The New York Knicks have finally captured their first NBA championship since 1973, ending the longest wait between titles in league history. At the center of their success all season, and throughout the NBA Finals, has been star guard Jalen Brunson.
After an impressive regular season, Brunson led the team from the front in the Finals against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 30 or more points in four of the five games.
On Saturday night, Brunson was at his absolute best, scoring a game-high 45 points while adding three rebounds, three assists, and three steals to help the Knicks secure a 94-90 victory in San Antonio and capture his first NBA championship.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The moment was made even more special by the presence of Brunson’s father, Rick Brunson, who serves as an assistant coach for the Knicks. A former NBA point guard, Rick had never won a championship either, making the triumph even sweeter for the father-son duo as they captured their first title together.
The pair shared a long embrace as the final buzzer sounded, with fans immediately taking notice as the heartwarming clip went viral on social media.
LOOK WHAT IT MEANS TO JALEN & RICK BRUNSON 🥹 pic.twitter.com/wADjKnYQU1
— ESPN (@espn) June 14, 2026
“From father to son and now to champions 🥹🏆🗽 This one means everything to the Brunson family,” wrote one fan.
“This video got me in my feels heavy. Rick watching his son become a legend. From playing together to winning it all. This is why we love basketball. Congrats Brunson family!” another added
“Man this hit different. Father and son grinding together for years, and now they’re on top of the basketball world. Real tears, real love. Knicks fans waited 53 years for this moment. Cherish it,” a third fan added.
“Rick actually predicted that him and his son would win a championship together in both 2018 and as far back as 2014,” one user pointed out.
“I’m ready for the documentary about this, so heartwarming man,” added another user.
Brunson, meanwhile, was overwhelmed with emotion after the game and struggled to put his feelings into words.
“I don’t know what I’m feeling,” he said.
But after celebrating with his father and teammates, Brunson declared that the dream that brought him to New York had finally become a reality.
“It’s everything we dreamed of. It’s why I came to New York,” the 29-year-old said.
Brunson rightfully took home the NBA Finals MVP award for his outstanding performances and has now entered the conversation of being one of the greatest players to wear a Knicks jersey. He and the team are now flying back to New York to celebrate the championship with fans at Madison Square Garden.
Related: Jalen Brunson Is the Most Clutch Star in the NBA Playoffs