Knicks win first NBA title since 1973, ending 53-year drought

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 4:55 AM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

Knicks win first NBA title since 1973, ending 53-year drought
Summary

The New York Knicks secured their first championship in 53 years by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. This victory held special significance for Karl-Anthony Towns, whose father, Karl Towns Sr., had once tried out for the team but was cut. The title marked a personal milestone for the Towns family, closing a painful chapter that spanned four decades. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks in the decisive game with 45 points, while Towns contributed two points and ten rebounds before fouling out. The Knicks' triumph will impact future team dynamics and player contracts as the franchise looks to build on this success.

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By the Numbers
  • Knicks defeated Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of NBA Finals
  • Jalen Brunson scored 45 points in the clinching game
  • Karl-Anthony Towns had two points and ten rebounds
  • Knicks won their first title since 1973
  • Karl Towns Sr. once tried out for the Knicks
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  • 4:55 AMYahoo SportsHow Karl-Anthony Towns ended his father’s painful 40-year New York Knicks wait
What they're saying
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Karl-Anthony Towns helped give his father the New York Knicks ending that had been waiting inside their family for four decades. The Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, ending the franchise’s 53-year championship drought and winning their first title since 1973.

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