Brunson named NBA Finals MVP: “I don’t even know what I’m feeling”
A night destined to become part of Knicks history: Jalen Brunson scored 45 points against the Spurs, captured the 2026 NBA Finals MVP award and brought New York back to the top of the basketball world
It was supposed to be his night, and it was. Jalen Brunson authored one of the most important performances in recent New York Knicks history, leading the franchise to its first NBA championship in 53 years.
The Knicks’ No. 11 delivered a masterpiece in Game 5 of the Finals, pouring in 45 points in New York’s 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, a win that secured the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
I don’t even know what I’m feeling right now. Words can’t describe it. I’ve put so much time and so much work into becoming the best player I can be and helping this team win
Jalen Brunson
A performance that left no room for debate among voters. Brunson was unanimously selected as NBA Finals MVP, receiving all 11 available votes.
I’m incredibly grateful to the organization, the coaching staff and my teammates for supporting me every single day
Jalen Brunson
Moments after the final buzzer, the former Maverick explained what fueled the Knicks throughout their championship run:
We’ll always find a way. No matter what gets put in front of us, we’ll find an answer. Every time we step on the floor
Jalen Brunson
Brunson joins NBA Finals history
The night in San Antonio was special from a statistical standpoint as well. With his 45-point performance, Brunson became just the fourth player in NBA history to score at least 45 points in a championship-clinching game. The only others to accomplish the feat were Michael Jordan, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bob Pettit.
After some scoring struggles early in the series, the Knicks’ leader responded in the best possible fashion. He finished the game shooting 14-for-27 from the field, 4-for-7 from three-point range and an outstanding 13-for-15 from the free-throw line.
Once again, he was at his best when the stakes were highest. Brunson scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, helping New York erase a seven-point deficit and putting the finishing touches on the victory that ended one of the longest championship droughts in the league.
From questioned contract to one of the best signings in the NBA
The Knicks’ championship only makes Brunson’s journey over the last four years even more remarkable.
When he left the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2022 and signed a four-year, $104 million contract with New York, many observers viewed the deal as an overpay. Today, that assessment feels far removed from reality.
Brunson’s arrival completely transformed the direction of the franchise. Before he came to New York, the Knicks had won just one playoff series in 21 seasons. Since his arrival in Manhattan, the team has advanced past at least one postseason round in each of the last four years, culminating in the ultimate prize.
During the trophy presentation, with the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Trophy in his hands and his father standing beside him, Brunson delivered a message that perfectly captured the meaning of this championship:
It’s everything we’ve ever dreamed of. It’s the reason I came to New York
Jalen Brunson
And now, no one can question that decision anymore. Brunson did not just return the Knicks to the NBA elite – he brought them back to the top of the basketball world.