The New York Knicks produced another stunning comeback to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.
Trailing by 14 points during the third quarter, the Knicks once again demonstrated their resilience, outscoring the Spurs late in the game before finishing with an 11-0 run in the final two minutes.
Brunson delivers in crunch time
Star guard Jalen Brunson led New York with 30 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter as the visitors seized control when it mattered most.
The victory extended the Knicks’ winning streak to 12 consecutive playoff games, matching the second-longest postseason winning run in NBA history, previously achieved by the Spurs in 1999.
That 1999 season also marked New York’s last appearance in the NBA Finals, when San Antonio defeated them to win the championship.
Knicks’ comeback culture continues
The latest turnaround was the fourth time during this postseason that New York have recovered from a double-digit deficit to win.
Earlier in the playoffs, the Knicks famously overturned a 22-point deficit in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Forward Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds and credited the team’s fighting spirit to the passion of New York supporters.
“It’s something that’s in the city, you feel that energy in the city,” Towns said.
“The grit, the grind, the hard work you’ve got to put in to make it in the city. I think we reflect our fans and their lifestyles when we step on that court with the Knicks jersey.”
Wembanyama struggles despite leading Spurs scoring
For San Antonio, French star Victor Wembanyama finished as the team’s top scorer with 21 points but endured an inefficient shooting night.
The 22-year-old converted just six of his 21 field-goal attempts as the Spurs struggled offensively during the decisive closing stages.
“We’ve been down in a series before – never in the Finals – but I’m not kicking myself about anything,” Wembanyama said.
“I was bad, it’s not more complicated than that. I’m not worried in the slightest.”
Series continues in San Antonio
The Knicks are chasing their first NBA championship since 1973 and have taken an early step towards ending that 53-year wait.
Game 2 will also be played in San Antonio on Friday before the series moves to New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on Monday.
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