The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 to win the NBA Finals 4-1, capturing their first championship since 1973 and making franchise history in the process.

With this victory, the Knicks became the first team in NBA history to win both the NBA Cup (In-Season Tournament) and the NBA championship in the same season.

The Knicks' last NBA title came in 1973 — a 53-year drought, which ranks as the fifth-longest championship drought in NBA history. This marks the franchise's third overall title; their first came in 1970.

Notably, the Knicks also defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup final earlier this season, completing a unique double over the same opponent.

This championship also continues a remarkable trend in the NBA: the last eight seasons have produced eight different champions. No team has repeated since the 2018 Golden State Warriors. With the title secured, the Knicks will face the challenge of becoming the first team in nearly a decade to defend their crown.