The comeback wasn’t as dramatic as it was in Game Four, but this come-from-behind victory gave the Knicks their first NBA championship in 53 years. New York defeated the Spurs 94–90 to take the series 4–1.
Jalen Brunson, who was named Finals MVP, led all scorers Saturday night with 45 points, 15 of those coming in the final quarter as New York raised the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The Spurs didn’t make it easy, ramping up their defense early and holding New York to four made field goals on 22 attempts, while building a 23–13 lead.
But the Knicks—who had been able to put together scoring runs throughout the series—began to chip away at the advantage. Brunson and Mikal Bridges found their rhythm, and by halftime the Spurs’ lead had been narrowed to 42–37.
Dylan Harper had the hot hand for San Antonio in the third quarter, scoring 10 points, part of his team-high 25 on the night. San Antonio pushed the lead to seven, 72–65, going into the final twelve.
Once again, San Antonio fell apart in the fourth. New York shut down Victor Wembanyama, limiting the All-World big man to just three points in the quarter, while its star Brunson wouldn’t be denied—going 4-for-6 from the field and 7-for-8 from the free-throw line.
The Knicks outscored San Antonio 29–18 in the final period to complete the comeback and earn the franchise’s third all-time NBA championship.
