The Knicks spent years looking for a giant. Jalen Brunson became something bigger.
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- The New York Knicks ended a 53-year championship drought by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in the NBA Finals, with Jalen Brunson earning Final MVP honors for his 45-point performance in the decisive game.
- Brunson's leadership and clutch scoring, including 13 consecutive points in the fourth quarter, defied NBA norms that doubted a 6-foot-2 point guard could lead a team to a title.
- The Knicks overcame multiple large deficits throughout the series and set a postseason record for total scoring margin, highlighting their resilience and dominance despite close games.
- Brunson's impact extended beyond the court, as he took a pay cut to allow the Knicks to build a stronger team, leading to key acquisitions like Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns.
- Critics who doubted Brunson's potential due to his size were proven wrong, with coach Mike Brown calling him an MVP candidate and a key figure in the Knicks' historic championship run.