The New York Knicks win the NBA Finals 4-1 over the San Antonio Spurs! The franchises’ first championship since 1973, and third overall. Jalen Brunson, and his 45-point outburst, made sure the Knicks brought the Larry O’ Brien trophy back to New York, instead of a tension-filled Game 6 at Madison Square Garden. Sure, winning in-front of your home crowd is always desirable, but getting the job done comes first and foremost. It was an almighty performance by Jalen, who didn’t receive much scoring help from the rest of his teammates. Only 3 other players scored in double-digits; Mikal Bridges (14-pts), Josh Hart (13-pts) and OG Anunoby (11-pts). The Knicks did just enough to hang around until the 8-minute mark of the fourth quarter when Brunson took over and put together a legendary performance.

New York was trailing 83-73 with about 8-minutes left in the fourth quarter. Things weren’t looking good for the Knicks. Brunson was their only offensive weapon with the wings/forwards not shooting well, Karl-Anthony Towns being neutralized due to foul trouble and no one off the bench catching fire. Jalen saw what was happening and took immediate ownership and responsibility over scoring the ball. He ended up scoring 15 of the final 21 points for New York, including a personal 10-0 run to tie the game at 83. His plan of attack worked to perfection, either he wanted to drive into the lane or get fouled. He baited rookie Dylan Harper into a couple of needless, stupid fouls on the perimeter leading to easy points from the free throw line. The most memorable of his buckets happened when he dribbled past Victor Wembanyama, stopped on a dime in the lane, with Wemby on his hip, and created just enough space with his pivot to get a shot off. Brunson capped off his heroic NBA Finals performance by being named Finals MVP unanimously.

San Antonio, again, built up a lead and let a win slip through their grasp. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Luke Kornet and Mitch Johnson will have to do some serious soul-searching in the off-season after what happened in the NBA Finals. It’s semi-unbelievable they built up lead after lead only to go cold in the 2nd half, lose focus and completely collapse in the 4th quarter game after game.

Something this traumatic has the ability to split a team apart (see: Seahawks after Super Bowl 49). Everyone will handle the loss differently. Some will use it as fuel for self improvement, some will use it as an excuse and some will fall in-between. No one will forget how painful it felt watching New York lift a championship on their home court. San Antonio getting to the NBA Finals is an achievement, but with how it ended they will be wanting to get back as soon as possible and get the championship monkey off their back.

Job’s done! The New York Knicks now get to revel in the spotlight only afforded by winning a championship. Jalen Brunson will be on every talk-show, late-night show and podcast imaginable. Same with Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby. The rest of the Knicks will be able to dine in any restaurant, get into any club and attend any high-profile event in NYC.

Once again, congratulations to the New York Knicks on winning the NBA championship. Thursday’s parade is sure to be a spectacle!