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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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The New York Knicks completed their mission, defeating the San Antonio Spurs, 94-90 in a hard-fought Game 4 of the NBA Finals to capture the franchise's third championship.
Unsurprisingly, Jalen Brunson was the main star when New York needed him most, delivering another great performance. The Knicks guard finished with a game-high 45 points, making 14 of 27 field goals and 13 of 15 free throws, coming in clutch for his team.
As soon as the final buzzer sounded, it finally hit Brunson, who had a towel draped over his shoulders and around his face as he and teammates soaked in the moment.
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Brunson was clearly feeling the overwhelming emotions of what it took to reach the NBA Finals and win the series against a young but tough San Antonio Spurs team.
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One of the first teammates to come over and congratulate Brunson on achieving the honor was Josh Hart, one of several former Villanova players on the Knicks. Mikal Bridges was another former Villanova player who was instrumental in the team's victories.
Brunson played for the Wildcats from 2015 through 2018, capturing NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2018. Now he can add an NBA championship in 2026.
He's proven himself to be one of the biggest free agency signings for an NBA team in recent history, bringing the Knicks a championship.
Another video arrived online showing Jalen and his father, Knicks assistant Rick Brunson, relishing the championship win. It was another emotional moment as Rick kissed his son during the team's postgame celebration.
Rick Brunson joined the Knicks coaching staff in 2022, the same season that Jalen signed as a free agent. he's since become a two-time NBA All-Star, and now an NBA champion with the Knicks.
Fittingly, Brunson received the NBA Finals MVP Award for his contribution to this Knicks championship. He was also teary-eyed and speechless during the opening moments of Lisa Salters' postgame interview.
“I got no words,” he said with tears, calling it “everything I ever dreamed of.”
"I don't know what I'm feeling. I'm just like, I'm in awe. Whenever someone counted us out, we found a way to come back and do something about it," Brunson said.
The Knicks certainly were the best team in this postseason and deserving of the championship, after going on an epic 13-game winning streak, which included back-to-back series sweeps in the Eastern Conference Finals.
They also battled back from down 29 points in Game 4 to take the wind out of the Spurs' sails and finished them off in Game 5, bringing much excitement to New York City and the Knicks fans.
More news: Charles Barkley Clarifies ‘Dumb Basketball’ Comment About Spurs’ Collapse
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