NBA Finals Game 5: Referees Made 1 Mistake in Knicks' Win

The New York Knicks are officially the 2026 NBA champions. Jalen Brunson and company took care of business against the San Antonio Spurs, winning the NBA Finals series 4-1.

In Game 5 of the series on Saturday, the Knicks found themselves trailing by as many as 16 points. However, as they had done throughout much of their Finals matchup with the Spurs, they came back once again to secure the series-deciding 94-90 win.

Brunson led the way for the Knicks with a 45-point performance, while adding three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Mikal Bridges chipped in 14 points, while Josh Hart had 13 points and 11 rebounds.

While it was a thrilling win for the Knicks, it wasn't without issues. In fact, the NBA admitted that the referees made one mistake in the final two minutes of the game that benefited the Spurs.

In its Last 2 Minute Report, the NBA revealed a missed foul call on Dylan Harper while he was guarding Brunson with around 11 seconds remaining.

With the Knicks leading 92-90 with 16.3 seconds remaining, Hart made the inbound pass to Brunson, who proceeded to dribble the ball and look for one final play. Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell then double-teamed Brunson in an attempt to steal the ball before Harper came in to help.

Harper was able to dislodge the ball from Brunson's arms after their highly physical exchange. Fortunately, Bridges recovered the loose ball and was subsequently fouled by Harper.

According to the L2M Report, Harper should have been called for a foul because he hit Brunson's wrist before hitting the ball.

"Harper (SAS) makes illegal contact to Brunson's (NYK) wrist prior to the contact to the ball," the NBA wrote, ruling the play an incorrect non-call.

The good news for the Knicks is that the mistake didn't affect the game, with Bridges still getting the foul and making one of his ensuing two free throws.

Now, the Knicks are champions again for the first time in 53 years.

Related: NBA Legend Magic Johnson Points Out De'Aaron Fox's 'Huge Mistake' in Spurs' Game 4 Collapse

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This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 8:28 PM.