Jalen Brunson delivers historic Knicks title, ranks No. 3 among legends

Jalen Brunson cemented his place among the New York Knicks’ immortals on 18 June 2026 when he delivered a 45-point masterpiece to close out the San Antonio Spurs and secure the franchise’s first NBA title in 53 years.

What happened in the Finals

The Knicks hadn’t reached the NBA Finals in 26 years. They hadn’t won a championship since the early 1970s. Brunson erased both droughts in five games, averaging 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals while shooting 38.9% from three. His Game 5 explosion-45 points on 15-of-28 shooting-sealed a 94-90 victory and the Finals MVP award.

Where Brunson stands in Knicks lore

Brunson now ranks third all-time among Knicks legends, sandwiched between Willis Reed at No. 1 and Patrick Ewing at No. 2. That climb is stunning given he’s played only a handful of seasons in New York. Reed won two titles and the 1970 MVP, while Ewing carried the franchise for 15 years as its face despite never hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

How Brunson changed the franchise

Brunson wasn’t just the Knicks’ best player in the 2026 postseason-he was their closer, their leader, their sole source of clutch buckets when New York needed them most. His ability to shoulder the load in high-leverage moments redefined what it means to be a Knick during a championship run.

What this means for the future

The 26-year-old guard now owns a ring, a Finals MVP, and a top-three spot in franchise history. The question isn’t whether he belongs among the greats-it’s how high he can climb next season and beyond.