The New York Knicks' title win over the San Antonio Spurs became a cultural touchstone for millions of New Yorkers. For Kendrick Perkins, Jalen Brunson, and the Knicks, the win transcended the NBA.

The league has seen unprecedented domination by international stars, with the last eight MVPs being non-Americans. Perkin felt Brunson's win over Victor Wembanyama was a statement.

"What the Knicks done and Big Body Brunson done was a statement for America," Perkins said during his appearance on First Take.

"To get us back some type of victory or leeway, whatever we want to call it, to bring it back to American soil. Because when you look at the last MVPs of the NBA, they all have been international players."

The Knicks' championship run quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Perkins saw it was a once-in-a-generation fight between David and Goliath. A 6 ft 2 guard, born and raised in Chicago, winning against a 7 ft 5 Frenchman.

"Big Body Brunson in the Mecca, the biggest market in the world in sports, he comes in and delivers in great fashion. I think it's just a beautiful time for American basketball all across the board," added the former NBA player.

Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges became the first college trio to win both the NBA and the NCAA titles. Three friends in Villanova, Pennsylvania, made it to the biggest stage and won it all. What could have given more of an American touch to this title?

Moreover, Brunson's win was also his answer to people who doubted the Knicks would succeed with him as their best player.

Jalen Brunson on what he feels about the doubters

In a league dominated by big men, Brunson defeated Wembanyama. This was Brunson's answer to people who doubted him and his team.

Two years ago, Las Vegas Aces coach and former San Antonio Spurs coach Becky Hammon predicted that the Knicks would not win a championship with Brunson.

After winning the title on Saturday, a reporter asked the Knicks stars for a response to their naysayers.

"I didn't respond to them then, and I'm d*** sure not going to respond to them now," Brunson said in an emphatic reply.

In December 2023, Hammon said that the Knicks don't have an elite big player to make them contenders. "They don't have a dude. You got to have a 1A dude," she said on NBA Today.

"He too small. If your best player is small, you're not winning... Steph Curry is the only dude," she added. Over two years later, Hammon stands corrected.

What did you think of the win? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi