Jalen Brunson carried the Knicks in the fourth quarter — just as he has since he’s arrived in New York.
Brunson made shot after shot as the Knicks clawed their way back from another deficit against the Spurs to claim Game 5 of the NBA Finals, 94-90.
Brunson, who finished with 45 points and was unanimously named NBA Finals MVP, was emotional in his postgame interview on ESPN.
Jalen Brunson drives to the basket for a layup in the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ Game 5 win over the Spurs to claim the NBA championship. NBAE via Getty Images“I don’t know what I am feeling. I’m in awe. Whenever people counted us out, we came back and did something about it,” Brunson said.
The Spurs, once again, had the Knicks down double digits in Game 5 but New York pushed past them with a 29-18 fourth quarter to claim the franchise’s first championship in 53 years.
The Post’s front page on June 14, 2026: “CHAMPS!”
“My confidence comes from my work ethic,” the 29-year-old Brunson said. “All I can think of is all the hours in the summer, every summer since I ever can remember making this a reality. I’d just be alone in the gym.”
Brunson did not have an answer for what it meant to accomplish this goal with his father, Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson.
Knicks Merch Shop
This premium commemorative plaque features the iconic front cover of the New York Post from the Knicks’ historic 2026 NBA Finals victory.
The walls of any true fan require this plaque of our back cover from June 14, 2026 featuring Brunson and the boys celebrating their win.
The “Our Team, Our Title” wrap from our June 15, 2026 print edition set behind acrylic plexiglass and framed in black ayous wood.
Grab a copy of our paper from June 14, 2026 celebrating this huge moment for Knicks fans and New York City as a whole.
OMG, indeed! This adjustable hat says what we were all thinking during this intense championship run.
Own this piece of history with our cover celebrating the Knicks’ sweep over the Cavs.
Knicker Bonkers chronicles the historic championship run that united NYC. Featuring NY Post analysis and vivid photos, relive the magic of MSG.
ESPN’s Lisa Salters said the answer was obvious as tears streamed down Brunson’s face as a picture-in-picture showed Rick joyously celebrating.
“You can see it,” Brunson said, repeating Salters’ line.
