Mike Brown, who used to coach Nigeria’s D’Tigers, enjoyed a big win in basketball on Sunday. His New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals at the Frost Bank Center. This win ended a 53-year wait for a championship.
Brown shared how emotional the moment was for him. He said it felt surreal and reminded him of winning a championship as an assistant coach in 2003.
“I couldn’t believe it, that was the first thing. It was surreal. I couldn’t believe that it was happening. And I am so tired. I mean, I’m gassed. I’ll never forget, in 2003, as an assistant, when we won the championship,” he said.
He also recalled how he felt when he was on the other side in 2003.
“I was on the other bench when the buzzer went off. I was sitting on my chair. All I did was lean back in my chair and I sat there, I felt like for 10 minutes. It was probably 30 seconds, but I just wanted to breathe.”
The Knicks won the series 4-1. Captain Jalen Brunson scored an amazing 45 points, which set a record for the franchise in NBA Finals. He earned the Finals MVP award and made it a memorable night for basketball in New York. This championship is the first for the city since 1973.
For Brown, this win was very personal. He faced disappointment in 2007 when his Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the same Spurs team. So, winning this time was a long-awaited moment for him.
Nigeria’s Basketball Federation quickly praised Brown’s achievement. President Ahmadu Musa Kida said people who worked with him were not surprised by his success. He called the victory a proof of the trust the NBBF had in Brown when he took over the D’Tigers in 2020.
“Mike Brown’s achievement comes as no surprise to those who have worked closely with him. His professionalism, tactical intelligence, discipline and ability to build competitive teams were evident from the moment he joined the D’Tigers programme. We always believed he possessed the capacity to succeed at the highest level of the game,” Kida said.
Nigerian-born player OG Anunoby also celebrated his second NBA title. He missed playing in his first championship with Toronto in 2019. He spoke about how special this win is for New York fans who have waited so long.
“The last one, I didn’t get a chance to play, but it was special as well. They are both very special. This one, New York hadn’t won in 52, 53 years. I’m sure the fans are going crazy. It’s very special to do it for New York,” Anunoby said.
Brunson, the Finals MVP, said he felt no pressure in the big game.
“No pressure. No pressure whatsoever. My dad being on eight or nine unguaranteed contracts throughout his career and not knowing when you’re going to get cut, that’s pressure. I’m just never afraid to fail,” the point guard said.
The game also marked a milestone for Ariel Hukporti. He is a German forward with Togolese roots and became the first player of Togolese heritage to win an NBA championship.
“I mean, I’m the first Togolese. So it means a lot. I got emotional a little bit towards the end but we got it done. Shoutout to Togo,” Hukporti said.
The Spurs had strong performances from Dylan Harper, who scored 25 points, and Victor Wembanyama, who added 19 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks. But they could not stop Brunson’s strong finish that gave New York their long-awaited victory.
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