2026 NBA Finals Recap: New York Knicks Defeat San Antonio Spurs in 5 Thrilling Games!

By Jim Donnelly

Jun 13th, 2026

The headline in the May 26 edition of The New York Post declared that it's time to "Party Like It's 1999!" The New York Knicks had just swept the Cleveland Cavaliers to punch a ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years. The win over the Cavs was the team's 11th straight victory. Star guard Jalen Brunson and his crew looked to keep things rolling as they took on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, who dethroned the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of a captivating West Finals series. The hopes of the New York faithful were ultimately fulfilled in one of the most exciting NBA Finals ever.

The New York Knicks completed a historic run to the 2026 NBA championship, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the NBA Finals claiming the franchise's first title since 1973. The Knicks carried their playoff momentum into the championship series by stealing the first two games in San Antonio, including a tight 105-104 win in Game 2. The Spurs responded with a Game 3 win at Madison Square Garden, but New York delivered the defining moment of the series in Game 4, erasing a 29-point deficit and winning 107-106 on OG Anunoby's last-second tip-in.

That jaw-dropping Game 4 comeback gave the Knicks a commanding 3-1 lead. They finished their mission in Game 5 with a 94-90 win in San Antonio. Led by NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson's dominance and late-game scoring, Karl-Anthony Towns' inside presence, and Anunoby's two-way impact, the Knicks turned a long-awaited Finals return into a title win for the ages. Start spreading the news, New York, the Knicks emphatically ended five decades of frustration to become the NBA champs in 2026! All that's left now is the championship parade. Check back soon right here for all the details on how, when and where to watch the festivities.

SEE NBA FINALS HIGHLIGHTS HERE