The New York Knicks, after 53 years, managed to break through — winning it all in an intensely-fought five-game series against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals. This fanbase has been craving for a champion to root for, and Jalen Brunson, in particular, is never going to have to pay for anything in the Big Apple ever again with the way he carried his team to the promised land.

Brunson, the man who scored 45 in the Knicks' closeout win over the Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals and won Finals MVP honors in the process, is now seen as royalty among Knicks fans — and deservedly so. His free-agent signing back in 2022 changed the franchise completely, transforming them into a contender year-in, year-out, and last season, they finally got over the hump.

Prior to their Opening Night clash against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks players received their championship rings and saw banner number three hang in the Madison Square Garden rafters. During this ceremony, Brunson basked in the adoration of fans, who showered him with MVP chants.

Jalen Brunson gets MVP chants as he receives his championship ring.pic.twitter.com/E6HuXzGEEE

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) October 20, 2026

Brunson would have his Knicks jersey retired for certain even if he were to retire today (he wouldn't). That's how important he's been to the franchise, and that's how he cemented his legendary status by leading the Knicks to their first title charge in 53 seasons.

Article Continues Below

During the 2026 NBA playoffs, Brunson averaged 28.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 47/36/85 shooting splits. In five Finals games, he averaged 33/5/4 — crossing the 30-point mark in four out of five games, which he then punctuated with his aforementioned 45-point effort to close out the Spurs.

The Knicks have made it out of the first round of the playoffs in every season Brunson has been with the team. They reached the Conference Finals in 2025 and then got their breakthrough last season. And they have the King of New York largely to thank for this franchise's drastic turnaround in fortunes.