New York Knicks win first NBA championship since 1973, Victor Wembanyama criticized

The New York Knicks clinched their first NBA title since 1973 by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94‑90 in Game 5 of the 2026 Finals. Jalen Brunson led New York with a series‑high 45 points, and the series featured multiple one‑possession finishes.

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who posted 19 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks in the decisive game, left the court through the tunnel without shaking hands with opponents, drawing widespread criticism on social media for a “classless” exit. Earlier, after the Knicks' dramatic Game 4 win, video showed an egg thrown at Wembanyama as he entered his hotel; he said the incident did not bother him.

Wembanyama also lingered under NBA scrutiny for previous flagrant fouls in the series, coming close to an automatic one‑game suspension. The Knicks' victory and the surrounding fan backlash have dominated coverage of the historic championship.