The New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship in 53 years on Saturday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 to win the 2026 NBA Finals 4-1.

The title marks the third championship in franchise history and ends one of the longest championship droughts in the NBA. The Knicks last won the league title in 1973, three years after their first championship in 1970.

New York completed a dominant postseason run, winning 15 of its final 16 games. The team repeatedly overcame early deficits, including in the Finals, where the Knicks found themselves trailing by double digits in the opening quarter of every game before rallying.

In the deciding game, San Antonio jumped ahead 23-13 after the first quarter, but Jalen Brunson carried the Knicks offensively with 45 points, setting a franchise record for points scored in a Finals game.

The Knicks opened the Finals with victories in the first two games, winning 105-95 and 105-104. After the Spurs responded with a Game 3 win at Madison Square Garden, San Antonio appeared close to forcing a longer series after building a 29-point halftime lead in Game 4.

New York then completed a historic comeback, winning 107-106 after OG Anunoby scored the game-winning basket with 1.2 seconds remaining. The victory shifted momentum back to the Knicks and set up the championship-clinching Game 5.

The win led to celebrations throughout New York City, with thousands of fans gathering to mark the franchise’s return to the top of the NBA. Knicks coach Mike Brown earned his first championship as a head coach after guiding the team through a difficult playoff run.

The celebrations were also accompanied by incidents of unrest in Manhattan, where some individuals smashed NYPD vehicles amid the large crowds. Police responded as officials worked to manage the crowds and maintain order.

The Knicks’ championship also capped a season in which the team overcame early playoff challenges, including a first-round deficit against the Atlanta Hawks before advancing past the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers.