Jalen Brunson has named the key moment that sums up the New York Knicks’ championship run.
The Knicks clinched their first title in 73 years on Saturday by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5.
The victory capped off a record-breaking postseason run for a team that few expected to make the NBA Finals.
The Knicks dominated the playoffs with a greater point differential than any other team in NBA history.
However, Brunson explained that the Knicks’ biggest strength was actually bouncing back after making mistakes.
The point guard highlighted a mistake Josh Hart made in Game 4 as the defining moment of the 2026 season.
Which play did Jalen Brunson say defines the Knicks’ title win?
Josh Hart missed a wide open layup at the end of Game 4 that would have given the Knicks the lead.
The crowd at Madison Square Garden could not believe he had missed and potentially blown the Knicks’ chance to win.
However, Mike Brown’s team fought back to win the game 107-106 thanks to OG Anunoby’s last-second tip-in.
Brunson highlighted the Knicks’ resilience in that moment as the perfect example of why they won the championship.
“When John missed the layup,” Brunson told Malika Andrews. “I’m not even trying to be funny. Usually I joke about. He missed a layup in Game 4, and then OG fouled Wemby.
“Josh was on the floor, holding his face. KAT, Jose and I just ran up to him and said, ‘Get up.’ I think that play really embodies this team.”
“When you’re able to look past mistakes, you’re able to do things like make a shot or get an offensive rebound.
“When you quickly doubt your decision, and you have your teammates pick you up and say, ‘We’re good.’ That gives us confidence in being able to make another play.”
As Brunson admitted, it may sound strange to consider a missed layup the defining moment from a title run.
However, everyone who watched the Knicks this season would agree that they showed as much character as any other team.
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