"The drought is over": the New York Knicks won the NBA championship for the third time in franchise history on Saturday night, marking 53 years since their last title. With a 94–90 victory, the Knicks completed a 4–1 series win in the finals against the San Antonio Spurs, sealing one of the greatest playoff runs ever witnessed on their path to the coveted championship ring.
Even though the game took place in Texas, the long-awaited victory prompted a surge of fans to flood the streets of New York with roars of joy and celebration, generating scenes the city has not witnessed in many years. In viral videos shared across social media, thousands of ecstatic New Yorkers were captured gathering in massive crowds, singing the theme song from Martin Scorsese's 1977 film, "New York, New York," in unison.
"I don't know what I'm feeling."
Jalen Brunson is in disbelief after leading the Knicks to the mountaintop 👏 pic.twitter.com/OQRgWcRotw
— ESPN (@espn) June 14, 2026
Following a phenomenal fourth quarter by guard Jalen Brunson, who effectively sealed the final score and poured in 45 points – nearly half of the total points scored by the Knicks – the player was named the Finals MVP. In an interview with ESPN immediately after the victory, which he celebrated with his father in a moving video, he said through tears, "I got no words. Everything I ever dreamed of. I don't know what I'm feeling. I'm in awe."
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Owner James Dolan, visibly emotional, said on ESPN, "I'm sorry it took so long, but here we are, and hopefully it won't take that long again."
Brunson became just the second player in basketball history to score 45 points on the road in an NBA title-clinching victory, joining Michael Jordan as the only players to achieve the feat.
