In the first game of the 2026 NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs appeared to be in charge against the New York Knicks, holding a solid 14-point lead in the second half. The Spurs managed to stifle the Knicks’ potent offense for much of the night. However, things shifted in the third quarter when Victor Wembanyama took a break. This opened the door for Jalen Brunson to gain momentum, boosting his teammates’ confidence. By the start of the fourth quarter, the game was tied, putting the Spurs in a tough spot.
Brunson dominated the closing moments, leading the Knicks to a 105-95 win in Game 1, despite San Antonio being ahead for most of the match. The Spurs had control early on, but Brunson, even though he had to leave the game briefly due to a knee issue, showcased his clutch performance to seal the victory for his team.
With this win, the Knicks gained home-court advantage. Now, the Spurs found themselves in a must-win situation for Game 2 before heading to Madison Square Garden. Here’s a breakdown of Game 1 and some overreactions after that exciting start to the finals.
Brunson: The Closer
If teams want to beat the Knicks, they need to secure a big lead in the fourth quarter. If the score is close, Brunson is likely to seal the deal for New York. The Knicks efficiently space the floor with three excellent shooters around Brunson, allowing him to operate effectively in high-pressure scenarios. Even though he’s among the smaller players in the league, isn’t exceptionally quick, and hasn’t dunked in a while, it doesn’t seem to matter. He consistently positions himself where he needs to be, showing remarkable skill and fearlessness in taking tough shots.
Brunson has years of experience in such clutch situations. He recalls leading his high school team to a state championship in Chicago and being instrumental in not one but two national championships at Villanova. In tight games near the end, the Knicks can trust that they have a reliable closer in him.
Spurs’ Mistake: Leaving Harper on the Bench
Dylan Harper, a rookie guard, might have been the Spurs’ standout in Game 1, but head coach Mitch Johnson made the call to bench him with four minutes left, a decision that seemed questionable. Johnson chose to finish the game with De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, and Julien Champagnie. There’s definitely a debate about who among that group could have set out, but it’s clear Harper should have stayed in the game.
Fox has struggled for a while now, possibly hampered by a lingering injury from the Western Conference Finals. In Game 1, he managed only seven points on a tough shooting night. He even missed a crucial jumper that could have evened things up, while a late foul on Mikal Bridges allowed the Knicks to escape a big moment there. That play arguably swung the game.
Harper performed fairly well in the first half, though he lost a little steam later on. Still, he put up 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds, shooting 60%. Notably, while Harper had a -5 in 28 minutes, Fox finished even for 38 minutes. Harper seems to be the best shot creator for the Spurs right now, but without his contributions, their late-game offense often struggles.
Towns: A Tough Matchup for Wembanyama
While Brunson played a vital role in the Knicks’ Game 1 win, Karl-Anthony Towns was equally significant. The Spurs are in for a challenge figuring out how to tackle the dynamic 7’5” Wembanyama for the remainder of the series. Towns showcased his skills on both ends, proving to be a difficult matchup throughout the game.
Towns is recognized as one of the best shooting bigs ever, often forcing Wembanyama out of position. He isn’t just a jump shooter, though; his ability to drive and finish creates tough moments for Wemby, who finds himself caught between protecting the basket and covering his teammates.
On defense, Towns effectively limited Wembanyama’s access to deep post positions. Whenever Wembanyama tried to put the ball on the floor, Towns was there to disrupt things. Despite a modest stat line of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists, Towns was +14 in 34 minutes, showcasing his impactful presence on the court.
Josh Hart: The Unsung Hero
Despite being criticized in past seasons for his shooting inconsistencies, Josh Hart delivered a commendable performance in Game 1, even with only three points to show for it. In 27 minutes, his contributions came through rebounding (15 boards), defense (four steals), and team play (six assists), resulting in a +22 rating. His selflessness and grit truly uplift the Knicks, playing a significant role in their recent successes.
Wembanyama’s Areas for Growth
At just 22, Wembanyama has the potential to be the best player on the planet, yet there’s still room for improvement. Game 1 highlighted some limitations in his game, particularly on a night when the Knicks kept him away from the basket. He lacks a solid plan for scoring inside the arc, often relying on making a play off his own rebound. A more developed mid-range game or post moves would be beneficial for him, especially as the playoffs intensify.
His shot selection during the game indicates this: he struggled with non-rim two-pointers, going just 1-for-7. It’s tough for any star to shine when the stakes are high, especially in playoff time.
Knicks’ Current Chemistry is Remarkable
The Knicks have now won 12 consecutive games since falling behind in their first playoff series against the Hawks. Their playoff net rating sits at a remarkable +19.1. If they can maintain this momentum, they could achieve one of the most dominant playoff runs in history.
It’ll be intriguing to see how they respond if they encounter some adversity. Will they revert to old habits? Right now, it feels like this team has a solution for every challenge, playing with exceptional selflessness—hallmarks of a true championship team.
