"New York Knicks, NBA Finals champions after 53 years."

It's been a whopping 50 years since 1973, and I couldn't be happier, haha.

I remember the gloomy faces of Knicks fans I encountered at the local pub. They were die-hard fans, always grumbling yet proudly wearing their orange jerseys.

For decades, even when the Knicks were at their lowest, ticket prices at MSG remained absurdly high, and fans would curse, saying, "This year is a lost cause," while checking the game scores on the subway after work. The hero who has finally lifted the long-standing burden of those New Yorkers is Jalen Brunson.

"Since I started playing basketball, I've dreamed of this moment. All the journeys I've taken come to mind."

Brunson's words as he cried on the court after the victory was confirmed.

He didn't say much, but when that player, who has a heavy presence just by his appearance, shed tears silently, you could feel the journey he has walked.

In fact, Brunson was not an elite who received the spotlight from the beginning. He dominated the college stage, winning NCAA championships in 2016 and 2018 at Villanova, but his name was called much later in the 2nd round, 33rd overall (Dallas Mavericks) in the 2018 NBA Draft.

He was an 'underdog' who was undervalued for not being taller than 6 feet and for not having overwhelming athleticism.

After four quiet seasons in Dallas, he stepped up as a starter and donned the New York Knicks jersey before the 2022-2023 season.

This happened just a month after his father, Rick Brunson, was appointed as a coach in New York. The scenario of a father and son rebuilding the team together at Madison Square Garden is so dramatic that it could be criticized as cliché if made into a movie. Especially during the championship interview, when asked about his father, Brunson struggled to find words, revealing a deep family bond and genuine love for basketball that transcended mere business.

Moreover, the moment the championship was secured, his grace in being the first to approach and hug the defeated San Antonio coach, Mitch Johnson, rather than reveling in joy was impressive. Wow... even as a man, I found that admirable.

As a Knicks fan, I couldn't be prouder that he is the leader of our team.

The journey of the Knicks in the 2025-2026 season was truly remarkable. When they barely made it to the playoffs as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference, not many expected such a miracle. However, the focus the Knicks displayed in the playoffs was terrifying. They stormed through to the finals with an astonishing win rate of 84.2% (16 wins, 3 losses).

Particularly, the finals against the San Antonio Spurs were a heart-wrenching drama in every game.

All four games the Knicks won were 'come-from-behind victories.' The highlight was Game 4 held at home in MSG. At one point, trailing by 29 points and thinking, "This game is lost," just as I was about to change the channel, the Knicks' tenacious defense and Brunson's insane clutch ability exploded, turning the game around. It was a moment that proved why New York fans love them so much.

San Antonio, the 2nd seed in the Western Conference and defending champions, was undoubtedly a formidable opponent. They were aiming for their 6th championship since 2014, but they had no choice but to kneel before the Knicks' fierce resilience. Even the monstrous Victor Wembanyama, who had been performing exceptionally, was held to 19 points (14 rebounds, 5 blocks) in the final Game 5 due to the Knicks' suffocating defense.

The shout of "Go Knicks!" that I heard so often while living in New York still rings vividly in my ears.

Imagining the streets of Manhattan, soaked in blue and orange smoke, celebrating a night of frenzy after 53 long years of defeat is a joy.

This feels even more joyous than Korea reaching the semifinals in the World Cup.

Leading the underdog rebellion, Jalen Brunson, along with his supportive father, Coach Rick Brunson, and the players.

The miraculous championship you have achieved holds value beyond just a single win.

Bravo, New York Knicks! The era of New York has finally arrived!