's Historic Performance
Brunson's 45 points set a new Knicks record for points in a finals game, surpassing Willis Reed's 38 points in Game 3 of the 1970 series. The left-handed point guard, who joined the Knicks four years ago, has transformed the franchise's fortunes.
"I have no words," Brunson said during the on-court celebration. "It's everything I ever dreamed of."
The "Nova Knicks" trio — Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart — former NCAA champions at Villanova, combined for 27 points. Bridges scored 14, and Hart added 13.
Spurs' Efforts Fall Short
Dylan Harper led the Spurs with 25 points, while Victor Wembanyama contributed 19 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocked shots. Despite their efforts, the Spurs could not hold onto an early lead.
The Knicks improved to 4-0 in closeout games this season, winning all on the road. Thousands of New York fans traveled to Texas to witness the historic moment.
Comeback Kings
New York's path to the title included a remarkable 29-point comeback in Game 4, winning 107-106 on OG Anunoby's tip-in with 1.2 seconds left. That was the largest comeback in NBA Finals history and the biggest comeback in any game this season.
The Spurs led by 10 or more points in the first quarter of all five finals games, a first in the play-by-play era dating back to 1996-97. However, the Knicks never wavered.
"I don't know what I'm feeling," Brunson added. "I'm in awe. Whenever someone counted us out, we found a way to come back and do something about it."
