The New York Knicks have won their first NBA title in 53 years, beating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 on Saturday in Texas. The result gave the Knicks a 4-1 series win and their first championship since 1973, according to AFP.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 45 points, while his teammates added 49 more. Victor Wembanyama finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks for the Spurs, but it was not enough in his first NBA Finals appearance.
The Spurs led by 16 points in the second quarter, but the Knicks came back to take control with four minutes left. The win capped a finals run that included a 29-point comeback on Wednesday, the largest in Finals history.
The Knicks were not among the pre-series favourites, but they won 13 straight games during the play-offs. That run included eliminating the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and it helped turn the final into a major moment for their supporters.
Fans created a strong atmosphere in the stands despite being about 3,000 kilometres from New York, and former Knicks great Patrick Ewing was among those celebrating. For more local and national sports coverage, see our news tag and the NBA official site.