For the first time since 1973, the New York Knicks are NBA champions.

They defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games, winning Game 5 in Texas 94-90. Guard Jalen Brunson finished with a game-high 45 points for New York, and he was later named the Finals' Most Valuable Player.

The Knicks opened the series by winning two road games in San Antonio. They lost Game 3 in New York — a game attended by President Donald Trump — but they rebounded to win the next two and clinch the title.

It was a disappointing end to a fantastic season for the Spurs. But with a young exciting roster led by superstar Victor Wembanyama, they are expected to bounce back and be a league force for years to come.

The New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns hugs Mitchell Robinson after the final buzzer.
The New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns hugs Mitchell Robinson after the final buzzer.
Darren Abate/AP
Knicks fans celebrate during a watch party in New York City.
Knicks fans celebrate during a watch party in New York City.
Heather Khalifa/AP
Knicks star Jalen Brunson laughs with owner James Dolan while holding the Finals Most Valuable Player award. At right is Brunson's dad, Rick, who is a Knicks assistant coach.
Knicks star Jalen Brunson laughs with owner James Dolan while holding the Finals Most Valuable Player award. At right is Brunson's dad, Rick, who is a Knicks assistant coach.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Actor and Knicks fan Timothée Chalamet celebrates with New York's Mikal Bridges after the game.
Actor and Knicks fan Timothée Chalamet celebrates with New York's Mikal Bridges after the game.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Fans celebrate the Knicks' win in New York's Bryant Park.
Fans celebrate the Knicks' win in New York's Bryant Park.
Christian Monterrosa/Reuters
Knicks fans celebrate the title in New York.
Knicks fans celebrate the title in New York.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Filmmaker Spike Lee, a longtime Knicks fan who is a courtside fixture at New York's Madison Square Garden, celebrates in San Antonio.
Filmmaker Spike Lee, a longtime Knicks fan who is a courtside fixture at New York's Madison Square Garden, celebrates in San Antonio.
Darren Abate/AP
Brunson drives to the basket in the second half of Game 5. He finished with 45 points.
Brunson drives to the basket in the second half of Game 5. He finished with 45 points.
Geoff Burke/Pool/Imagn Images/Reuters
Knicks fans watch Game 5 in New York City.
Knicks fans watch Game 5 in New York City.
Stefan Jeremiah/AP
The Spurs' Victor Wembanyama rises for a shot in Game 5.
The Spurs' Victor Wembanyama rises for a shot in Game 5.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Brunson dribbles along the baseline during Game 5.
Brunson dribbles along the baseline during Game 5.
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images
The Knicks' OG Anunoby drives to the basket during Game 5.
The Knicks' OG Anunoby drives to the basket during Game 5.
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images
From left, actors Tracy Morgan, John Turturro and Giancarlo Esposito support their Knicks in San Antonio. Many celebrities and New York fans attended the games in Texas as well as New York.
From left, actors Tracy Morgan, John Turturro and Giancarlo Esposito support their Knicks in San Antonio. Many celebrities and New York fans attended the games in Texas as well as New York.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
The national anthem is played before Game 5.
The national anthem is played before Game 5.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Anunoby (No. 8) tips in the game-winning basket with 1.2 seconds left in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 10. The Knicks completed <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F06%2F11%2Fsport%2Fnew-york-knicks-comeback-nba-finals">the greatest comeback in Finals history</a>, rallying from 29 points down to defeat the Spurs 107-106.
Anunoby (No. 8) tips in the game-winning basket with 1.2 seconds left in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 10. The Knicks completed the greatest comeback in Finals history, rallying from 29 points down to defeat the Spurs 107-106.
Vincent Carchietta/Imagn/Reuters
New York's Karl-Anthony Towns, left, celebrates after the final buzzer in Game 4.
New York's Karl-Anthony Towns, left, celebrates after the final buzzer in Game 4.
Al Bello/Getty Images
Pop star Taylor Swift was in New York's Madison Square Garden for Game 4, sitting courtside with a shirt that referenced singer Stevie Nicks.
Pop star Taylor Swift was in New York's Madison Square Garden for Game 4, sitting courtside with a shirt that referenced singer Stevie Nicks.
Brad Penner/Imagn Images/Reuters
The court was flooded with players and fans after the Knicks' improbable comeback victory in Game 4.
The court was flooded with players and fans after the Knicks' improbable comeback victory in Game 4.
Frank Franklin II/AP
Brunson shoots a 3-pointer over Wembanyama late in the fourth quarter.
Brunson shoots a 3-pointer over Wembanyama late in the fourth quarter.
Brad Penner/Imagn Images/Reuters
Spurs guard Dylan Harper drives to the basket during the first half of Game 4. The Spurs led by 27 at halftime.
Spurs guard Dylan Harper drives to the basket during the first half of Game 4. The Spurs led by 27 at halftime.
Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images/Reuters
The Spurs' Devin Vassell celebrates a 3-pointer during the first half of Game 4. The Spurs hit 14 3-pointers in the half, setting a new Finals record.
The Spurs' Devin Vassell celebrates a 3-pointer during the first half of Game 4. The Spurs hit 14 3-pointers in the half, setting a new Finals record.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
Wembanyama shoots over a couple of Knicks during Game 3 in New York. Wembanyama scored 32 points to lift the Spurs to a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F06%2F08%2Fus%2Flive-news%2Fgame-3-nba-knicks-spurs-new-york-security-trump-mamdani">115-111 victory</a> and cut the Knicks' series lead to 2-1.
Wembanyama shoots over a couple of Knicks during Game 3 in New York. Wembanyama scored 32 points to lift the Spurs to a 115-111 victory and cut the Knicks' series lead to 2-1.
Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
Brunson and Miles McBride, center, walk to the bench late in the Game 3 loss. It was the team's first loss in 46 calendar days.
Brunson and Miles McBride, center, walk to the bench late in the Game 3 loss. It was the team's first loss in 46 calendar days.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
President Donald Trump watches Game 3 from a box at Madison Square Garden. Trump became the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game.
President Donald Trump watches Game 3 from a box at Madison Square Garden. Trump became the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game.
Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Knicks guard Josh Hart shoves the Spurs' Luke Kornet as Game 3 got chippy on Monday.
Knicks guard Josh Hart shoves the Spurs' Luke Kornet as Game 3 got chippy on Monday.
Yuki Iwamura/AP
Brunson celebrates a 3-pointer during Game 3. The Knicks led by seven at halftime.
Brunson celebrates a 3-pointer during Game 3. The Knicks led by seven at halftime.
Al Bello/Getty Images
Rapper Cardi B was a surprise halftime performer at Game 3.
Rapper Cardi B was a surprise halftime performer at Game 3.
Yuki Iwamura/AP
Madison Square Garden was hosting its first NBA Finals game since 1999.
Madison Square Garden was hosting its first NBA Finals game since 1999.
Al Bello/Getty Images
Actor Timothée Chalamet, in the bright orange, cheers for his beloved Knicks during Game 3. Next to him is actor Ben Stiller, another Knicks fan who has been seen courtside throughout these playoffs. Game 3 brought out many celebrities and <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F06%2F03%2Fbusiness%2Fknicks-nba-finals-spurs-msg">was an extremely pricey ticket</a>.
Actor Timothée Chalamet, in the bright orange, cheers for his beloved Knicks during Game 3. Next to him is actor Ben Stiller, another Knicks fan who has been seen courtside throughout these playoffs. Game 3 brought out many celebrities and was an extremely pricey ticket.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
Brunson tries to drive past Stephon Castle during Game 3.
Brunson tries to drive past Stephon Castle during Game 3.
Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
Trump stands for the national anthem before Game 3.
Trump stands for the national anthem before Game 3.
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
Fans wait to get through security before Game 3. The president's plans prompted increased security measures.
Fans wait to get through security before Game 3. The president's plans prompted increased security measures.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Fans wait in line prior to Game 3.
Fans wait in line prior to Game 3.
Yuki Iwamura/AP
Trump waves as his motorcade arrives at Madison Square Garden.
Trump waves as his motorcade arrives at Madison Square Garden.
Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
Wembanyama walks off the court after missing the potential game-winning basket at the end of Game 2 in San Antonio. The Knicks held off a spirited Spurs comeback <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F06%2F05%2Fsport%2Fnba-finals-game-2-knicks-spurs">to win 105-104</a> and take a 2-0 series lead.
Wembanyama walks off the court after missing the potential game-winning basket at the end of Game 2 in San Antonio. The Knicks held off a spirited Spurs comeback to win 105-104 and take a 2-0 series lead.
Eric Gay/AP
Wembanyama takes the final shot of Game 2. It clanged off the back of the rim.
Wembanyama takes the final shot of Game 2. It clanged off the back of the rim.
Juan Ocampo/NBAE/Getty Images
A Knicks fan celebrates the Game 2 win during a watch party outside Madison Square Garden in New York. The win had many Knicks fans predicting a sweep, chanting "Knicks in four."
A Knicks fan celebrates the Game 2 win during a watch party outside Madison Square Garden in New York. The win had many Knicks fans predicting a sweep, chanting "Knicks in four."
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Towns, left, and Mikal Bridges try to box out Wembanyama during Game 2.
Towns, left, and Mikal Bridges try to box out Wembanyama during Game 2.
Eric Gay/AP
Spurs center Luke Kornet, bottom left, reaches for a rebound.
Spurs center Luke Kornet, bottom left, reaches for a rebound.
Eric Gay/AP
Brunson shoots over Wembanyama in the fourth quarter of Game 1. The Knicks star hit many big shots down the stretch, leading New York to a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F06%2F03%2Fsport%2Fnba-finals-game-1-final-score">105-95 win</a>. He finished with a game-high 30 points.
Brunson shoots over Wembanyama in the fourth quarter of Game 1. The Knicks star hit many big shots down the stretch, leading New York to a 105-95 win. He finished with a game-high 30 points.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Knicks fans watch Game 1 at a watch party outside Madison Square Garden in New York.
Knicks fans watch Game 1 at a watch party outside Madison Square Garden in New York.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
A fan rushes onto the court during the game, trying to get Wembanyama on video. The fan was quickly escorted away by security, and <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F06%2F04%2Fsport%2Ffan-victor-wembanyama-selfie-nba-finals">the NBA banned him for life</a>.
A fan rushes onto the court during the game, trying to get Wembanyama on video. The fan was quickly escorted away by security, and the NBA banned him for life.
Ronald Cortes/Getty Images
Fans in New York celebrate the Knicks' Game 1 win.
Fans in New York celebrate the Knicks' Game 1 win.
Marco Postigo Storel/CNN
Towns drives to the basket between Wembanyama, right, and Julian Champagnie.
Towns drives to the basket between Wembanyama, right, and Julian Champagnie.
Eric Gay/AP
San Antonio fans cheer during Game 1. The Spurs were last in the NBA Finals in 2014.
San Antonio fans cheer during Game 1. The Spurs were last in the NBA Finals in 2014.
Sharon Chi/NBAE/Getty Images
The Finals tip off in San Antonio.
The Finals tip off in San Antonio.
Ronald Cortes/Getty Images
The Salesian Sisters — <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F06%2F08%2Fsport%2Fvideo%2Fspurs-nuns-san-antonio-vrtc">a group of Catholic nuns who are Spurs superfans</a> — greet players prior to Game 1. The nuns have been a fixture at Spurs games throughout their playoff run.
The Salesian Sisters — a group of Catholic nuns who are Spurs superfans — greet players prior to Game 1. The nuns have been a fixture at Spurs games throughout their playoff run.
Eric Gay/AP