President Donald Trump issued a public message on Truth Social following the New York Knicks’ championship clincher, highlighting Jalen Brunson’s performance and the team’s roster after the franchise secured its first NBA title in 53 years.
Trump wrote: “Congratulations to Jim Dolan and the New York Knicks!!! What a year it has been but, even more so, what incredible playoff wins we have witnessed, especially the last four… Also, tonight, a superstar was born. His name is Jalen Brunson, and there are others, including Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson!”
The message came after the Knicks closed out the NBA Finals in Game 5 at Frost Bank Center, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to win the series 4-1. New York Knicks overcame a 16-point deficit in the decisive game, continuing a postseason trend in which they rallied from double-digit deficits in all four victories in the series.
Jalen Brunson led the championship-clinching performance with 45 points, including 13 consecutive Knicks points in the fourth quarter. The total set a franchise record for points in an NBA Finals game, surpassing Willis Reed’s previous mark of 38 set in 1970.
New York controlled the series despite volatility in early-game stretches, frequently trailing by double digits in multiple contests before stabilizing late. The Knicks also entered Game 5 with a 4-0 record in closeout opportunities during the postseason, all on the road.
Brunson’s scoring output in Game 5 came on 14-of-27 shooting, including four three-pointers, while also adding three assists. His late-game sequence effectively separated New York after San Antonio had repeatedly cut into the lead throughout the second half.
Supporting contributions included 14 points from Mikal Bridges and 13 points from Josh Hart, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 11 points and eight rebounds in 33 minutes. OG Anunoby finished with 13 points and three steals, continuing his two-way role throughout the series.
San Antonio’s response was led by 25 points from Dylan Harper and a 19-point, 14-rebound, five-block performance from Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs, however, were unable to maintain early leads that mirrored their pattern across the series, including multiple double-digit advantages in first quarters.
The Knicks’ championship run was defined by comeback margins, including a 29-point rally in Game 4. Across the Finals, New York repeatedly erased deficits before closing games with late scoring runs anchored by Brunson.
The title also carries a geographic symmetry for Brunson, who previously won NCAA championships in Texas during his collegiate career, completing a full-circle postseason that ended with an NBA title in the same state.
