Jalen Brunson’s 45-point masterpiece helped the Knicks erase another deficit and ultimately bring the Larry O’Brien Trophy back to the Knicks.
Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks completed their historic championship run in San Antonio on Saturday night as the team erased another double-digit deficit to beat the Spurs 94-90.
It was the first NBA championship since 1973, the same year hip-hop was born in the Bronx.
The celebration finally came after Brunson produced one of the greatest performances in Knicks history. The All-Star guard scored 45 points and accounted for nearly half of New York’s offense. He led the team through a tense fifth game, ultimately winning 4-1.
No other Knicks scored more than 14 points. Brunson’s talent is exceptional.
Speaking to ESPN’s Lisa Salters after the game, he struggled to put into words the accomplishment.
“I have nothing to say,” Brunson said. “This is everything I dreamed of.”
“I don’t know how I feel. I’m just in awe. I don’t know. Every time someone leaves us out, we find a way to come back and do something.”
The title race follows a familiar script.
The Spurs led 31-15 in the first quarter and seemed ready to continue the series. Instead, New York responded in the same way they did throughout their unforgettable postseason. Brunson’s first three attempts from beyond the arc were buried and he steadily closed the gap.
The turning point came in the third quarter. Brunson fouled a three-pointer and calmly made all three free throws. New York led 86-85. This was the Knicks’ first advantage of the second half, and they wouldn’t let it go.
According to Opta Stats, Brunson became the second player in NBA history to score 45 points on the road and lock in a championship. The only player to accomplish this feat was Michael Jordan when he led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth championship.
When the final buzzer sounded, Knicks fans who traveled to Texas erupted in the arena, and the streets of New York City immediately filled with people.
Karl-Anthony Towns was so emotional as he hugged his loved ones after the playoffs that it dramatically changed his perspective on his career. After the signature game of his career, Brunson shared a tearful moment with his father, Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson.
The Spurs’ Bunyama scored 19 points and 14 rebounds, but the team struggled in the backcourt. Stephen Castle and De’Aaron Fox shot 4-of-25 from the field and combined for just 13 points.
This championship game will be remembered as one of the most dominant postseason games ever. New York won 15 of its final 16 postseason games, overcoming adversity along the way, quieting the doubters and finishing the postseason.
For generations of Knicks fans, the championship drought is over.
Brunson holds a place among the greats in New York sports history.
