The New York Knicks won the NBA championship on Saturday, ending a 53-year title drought with a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5. The win secured the franchise’s third title in history, its first since 1973. The Knicks won the best-of-seven series 4-1, overcoming a double-figure deficit in all four of their victories. Jalen Brunson was named the series Most Valuable Player after scoring 45 points in the clinching game. According to the Idaho State Journal, his performance tied an NBA record for a road player in a series-clinching victory. Brunson, who joined the Knicks as a free agent in 2022, averaged 32.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists during the series. He scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, a period in which the Knicks trailed by as many as 10 points. The Knicks mounted a significant comeback in the final minutes, trailing by 16 points in the first half and 10 points early in the fourth quarter. In the final four minutes, Brunson scored a 12-footer with 1:05 remaining to put the Knicks up 90-88. Josh Hart and OG Anunoby made free throws to extend the lead to four. The Spurs attempted to respond with a put-back dunk by Stephon Castle with 16.3 seconds left, but the Knicks won the ensuing free-throw contest. The Spurs, who became the first team to lead five finals games by at least 10 points in the first quarter, saw Victor Wembanyama finish with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Wembanyana, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, stated the loss was a “learning moment” and that the team made too many mistakes. The Knicks’ roster included several teammates of Brunson from Villanova University, including Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges. The team also featured Karl-Anthony Towns, who was moved to the top of the offense during the playoffs. The victory marks the first championship for the franchise since the 1970s, a period that included titles won by Willis Reed and Walter “Clyde” Frazier.