The Knicks End a 53-Year Title Drought with First Championship Since 1973

On June 13, 2026, the New York Knicks finally ended a championship drought that had lasted since 1973, beating San Antonio 4-1 to secure the franchise’s first title in 53 years. Led by Jalen Brunson, the team delivered the moment generations of Knicks fans had waited for, restoring New York’s status as the “City of Champions.”

The Knicks became only the third team in NBA history to finish a postseason with 16 wins and no more than three losses, joining Golden State in 2017 and Boston in 2024. The report notes that the first round was not best-of-seven until 2003, so earlier champions could not have reached 16 playoff wins under today’s format.

With the title, New York moved into sixth place on the all-time championship list with three rings, from 1970, 1973 and 2026. The teams just ahead of the Knicks are Boston with 18, the Lakers with 17, Golden State with 7, Chicago with 6 and San Antonio with 5.

During their run, the Knicks also won 13 straight games, the second-longest streak ever in the playoffs. Only the Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, have done better, with 15 consecutive playoff wins nine years ago.