The New York Knicks completed a historic NBA Finals comeback last night, overturning a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 112-109 in Game 7. The victory, secured in front of a raucous Madison Square Garden crowd, has been hailed as one of the greatest in franchise history. Central to the triumph was London-born point guard Marcus Chen, who scored 37 points, including the go-ahead three-pointer with 12 seconds remaining.
Chen, 26, who grew up in Hackney and played for the London Lions before entering the NBA draft, is the first British player to win an NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award. His performance has ignited celebrations across the United Kingdom, with viewing parties in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh drawing thousands. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Chen to offer congratulations, describing the achievement as “an inspiration for young athletes across the nation.”
Chen’s rise reflects the growing international influence of basketball. The NBA has invested heavily in European talent, opening academies in London and Paris. Chen, selected 12th overall in 2019, is now the face of that strategy. His crossover dribble and court vision have drawn comparisons to Steve Nash, but his clutch shooting in these Finals has elevated his status.
The Knicks, seeking their first title since 1973, trailed by 15 points late in the third quarter before mounting a furious rally. Chen scored 14 points in the final period, supported by forward Julius Randle’s 22-point, 12-rebound performance. Denver’s Nikola Jokic, the two-time league MVP, finished with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists in a losing effort.
British fans, many of whom stayed awake until 5 a.m. to watch the game live, erupted on social media. The hashtag #LondonStar trended worldwide. “This is bigger than Murray winning Wimbledon,” one fan posted, referencing Andy Murray’s 2013 victory. Chen, speaking after the game, credited his upbringing in London’s grassroots basketball scene. “I played on outdoor courts in Hackney. That tough environment made me who I am,” he said.
The victory also has implications for the NBA’s global expansion. Commissioner Adam Silver has long sought a larger footprint in Europe, and Chen’s success could accelerate plans for a potential European league. Basketball England reported a 20 per cent increase in youth participation inquiries within hours of the final buzzer.
For the Knicks, the title ends decades of frustration. The franchise had not reached the Finals since 1999, enduring years of mediocrity and front-office chaos. Coach Tom Thibodeau, whose defensive schemes stifled Denver in the final three games, called this championship the “most satisfying of my career.”
Chen’s journey from London to NBA stardom is a story of discipline and determination. He honed his skills at the Brixton Topcats youth club before earning a scholarship to the United States. His mother, a nurse, attended the game in New York, waving a Union Jack. “I hope this shows British kids that anything is possible,” Chen said.
The NBA Finals will now shift focus to the off-season, but for one night, the basketball world belonged to London and New York.
