The New York Knicks haven’t stopped celebrating.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The now iconic starting lineup — Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby — made a pit stop at “TODAY” on their victory tour Monday morning to talk about bringing the first NBA championship to New York City in 53 years.
“It hasn’t settled in yet,” said Brunson, who could barely speak when he was interviewed moments after the win.He added that at the time, “I was just trying to find the right words and I really couldn’t.”“It was a magical moment.
It was honestly something truly special that no matter how I try to explain it, it won’t grasp how truly special it was,” Brunson told “TODAY” co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin.The Knicks faced the San Antonio Spurs in their first Finals appearance since 1999, which, coincidentally, featured the same matchup but with different results.This time, New York secured the title against San Antonio with a 4-1 win that culminated with a 4-point lead as the final buzzer sounded during Game 5 Saturday night.
Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks lifts the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy on Saturday.Joe Murphy / NBAE via Getty ImagesThe win “wasn’t just one person, it was everybody,” Brunson, known as Captain Clutch, said.“We have each other’s back.”Anunoby, who was the hero of Game 4 with a miraculous tip-in at the basket with seconds left on the clock, hasn’t slept at all since that fateful moment in Texas.
“We had to get ready for Game 5,” Anunoby said of his less-than-excited demeanor after Game 4, adding that he “couldn’t get too excited about it.”“I love my teammates, love these guys, love the fans,” he added.Towns marveled at seeing the “fans so excited, to see the city so alive.” “As long as we’re unified and doing our best to play our game, we believe no one i...