Knicks win first NBA championship since 1973, beat Spurs 94-90 in Game 5

June 14, 2026 - 01:17

On Saturday night, the New York Knicks finally silenced decades of heartbreak. A roster that had been completely dismantled, rebuilt, and reshuffled over the last six years capped off a remarkable turnaround by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The victory gave the franchise its first championship since 1973, ending a 51-year title drought that had become the longest active streak in the league.

The game was a defensive grind from the opening tip. San Antonio, known for its disciplined system, kept the score tight through three quarters. But New York found its rhythm in the fourth, leaning on a balanced attack and a handful of crucial stops down the stretch. With the Spurs threatening to tie in the final minute, the Knicks forced a turnover and converted on the other end to seal the win.

For the city, the moment was cathartic. Generations of fans who had only heard stories of the 1970s glory days finally had a team to celebrate. The championship was the result of patience and aggressive roster moves, a long process that finally paid off on the biggest stage.