Knicks Defeat Spurs in Five Games to Win 2026 NBA Finals
The New York Knicks won the 2026 NBA Finals by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Victor Wembanyama, 22, said the loss was the biggest learning moment of his life.
CBS SportsThe series marked the Knicks' first championship in more than 50 years. Victor Wembanyama said the outcome was painful and described it as the biggest lesson of his life. He stated he was learning more than at any other time before.
The Spurs held double-digit leads in multiple games but lost each contest. In Game 1 they led by 14 points before losing by 10. In Game 2 they led by 12 before losing by one. In Game 4 they led by 29 before losing by one on a putback by OG Anunoby. In Game 5 they led by 16 before losing by four.
Wembanyama averaged 7.8 points on 34.3 percent shooting in the fourth quarters of the series and missed five of 18 free throws. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson averaged 11.2 points on 51.4 percent shooting in the same periods and made 15 of 17 free throws.
Wembanyama shot 68.7 percent in the restricted area during the postseason but made 26.2 percent of mid-range attempts and 34.2 percent of three-point attempts. Against the Knicks he made nine of 33 three-pointers for 27.3 percent. The Knicks used multiple defenders to keep him away from the basket.
Wembanyama said he was upset that roughly 100 games would pass before the Spurs could return to the Finals.
