Third Championship in Team History! Brunson Scores 45 as Knicks Rally Past Spurs Again, Win Finals 4-1

On June 14 Beijing time, during the decisive Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the Knicks overcame a 16-point deficit to beat the Spurs 94-90, winning the series 4-1 and claiming the NBA championship for this season. This triumph is the third in Knicks history (seasons 1969-70, 1972-73, and 2025-26). Brunson recorded 45 points in the contest.

Game Progress

Facing a 3-1 series deficit and desperate to stay alive, the Spurs jumped out to a 7-0 run early in the first quarter, led by Victor Wembanyama and Harper. OG Anunoby responded with a three-pointer, but Harper maintained his hot hand by hitting a difficult reverse-angle shot to reclaim momentum, and Johnson followed with another three to extend the Spurs' lead to double digits. The Knicks attempted a comeback, but the Spurs held firm. By the end of the first quarter, the Spurs' defense held the Knicks to just 13 points, and they carried a 10-point lead into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Knicks continued to struggle early, making only one field goal in the first four minutes, while the Spurs knocked down consecutive threes to push the lead to 16. The Knicks refused to give up, with Bridges, Hart, and Brunson all hitting three-pointers in succession. The Spurs regained their shooting touch to steady themselves, but the Knicks went on another scoring spree inside and out, cutting the deficit to three points. At the end of the half, Vassell hit a buzzer-beater to give the Spurs a 42-37 lead. All 37 first-half points for the Knicks came from their starters.

After the break, the Spurs came out sharper, with Champagnie hitting consecutive threes to push the lead back to 12. The Knicks quickly responded to trim it to five, but Harper, Wembanyama, and Vassell traded baskets to maintain control. Harper then led another Spurs run that extended the advantage to 15. The Knicks showed their resilience once more, with Hart and Brunson leading a spirited comeback, and Claxton scoring the first bench points for New York late in the quarter. After three quarters, the Spurs led by seven.

In the fourth quarter, both teams traded three-pointers early, and the Spurs rebuilt their lead to double digits. Brunson took over offensively, leading a Knicks surge that tied the game at 83-83, leaving the outcome uncertain. Vassell hit a mid-range jumper to stop the bleeding, but Brunson continued to carry the scoring load, making three free throws to give the Knicks a one-point lead. Anunoby scored to put the Knicks up by three, but Towns fouled out after committing his sixth foul.

In the final moments, the Spurs mounted one last push to keep their title hopes alive. Wembanyama made one of two free throws, Harper scored, but Brunson answered with a basket. Hart and Anunoby then drew fouls and converted from the line to give the Knicks a four-point lead. With seconds ticking down, the Spurs refused to quit, with Castle scoring on a putback. Bridges made one of two free throws, keeping the Knicks ahead by three. Perhaps feeling the pressure, Harper missed both free throws, and Anunoby was fouled and made his free throws to seal the victory for New York.

Starting Lineups

Spurs: Wembanyama, Fox, Castle, Vassell, Champagnie

Knicks: Brunson, Anunoby, Towns, Bridges, Hart