Knicks hold off Spurs 105-104 in Game 2, take 2-0 Finals lead behind Jalen Brunson’s clutch free throw [VIDEO]
New York became the third team in NBA history to win the first two Finals games on the road
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 5 at Frost Bank Center. The victory extended New York’s series lead to 2-0 and marked the Knicks’ 13th consecutive playoff win.
The Knicks became just the third team in NBA history to win the first two games of the Finals on the road, joining the 1993 Chicago Bulls and 1995 Houston Rockets. Both of those teams went on to win championships.
The Spurs led by as many as 12 points in the first quarter and again mounted a 14-0 run in the fourth to erase a 14-point deficit. But costly late errors by Victor Wembanyama and a clutch free throw by Jalen Brunson sealed the Knicks’ victory.
Game 3 is scheduled for Monday, June 8, at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Wemby’s Late Turnover Changed the Game
With the score tied at 104 and under 15 seconds remaining, Victor Wembanyama grabbed a defensive rebound after a missed Brunson jumper. Instead of calling timeout or bringing the ball up, he attempted a pass to teammate Stephon Castle.
Castle was sprinting upcourt with his back turned. The ball hit him in the back. Brunson recovered the loose ball and was fouled by Wembanyama.
Brunson made the first free throw with 9.5 seconds left, giving the Knicks a 105-104 lead. He missed the second intentionally. The Spurs called timeout.
Wembanyama then missed a contested jumper as time expired. The Knicks held on.
Wembanyama finished with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 4 turnovers. He scored 22 of his 29 points in the second half.
Brunson Struggled From the Field But Delivered When It Mattered
Jalen Brunson shot 7-of-25 from the field and 2-of-8 from three-point range. He finished with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals. He was inefficient for most of the night.
But he made the only free throw that mattered.
Brunson’s go-ahead shot came after a sequence that nearly ended his team’s winning streak. He missed a jumper with under 20 seconds left. Wembanyama grabbed the rebound, which was followed by the turnover, the foul, and then the free throw.
Brunson did not have a good shooting night. However, he did have a good final minute. His free throw gave the Knicks a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges Led the Scoring
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting, adding 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 34 minutes. He was efficient and physical throughout.
Mikal Bridges added 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three-point range, along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists in 41 minutes. OG Anunoby contributed 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.
The Knicks shot 41.6 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three-point range. They outrebounded the Spurs 44-42 and recorded 29 assists on 37 made field goals.
The Spurs shot 47.4 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from three. De’Aaron Fox scored 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Dylan Harper added 15 off the bench.
The Knicks’ Historic Playoff Winning Streak Continues
New York has not lost a playoff game since the first round. In the second round, they swept the Philadelphia 76ers. After that, the Knicks swept Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. In San Antonio, they won Game 1 of the Finals on the road. They won Game 2 of the Finals on the road.
The 13-game winning streak is a franchise record. It is also one of the longest in NBA playoff history.
The Knicks are two wins away from their first championship since 1973. They are four wins away from a perfect playoff run. Having not lost since Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, they are now focused on Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
The Spurs have lost two straight at home, making them 0-2 in the Finals. Now, they are heading to New York for Games 3 and 4. The series is not over. But the margin for error is gone.
San Antonio’s Comeback Fell Just One Shot Short
The Spurs trailed by 14 points in the fourth quarter and they went on a 14-0 run to tie the game. Wembanyama’s three-point play with approximately 57 seconds remaining gave them a 104-102 lead. However, the 104th point would be the Spurs’ final time scoring in Game 3.
Brunson answered with a basket to tie it at 104. After that, came the turnover from Wemby. Then, Jalen hit the free throw. Then Victor missed buzzer-beater. As a result, the Knicks are home with a historic advantage and opportunity to win the title.
The Spurs outscored the Knicks 48-38 in the paint. Meanwhile, they had 16 turnovers and the Knicks had 12. Their bench differential was small. However, the overall margin was one point.
The Spurs have lost two games by a combined 11 points. They are not being blown out. However, they are being out-executed.
Historical Fortunes Favor the Knicks
The 1993 Bulls and 1995 Rockets both won the first two Finals games on the road. Both won championships. The Knicks are now in that company.
The 2026 Knicks have won 13 straight playoff games. The 2017 Golden State Warriors won 15 straight en route to a title. The 1989 Los Angeles Lakers won 11 straight before losing in the Finals.
The Knicks are not champions yet. But they are in rare air.
Game 3 is at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have not lost at home in the playoffs. The Spurs have not won in New York this season. Something will have to give.
The Spurs’ Fight for Survival Begins Tomorrow in New York
The Knicks will host the Spurs for Game 3 on June 8 at Madison Square Garden. New York has won all six of its home playoff games. The Spurs have lost both road games in the Finals.
The Knicks can take a commanding 3-0 series lead with a victory. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA history.
The Spurs need a win to stay alive. Wembanyama needs to bounce back from his late-game mistakes. Fox needs to continue his efficient scoring. The bench needs to produce.
The Finals are not over. But they are close. The Knicks are two wins away from the championship. On the flipside, the Spurs are two losses away from a sweep. Game 3 will determine which direction the series goes.