New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (L) scored 29 points in the second half of a win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday in San Antonio. Photo by Adam Davis/EPA
June 13 (UPI) -- Jalen Brunson didn't appear to blink, eying the rim with blood thirst and striking with fearless intensity for 45 points to lead the Knicks past the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday to clinch their first NBA title in 53 years.
The veteran guard totaled 29 points in the second half, including 15 in the fourth quarter of the 94-90 triumph in Game 5 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio. His 45 points set a Knicks franchise record for an NBA Finals game.
"Whenever someone counted us out, we found a way to come back and do something about it," Brunson said on the ABC broadcast.
Brunson received NBA Finals MVP honors for his heroic efforts. The Knicks, who rallied from a 29-point deficit for a historic Game 4 win, overcame a 16-point hole in Game 5 to win the best-of-seven game series 4-1 and claim their first crown since 1973.
