New York Knicks players accept the Best Team award at the 2026 ESPYS following their NBA championship season.

New York Knicks Named Best Team at 2026 ESPYS After NBA Title

Fresh off winning the 2026 NBA Finals, the New York Knicks earned the Best Team honor at the 2026 ESPYS, celebrating a historic championship season.

A Historic Season Earns Another Major Honor

July 16, 2026 – The New York Knicks added another milestone to their unforgettable 2025-26 season by winning the Best Team award at the 2026 ESPYS. The honor came just weeks after the franchise captured its first NBA championship in more than five decades, capping one of the most memorable years in team history.

Held at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City, the annual awards ceremony celebrated the biggest achievements across the sports world. For the Knicks, the recognition served as another reminder of a remarkable campaign that reignited basketball excitement throughout New York and rewarded a fan base that had waited generations to see the team return to the top of the NBA.

Credit: Ronald Cortes/Getty

A Championship That Ended a 53-Year Wait

The Knicks secured the 2026 NBA championship by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games, ending a title drought that stretched back to 1973. Throughout the postseason, the team demonstrated resilience, depth, and consistency, overcoming several talented opponents before finally lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

The championship was celebrated throughout New York City, where fans embraced the team’s long-awaited return to basketball’s biggest stage. From packed watch parties to a memorable championship parade, the victory became one of the city’s defining sports moments of the year.

Knicks Stars Accept the Award

Representing the franchise at the ESPYS were team captain Jalen Brunson alongside teammates Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Miles “Deuce” McBride. The group accepted the award on stage as rapper and longtime Knicks supporter Fat Joe joined them during the celebration.

Karl-Anthony Towns delivered an emotional acceptance speech, thanking Knicks fans for their unwavering support throughout the championship journey. He credited the passion of New York’s basketball community as a driving force behind the team’s success, emphasizing that the championship belonged to the entire city as much as the players themselves.

Jalen Brunson Continues an Incredible Year

The evening proved especially memorable for Jalen Brunson, who earned multiple individual honors in addition to the team’s Best Team award. Brunson was recognized as Best NBA Player, highlighting a season in which his leadership and clutch performances helped guide the Knicks through an unforgettable playoff run.

Known for delivering in the biggest moments, Brunson became the face of New York’s championship campaign. His ability to lead both offensively and emotionally throughout the postseason cemented his place among the league’s elite players while further strengthening his connection with Knicks fans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by New York Knicks Fan Page (@knicksunified)

A Team Built on Chemistry

One of the defining characteristics of the Knicks’ championship season was the chemistry shared throughout the roster. Rather than relying solely on individual star power, the team consistently emphasized unselfish basketball, defensive intensity, and collective effort.

That unity became evident throughout the playoffs as different players stepped forward in crucial moments. Whether through timely scoring, lockdown defense, or key contributions off the bench, the Knicks consistently demonstrated why they were considered one of the NBA’s most complete teams, making the ESPYS’ Best Team honor a fitting recognition of their remarkable season.

A Championship That United New York

The Knicks’ championship run extended far beyond the basketball court, bringing together generations of fans who had waited decades to see the franchise return to the top of the NBA. Throughout the playoffs, Madison Square Garden became one of the league’s most electric venues, while celebrations spread across New York City after the team’s title-clinching victory.

The excitement continued with a championship parade that drew thousands of supporters, reflecting the deep connection between the Knicks and their loyal fan base. For many longtime followers, the 2025-26 season represented the fulfillment of a dream that had been more than 50 years in the making.

Recognition Beyond the Championship

Receiving the ESPY for Best Team added another prestigious achievement to an already unforgettable season. The award recognizes excellence across all professional and collegiate sports, making the Knicks’ victory a reflection of their impact beyond basketball alone.

The honor also highlighted the organization’s transformation into one of the NBA’s model franchises. Through strong leadership, roster development, and a commitment to teamwork, the Knicks established themselves as one of the league’s premier teams while earning widespread respect throughout the sports world.

Building on a Historic Season

While the championship and ESPY recognition celebrate what the Knicks accomplished during the 2025-26 campaign, attention has already begun shifting toward the future. With much of the championship core remaining intact, expectations will be high as the franchise looks to defend its NBA title.

Maintaining success will present new challenges, but the confidence gained from a championship season provides a strong foundation. The combination of experienced leadership, talented veterans, and established team chemistry positions New York to remain among the league’s top contenders.

Final Thoughts

The New York Knicks’ selection as the Best Team at the 2026 ESPYS serves as another fitting tribute to one of the greatest seasons in franchise history. After capturing their first NBA championship in more than five decades, the organization earned national recognition for its remarkable accomplishments on and off the court.

From ending a historic title drought to inspiring an entire city, the Knicks transformed the 2025-26 season into a defining moment for New York basketball. The ESPY honor stands as another reminder of a championship campaign that will be remembered by fans for generations.