Knicks win first NBA title since 1973 with Game 5 victory over Spurs

The New York Knicks secured their first NBA championship since 1973 Saturday night, beating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the Finals at Frost Bank Center.

The victory capped a historic season for the Knicks, who had entered the series with a 3-1 lead and had previously overcome a 16-point deficit in Game 4 to force a decisive Game 5. Although they did not clinch the title at Madison Square Garden, fans in San Antonio made the atmosphere feel like a home game for New York, according to reports from the scene.

Game 5 started with the Spurs taking an early lead, winning the first quarter for the fifth consecutive time in the series. The Knicks scored just 13 points in the opening quarter, tied for the second-lowest in NBA Finals history in the shot-clock era, according to ESPN. Despite the slow start, New York rallied to cut the deficit to five points by halftime.

Key moments in the game included foul issues for Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns, who picked up his fourth foul just 15 seconds into the third quarter. His absence allowed the Spurs to regain a double-digit lead. Knicks star Jalen Brunson appeared injured after landing on Wembanyama’s foot but returned to the game and scored 14 points in the third quarter, helping cut the Spurs’ lead to seven entering the final period.

Brunson finished with 45 points, tying for the third-most in NBA Finals clinching games. His late-game heroics, including a crucial free throw with 3:40 remaining, helped the Knicks take the lead and ultimately secure the title. The Spurs attempted a late rally, but the Knicks controlled the glass and made enough free throws to seal the victory. The win ended a 50-year drought for Knicks fans, who had endured decades of rebuilding and disappointment.

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