The New York Knicks have finally ended their 53-year wait for an NBA championship, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the Finals to clinch the series 4-1 and spark wild celebrations among fans
The historic victory, secured at the Frost Center in Texas on Saturday night, marked the franchise’s first title since 1973 and completed a remarkable resurgence for a team that spent decades struggling to compete at the highest level.
Back in New York, jubilant fans packed bars and flooded city streets to celebrate the long-awaited triumph, while others made the journey to San Antonio to witness the moment in person.
Among them was Elizabeth Madigan, who travelled from New York the day before the game.
“I’ve been waiting for this, honestly most of my life. The last time the Knicks won, I was 6 months old, and so I can’t begin to describe how excited I am. It’s been unbelievable,” she said.
“I definitely had my doubts. But we did pull it off. Knicks forever.”
The championship represents a dramatic turnaround for the Knicks, who had not reached the NBA Finals since 1999 — also against the Spurs — when they were beaten. Their previous title had come more than half a century ago.
US President Donald Trump also congratulated the team and owner Jim Dolan following the victory. Trump, who attended Game 3 in New York at Dolan’s invitation, praised the Knicks’ playoff run.
“What a year it has been but, even more so, what incredible playoff wins we have all witnessed, especially the last four – Maybe the greatest in the history of basketball,” he wrote.
Even before the final whistle, excitement had gripped New York.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
