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Jalen Brunson captures Finals MVP as Knicks win championship

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 9:00 PM

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

Jalen Brunson captures Finals MVP as Knicks win championship

Summary

Jalen Brunson was named the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player after the New York Knicks secured the 2026 NBA championship by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five on June 13. Brunson's 45-point performance in the clinching game marked a pivotal moment for the Knicks, who rallied from being down two games to one in the first round against the Hawks. The championship victory was characterized as a collective team effort, with various players stepping up throughout the playoffs. Brunson’s success challenges historical stereotypes regarding smaller guards and their efficacy in leading teams to championships.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Brunson scored 45 points in the Finals-clinching Game Five.
•Knicks overcame a 2-1 deficit in the playoffs.
•Brunson’s performance challenges the narrative about small guards in the NBA.
•Victory was emphasized as a team effort throughout the playoffs.
•Game Five took place at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

Latest Updates

9:00 PMYahoo Sports — Jalen Brunson’s Finals MVP Win Completes Trope-Breaking Ascent

What they're saying

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Jalen Brunson leading the Knicks to a thrilling NBA Finals victory shows that perceptions around "small" guards are off-base in today's NBA.
— Yahoo Sports

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