Dave Portnoy praises Knicks after earlier criticism of title win
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 2:27 AM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
After the New York Knicks secured the NBA Championship, Dave Portnoy initially criticized the team, calling them 'the worst NBA title team of all time.' He later retracted this statement, admitting it stemmed from bitterness as a Boston Celtics fan. Portnoy praised Jalen Brunson as the outstanding player in the Finals, indicating the Knicks' legitimate claim to the title after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1. His remarks shifted from framing the Knicks as weak champions to acknowledging their prowess, particularly Brunson's Finals MVP performance, culminating in a 94-90 win in Game 5.
- •Knicks won NBA Championship, ending 53-year drought.
- •Portnoy initially labeled Knicks as the worst champions.
- •He later praised Jalen Brunson's skills and leadership.
- •Knicks defeated Spurs 4-1 in the Finals, clinching game with 94-90.
- 2:27 AMYahoo Sports — Dave Portnoy blames painful New York Knicks championship take on ‘bitter’ feeling
"Dave Portnoy’s first instinct after the New York Knicks won the NBA Championship was not to praise them, but even he eventually admitted the reaction came from a place of bitterness. The Barstool Sports founder had called New York “the worst NBA title team of all time” after the Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs to end a 53-year championship drought.
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