The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 112-104 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday, securing their first championship since 1973.
The victory adds the Knicks to the official list of NBA champions, a roster now spanning 79 seasons.
Decade of Dominance: 2020s Champions
The 2020s have produced four distinct champions. The Milwaukee Bucks won in 2021. The Golden State Warriors followed in 2022. The Denver Nuggets claimed their first title in 2023. The Boston Celtics won in 2024. The Knicks now claim the 2025 crown.
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | Series Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | New York Knicks | San Antonio Spurs | 4-1 |
| 2024 | Boston Celtics | Dallas Mavericks | 4-1 |
| 2023 | Denver Nuggets | Miami Heat | 4-1 |
| 2022 | Golden State Warriors | Boston Celtics | 4-2 |
| 2021 | Milwaukee Bucks | Phoenix Suns | 4-2 |
Franchise Firsts and Historic Droughts
New York’s victory ends a 52-year title drought, the fourth-longest active streak in the league before this win.
Jalen Brunson, named Finals MVP, averaged 29.4 points and 7.8 assists across the series.
The Spurs, despite the loss, remain tied with the Chicago Bulls for the fifth-most championships at five.
Knicks guard Josh Hart told reporters post-game: “We came to seal the deal. No more waiting.”
Fans gathered outside Madison Square Garden throughout Game 5, with local authorities estimating 50,000 people in the surrounding blocks.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Which team won the 2025 NBA championship?
- A: The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the 2025 NBA Finals to win their first championship since 1973.
- Q: Who was named Finals MVP in 2025?
- A: Jalen Brunson was named Finals MVP, averaging 29.4 points and 7.8 assists across the series.
- Q: How long was the Knicks’ title drought before 2025?
- A: The Knicks ended a 52-year championship drought, which was the fourth-longest active streak in the league before their victory.
Extended Reading
Data sourced from The Athletic’s live blog and MARCA’s year-by-year NBA Finals winners list. The Knicks’ 2025 title is the 79th in NBA history. The Boston Celtics hold the record with 18 championships, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers with 17.
