Champions again: the Knicks begin a title defence 53 years in the making
SportPulses Desk··5 min
New York ended a 53-year wait by beating San Antonio 4–1 in the Finals. With the 2026–27 season tipping off on 20 October, the question now is whether they can repeat.
The New York Knicks open the 2026–27 season as defending champions for the first time in more than half a century. They clinched the title on 13 June with a 94–90 win in San Antonio, closing out the Spurs 4–1 for the franchise’s first championship since 1973.
Jalen Brunson scored 32 points in the clinching Game 5 and lifted the Finals MVP trophy, capping a run that followed a 53–29 regular season.
The roster is largely intact, but there is one notable loss: centre Mitchell Robinson left in free agency for the Boston Celtics. New York added veteran Andre Drummond on a one-year deal to cover the backup big-man minutes, while keeping guards Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado and Landry Shamet.
The big questions are defensive. Without Robinson’s rim protection, more falls on Karl-Anthony Towns and on the wing trio of OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart. The season tips off on 20 October, and every team in the East will be measuring itself against the champions.
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New York Knicks
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