Historic Moment for New York Knicks Guard

Jordan Clarkson made history, becoming the first player of Filipino descent to win an NBA title with the New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks are the 2026 NBA champions, and Jordan Clarkson has delivered a historic moment for the Philippines.

After the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the veteran guard finally brought an NBA championship to his homeland.

By securing the trophy with New York, Clarkson officially becomes the first player with Filipino roots to win an NBA championship, turning a new page in Philippine sports history.

The Filipino-American guard averaged 3.4 points and 1.4 rebounds in 7.7 minutes across the five games of the Finals series, coming off the bench.

In Game 3 in New York, he stood out with 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, adding three rebounds, one steal, and one block in 13 minutes of play.

Drafted 46th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, Clarkson played alongside Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers, reached his first Finals with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, and was named Sixth Man of the Year in 2021. Now, Clarkson has finally earned his first and well-deserved championship ring – a special achievement he will undoubtedly share with his compatriots in the Philippines.

Beyond Jordan Clarkson, several other Knicks players brought an NBA title to their home countries outside the United States.

Star Karl-Anthony Towns secured a trophy for the Dominican Republic, dedicating his first ring to his late mother. OG Anunoby, who was part of the 2019 Toronto Raptors championship team, earned his second title for Great Britain and Nigeria.

Jose Alvarado, a valuable addition to the Knicks before the 2026 trade deadline, brings pride to Puerto Rico. Jeremy Sochan, who joined the Knicks after being released by the Spurs, is also an NBA champion for Poland.

Ariel Hukporti gives Germany plenty of reasons to celebrate the Knicks' triumph, while France boasts two new NBA champions in Pacome Dadiet and Mohamed Diawara.