The New York Knicks captured the 2026 NBA championship by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 on June 14, completing a series victory that saw them win four of five games. Former Knicks forward RJ Barrett, now with the Toronto Raptors, recently admitted his initial "saltiness" about watching his old team lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Barrett made the comments during an interview with CBC's Donnovan Bennett last Thursday. The Raptors' season ended in the first round of the playoffs, which Barrett said made it tough to immediately celebrate another team's success. "At first definitely feel a little salty. A little bit in terms of, you know, we (the Raptors) lost." Barrett explained.
Barrett's feelings didn't last. He quickly shifted to happiness for his former teammates and friends still on the Knicks roster. The forward said he reached out to congratulate them after their championship run. "If anybody else were to win it (besides the Raptors), I'm happy they won it," Barrett stated. "You know, I still have friends over there. I've called and checked on the guys, said congrats."
The Knicks' title victory capped an impressive playoff run. Their recent form shows four wins and one loss in their last five games, including a current two-game winning streak. The championship series was tightly contested, with New York securing critical victories. They won Game 5 by a 94-90 margin on June 14 to clinch the title after earlier winning Game 4 107-106 on June 11.
New York's path to the championship required winning close games. They dropped Game 3 to the Spurs 111-115 on June 9 after previously winning Game 2 105-104 on June 6. The series opened with a convincing 105-95 Knicks victory on June 4. This championship ended a 53-year title drought for the franchise, making the achievement particularly significant for players and fans.
Jalen Brunson earned NBA Finals MVP honors after a spectacular 45-point performance in Game 5. His leadership throughout the playoffs was instrumental in New York's success. The team's defensive intensity and ability to execute in clutch moments defined their championship run. You can review the complete championship series results and other key stats on our stats page.
The organization now shifts focus to defending their title next season. Maintaining roster continuity while managing salary cap constraints will be a primary offseason challenge. Several key players are under contract, but front office decisions will shape the team's ability to repeat.
For Barrett and the Raptors, the offseason provides time to regroup after their early playoff exit. His candid reflection on the Knicks' success shows the complex emotions players experience when former teams succeed.
The Knicks' championship celebration continues throughout New York City. Parade plans and ring ceremony preparations are underway. This title validates the team's rebuild and establishes them as a legitimate force in the Eastern Conference for years to come. Their 130-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 26 in the conference finals demonstrated their dominant potential during this historic run.
