The 29-Point Miracle That Nobody Saw Coming, and the Quiet Faith That Fueled the Knicks' Wild NBA Finals Win

Holy cow, Seattle, did you guys SEE that NBA Finals?! The New York Knicks just pulled off an absolutely insane comeback, erasing a 29-point deficit in Game 4 before ultimately defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Fans were absolutely losing their minds, calling it the "best feeling of our life" and saying "nothing will ever top this." The entire city of New York was reportedly shaking and screaming after each win, feeling like "religious ecstasy." But if you were looking closely, past all the chaos and celebration, you'd see a deeper story: a powerful current of faith and family connections quietly powering both sides.

Brunson's Mom Dropped a Bible Verse Bomb Before Every Game, And It Worked

Let's talk about the NBA Finals MVP, Jalen Brunson. This dude's mom, Sandra Brunson, is seriously devoted to God. ESPN reported she texts him a Bible verse before every single game. Before that final Game 5 on Saturday morning, she sent him this: "When you go through deep waters, I WILL BE WITH YOU. When you go through rivers of difficulty, YOU WILL NOT DROWN. Isaiah 43:2." Sandra started sending these verses to Jalen and his sister Erica way back during their dad Rick's NBA career. She nailed it when she said, "As you get older you realize your natural ability can only take you so far. You need something else. You need belief

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because you can’t control everything.” Clearly, that belief carried Brunson and the Knicks all the way to a title.

From Shaolin Temples to Heavenly Signs, Faith Was EVERYWHERE in the Finals

While the Knicks were soaking up all the glory, some Spurs players were also openly sharing their spiritual journeys. De’Aaron Fox, a star for San Antonio, is a Christian, just like Brunson. Luke Kornet is a dedicated Catholic. And get this: Victor Wembanyama even wore a robe to a playoff game to honor the Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha. He even trained last year at the Shaolin Temple in China. But perhaps the most emotional moment came from Karl-Anthony Towns after that epic comeback game. He looked up to heaven and later explained, "I take it as a sign my mom was here with me." His mother, Jacqueline “Jackie” Cruz-Towns, passed away during the pandemic. He recalled telling her, "if this going to be the last time seeing her in the physical, let me feel her spirit at all times." He told the press, "Her presence is always felt in my life. It’s just great to always feel her arms around me." That's some raw, powerful stuff right there. What a series, huh? It wasn't just about the incredible basketball, the 29-point swings, or the pure joy on display in New York. It was about what happens when players bring their whole selves, their deepest beliefs, and their family connections to the biggest stage. This kind of resilience and heart? That's what makes sports so much more than a game.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.