Jalen Brunson Named NBA Finals MVP as Knicks End 53-Year Title Drought

Brunson’s finals run cements him among NBA’s elite

Jalen Brunson dropped 45 points to lead the New York Knicks past the drought and win their first NBA title since 1973. He accepted the Bill Russell Finals MVP Trophy alongside his father, Rick Brunson.

Brunson’s 45-point masterpiece lifts Knicks to first NBA Championship since 1973...

Jalen Brunson delivered a masterclass, dropping 45 points to power the Knicks to their first NBA championship in more than five decades.

With the series on the line, Brunson took over when New York needed him most, scoring at will against a tough defensive setup.

JALEN BRUNSON SECURES NEW YORK'S FIRST NBA CHAMPIONSHIP IN 53 YEARS!

🏆 32.6 PPG (led all players)
🏆 42.1 FG%
🏆 38.9 3P%
🏆 NBA Finals MVP

The Captain delivered on the biggest stage in basketball! pic.twitter.com/MwETobKYEX

— NBA (@NBA) June 14, 2026

The long-awaited championship set off wild celebrations from Knicks fans who’d endured years of frustration. Before Brunson joined from Dallas as a free agent in July 2022, New York had managed only four winning seasons across the previous 21 years.

That changed fast. Since Brunson arrived, the Knicks have posted four consecutive winning seasons, made the Eastern Conference finals last year, and now captured the franchise’s third NBA title.

Brunson put on a clinic in Game 5

Brunson, 29, backed himself and the Knicks back in 2024 when he signed a $156.5 million contract extension.

Brunson’s Sacrifice Paid Off With Knicks Title

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Brunson admitted. If he’d waited 12 more months, he could’ve signed a 5-year max worth over $269 million. Instead, his shorter, team-friendly deal gave New York the cap space to round out the roster that just won it all.

Brunson said he saw the potential even then. “I knew a title was ‘very possible’” when he took the extension, he said.

“With a lot of hard work and effort, I knew it was achievable,” he said.

“But (the contract) was only a small portion of it. I think everyone bonding, coming together, having the mindset of just believing in each other, never giving up, no matter what the situation was, made this all possible.”

“It may look like (the contract) had something to do with it, but it's a credit to my teammates.”

Brunson won back-to-back college championships at Villanova before the Dallas Mavericks took him in the 2018 draft’s second round. Even after leading New York to the title, he said the full weight of the Knicks’ win and his own Finals MVP run hadn’t hit him yet.

“It hasn't sunk in,” he said. “I honestly don't know right now.

“I'm just thankful for the opportunity and just thankful this opportunity presented itself, and we were able to get it done.”

Knicks head coach Mike Brown said Brunson’s Finals showing should lock in his spot among the NBA’s best players.

“I've said it, and I hope you guys will listen to me but he's a Top 3 MVP candidate,” Brown said.