Three days after a classic 107-106 comeback victory in game 4 at their home Madison Square Garden, the Knicks again demonstrated their mettle by turning the tide against the Spurs at the opponent's Frost Bank Center. The home team, Spurs, led by as many as 16 points but could not protect their advantage. Guard Jalen Brunson shone brightly with 45 points, leading the New York team to their first NBA pinnacle since 1973.

Brunson (11, blue) scores a layup for the Knicks at Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas, US on 13/6. Photo: Reuters

After the final buzzer, Brunson collapsed onto the court, overcome with emotion. The 29-year-old guard was later awarded the Finals Most Valuable Player trophy.

"I don't even know what I'm feeling," Brunson said, holding back tears after the game 5 victory. "Every time people doubt us, the team always finds a way to stand up and respond."

Earlier in game 4, the Knicks orchestrated one of the most memorable comebacks in NBA Finals history, erasing a 29-point deficit against the Spurs to win 107-106, thanks to OG Anunoby's decisive tip-in with only 1,2 seconds remaining.

Entering game 5, the Spurs started with great intensity, buoyed by their home crowd. However, a familiar scenario unfolded. The Texas team squandered a significant lead at the critical moment, missing numerous favorable opportunities, while young star Victor Wembanyama could not make a difference in the final minutes.

After the game, Knicks President Leon Rose praised the team: "It's hard to describe what they accomplished. Their fighting spirit, resilience, and refusal to give up were extraordinary. This has been an incredible journey."

This year's Finals garnered significant fan interest, with game 4 viewership being the highest since 1998. Many celebrities, including Prince Harry, were also present at the final game.

Knicks members celebrate their NBA championship at Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas, US on 13/6. Photo: Reuters

The Spurs started strong at home, trailing the series 1-3. They led 18-8 in the first quarter due to high defensive intensity and capitalizing on Knicks' errors. At the end of the first quarter, the home team led 23-13, with the Knicks making only 4 of 22 field goal attempts.

The lead extended to 16 points in the second quarter. However, Brunson began to ignite at the right moment. His consecutive scoring spree helped the Knicks significantly narrow the gap.

The next turning point came when De'Aaron Fox committed a flagrant foul on Josh Hart, resulting in a possession that earned the Knicks 5 points. From that point, the Spurs' advantage quickly eroded, shrinking to just 5 points by halftime.

The third quarter saw a back-and-forth battle. Wembanyama nearly faced suspension when he collided with Brunson after a three-point shot. If a serious foul had been called, the French center would have been suspended for the next game.

Young talent Dylan Harper played outstandingly with a 9-point scoring run, helping the Spurs re-establish a 15-point lead. Nevertheless, the Knicks continued their persistent chase, reducing the deficit to 7 points before the final quarter.

As Wembanyama gradually tired, Brunson almost single-handedly carried the Knicks' offense. The guard scored his 40th point with a beautiful layup, completing a 10-point run for the visitors to tie the game.

Shortly after, Brunson again put the Knicks ahead. Pressure caused the Spurs to become rushed and inaccurate in the final minutes. Consecutive crucial shots failed, while the Knicks maintained the composure needed to preserve their lead.

The 94-90 victory secured the Knicks' third NBA championship in club history and their first since 1973. After more than half a century of waiting, the New York team finally returned to the pinnacle of American basketball, with Brunson as the greatest hero in that historic journey.

Headquartered in New York, the largest media and advertising market in the US, the Knicks boast a massive fan base along with high ticket prices, sponsorship revenue, and local broadcasting rights. For many years, the New York Knicks have consistently been among the most valuable NBA clubs, often ranking top 1 or top 2 alongside the Golden State Warriors.

According to recent Forbes financial rankings, the Knicks were valued at approximately 7-8 billion USD, despite their on-court performance before the 2026 championship not being particularly outstanding. The 2026 championship promises to further boost their commercial value.

Vy Anh