The New York Knicks 2026 NBA championship celebration.
progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – The New York Knicks became the 2026 NBA champions after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio on Saturday, June 13, 2026, local time, or Sunday, June 14, 2026, WIB. The New York Knicks closed the final with a convincing 4-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the best-of-seven format.
Early in the game, the San Antonio Spurs actually controlled the game for the first two quarters. After starting with a 10-point lead, leading 23-13 at the end of the first quarter, the San Antonio Spurs regained the lead, 42-37, by the end of the second quarter.
This control continued in the third quarter. Victor “Wemby” Wembanyama and his teammates again dominated the scoring, creating a 12-point lead midway through the third quarter.
However, at the end of the third quarter, the New York Knicks showed their determination to close the gap, reducing the San Antonio Spurs’ lead to just 72-65 at the end of the third quarter.
The New York Knicks maintained this momentum in the fourth quarter. A Jalen Brunson layup finally tied the score at 83-83.
After that, the tide turned. Three Jalen Brunson free throws allowed the New York Knicks to finally lead the San Antonio Spurs 86-85. Jalen Brunson continued to score points until the New York Knicks took a 90-88 lead with one minute remaining.
In the final seconds, the San Antonio Spurs, trailing, resorted to foul play. Strong offensive rebounding by the New York Knicks kept them in control. With 20 seconds remaining, the San Antonio Spurs trailed by four points, 88-92.
The New York Knicks 2026 NBA championship celebration.
Stephon Castle dunked the ball to make it 90-92. However, the San Antonio Spurs were still down by one with 16 seconds remaining.
The foul play was called again, and Mikal Bridges made a free throw. The San Antonio Spurs held the ball but were down by three points, 90-93 with 8.8 seconds remaining.
The New York Knicks then called a foul on San Antonio Spurs point guard Dylan Harper. However, Harper missed the two free throws he was awarded. The score remained 93-90, with the New York Knicks holding the ball with 7.7 seconds remaining.
OG Anunoby, who had the free throw, then made a shot. The score was 94-90 with 6 seconds remaining. After that, the New York Knicks let up their guard and allowed the San Antonio Spurs to shoot, not wanting to commit another foul.
Unfortunately, “Wemby” Wembanyama missed the three-pointer. The score remained 94-90 for the New York Knicks. Game over.
The New York Knicks’ victory electrified New York City and eclipsed the euphoria surrounding the 2026 World Cup. The New York Knicks ended their 53-year wait to become NBA champions. This was their third title, after 1970 and 1973, and it was the perfect conclusion to one of the most dominant playoff runs in league history.
The New York Knicks also posted a 16-3 record, including a 13-game winning streak and the largest comeback ever in the Finals. Once a Knicks, Always a Knicks.
Penulis/Editor: Bembo
