Sports

Knicks Win First NBA Title in 53 Years

Are the Knicks champions because of their own greatness or because the Spurs gave the series away?

JUN 14·Updated 7 days ago

Story

Above: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in San Antonio, Texas, on June 13, 2026. Image credit: Ronald Cortes/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

These Knicks aren't just champions — they're the greatest New York sports team ever assembled. Winning 15 of their last 16 postseason games, including 13 straight, represents unprecedented playoff domination, and Jalen Brunson's decision to leave $113 million on the table to build a real roster is the kind of selfless leadership that defines dynasties. This title belongs to a city that never stopped believing.

NBC New York The Athletic

Narrative B

The Knicks won it all, but the Spurs handed this series away with inexperience and late-game collapses. San Antonio held double-digit leads in all five games and still lost, while Victor Wembanyama visibly tired when it mattered most. A young Spurs team that reached the Finals ahead of schedule will learn hard lessons from blowing winnable games against a Knicks squad that simply refused to quit.

Guardian Reuters