The New York Knicks won Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday night, officially clinching their NBA Championship for the first time since 1973. Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks, but it wasn’t without some nicks and bruises along the way.
Brunson appeared to suffer a sprained ankle in the third quarter of Game 5 after taking a three-point shot and landing on the foot of Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.
The play wasn’t ruled a foul, but Brunson went down grabbing at his left ankle. The replay review showed a clear missed foul on Wembanyama, one that likely would’ve been upgraded to a flagrant foul penalty one for the Spurs center. That would’ve meant Wembanyama would’ve been suspended for a potential Game 6, which, as we know now, will not even be necessary.
Brunson remained in the game after the Knicks called timeout to give him time to recover, finishing with 45 points on the night while shooting 14-of-27 from the field and 13-of-15 from the free throw line. The Knicks star guard also earned himself unanimous Finals MVP honors.
In his postgame press conference, however, Brunson admitted he’s still feeling the effects of the ankle sprain.
“I’m hurting right now, I’m not going to lie to you,” Brunson told reporters. “I’m hurting right now, but like i said before, the opportunity presented itself. Whatever you gotta do.”
After the final buzzer, Brunson also spoke with ESPN’s Lisa Salters, where he expressed his elation after winning the NBA Championship.
“I got no words,” Brunson told ESPN. “It’s everything I’ve dreamt of.
“I don’t know what I’m feeling. I’m just like… I’m in awe. I don’t know. Whenever someone counts us out, we find a way to come back and do something about it.”
The Knicks defeated the Spurs on Saturday night, 94-90, Mikal Bridges was the next highest scoring Knick with 14 points while Josh Hart added 13 points and 11 rebounds. OG Anunoby, the Game 4 hero, had 11 points, eight rebounds, an d three steals on the night.
The Spurs, meanwhile, were led by rookie Dylan Harper and his 25 points off the bench. Victor Wembanyama finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, and five blocked shots.
The New York Knicks won Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday night, officially clinching their NBA Championship for the first time since 1973. Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks, but it wasn’t without some nicks and bruises along the way. Brunson appeared to suffer a sprained ankle in the third quarter of Game 5 after taking a three-point shot and landing on the foot of Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.
