Jalen Brunson Scores 45 Points As Knicks Win First Title Since 1973
Key takeaways
- Sports Money Jalen Brunson Scores 45 Points As Knicks Win First Title Since 1973By Tim Casey,
- “I felt emotional from that point on,” said Brunson, referring to the embrace with his father. “And then I just remember (teammate Josh Hart) talking into my ear, him just saying, ‘We did it.
- Brunson, a second round pick in 2018, wasn’t supposed to be the best player on a championship team.
Sports Money Jalen Brunson Scores 45 Points As Knicks Win First Title Since 1973By Tim Casey,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tim Casey is a reporter who covers basketball and sports business.Follow Author Jun 14, 2026, 03:40am EDTNew York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives as San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) and guard Dylan Harper (2) defend during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.As the final buzzer sounded Saturday night, giving the New York Knicks their first NBA title in 53 years, assistant coach Rick Brunson walked toward halfcourt at the Frost Bank Center. He hugged his son, Jalen, the star point guard who scored 45 points in the Knicks’ 94-90 Game 5 road victory over the San Antonio Spurs that long-suffering New York fans have been dreaming about for decades and will never forget. Rick then kissed Jalen on his forehead before Jalen wrapped a towel around his head.
“I felt emotional from that point on,” said Brunson, referring to the embrace with his father. “And then I just remember (teammate Josh Hart) talking into my ear, him just saying, ‘We did it. We did it.’ I was emotional for a good five, 10 minutes and then the excitement started to kick in.”