Overview
- Jalen Brunson delivered a 45-point performance in Game 5, which on Saturday sealed the Knicks' 4-1 Finals victory and earned him unanimous Finals MVP honors.
- The city moved quickly to celebrate with a planned ticker-tape parade along the Canyon of Heroes and late-night television appearances, with officials reporting arrests and injuries during large street gatherings.
- Victor Wembanyama left the court immediately after the final buzzer, most Spurs exited without customary handshakes, which drew public criticism from figures including Draymond Green and Stephen A. Smith.
- De'Aaron Fox struggled in the series, averaging about 12.8 points on 34 percent shooting, which combined with his expensive extension that begins this summer has already prompted trade proposals.
- San Antonio’s young core reached the Finals after a rapid turnaround from last season, and analysts call the loss a learning moment that could fuel the Spurs’ long-term title hopes.