The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, winning 105-95 on the road to move one step closer to their first championship since 1973. The victory extended New York's remarkable playoff streak and set up a crucial Game 2 matchup in San Antonio.
The Knicks arrived at the Finals riding an 11-game winning streak, but faced a formidable challenge against the Spurs and their star player Victor Wembanyama. Despite falling behind by 14 points in the third quarter, New York showcased the resilience that has defined their playoff run. The team, which previously overcame a 22-point deficit against the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, mounted another comeback to seize control of the game.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks' fourth-quarter surge, scoring 13 of his game-high 30 points in the final period. His ability to deliver in clutch moments has been central to New York's postseason success. OG Anunoby contributed significantly as well, scoring 12 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter. The Knicks proved particularly sharp down the stretch, committing zero turnovers in the fourth quarter while outscoring the Spurs with an 11-0 run to close out the game.
Wembanyama finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks for San Antonio, but fell short of his usual dominant performance. The young star shot just 6-of-21 from the field and briefly left the court with an injury in the third quarter before returning. After the game, Wembanyama took responsibility for his struggles, saying "I was bad tonight, it's not more complicated than that." He added that nerves were not a factor in the Spurs' performance, despite the magnitude of the Finals occasion.
San Antonio struggled down the stretch, committing five turnovers in the fourth quarter while shooting just 28.6 percent. The home crowd proved unable to spur a comeback as the Spurs wilted in the final minutes.
Brunson also dealt with injury concerns during the contest. He collided with San Antonio's Harrison Barnes at the end of the first quarter and suffered a knee injury, forcing him to briefly leave the game. He returned in the second quarter but appeared to injure his ankle on a subsequent layup, though he remained in the game.
Game 2 is scheduled for Friday night in San Antonio before the best-of-seven series moves to Madison Square Garden for what promises to be an energetic Game 3 on Monday. The Knicks are now one victory away from taking a commanding 3-0 series advantage, while the Spurs must find a way to rebound at home.