Knicks Take Game 1 of the NBA Finals
SAN ANTONIO – In a surprising turn of events, the defending NBA champions, having faced the San Antonio Spurs in a grueling series, found themselves defeated. On the other hand, the New York Knicks, with their new Finals lead after more than 50 years, managed to best the Spurs 105-95 in the opening game of the 2026 NBA Finals.
The last time the Knicks held such an advantage was back in 1973 when they won the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Back then, Phil Jackson, now an iconic figure, celebrated on a Malibu beach in an unforgettable manner, as recounted in his book, which made quite a few waves.
Fast forward to Game 1, Jalen Brunson shined once again, demonstrating a knack for clutch performances, and Knicks coach Mike Brown seemed unfazed by the historical implications. The current Knicks squad appears prepared to keep the legendary Spurs at bay.
Concerns had surfaced about the Knicks’ readiness after their challenging series against teams like Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Cleveland. One couldn’t help but wonder if San Antonio could stand up to a Knicks’ team that deftly maneuvered its way through the East in just 14 games.
In their first game since May 25, the Knicks showed signs of rust but built solid leads at various points. They outperformed the Spurs in the closing moments of the match—what the league calls “clutch minutes.” Every moment seemed significant, encapsulating the essence of NBA playoff basketball.
Brunson ended the night with 30 points but not without his share of struggles. He took unconventional shots and had to dig deep for his rhythm. As the game progressed, he eventually found his stride, hitting critical shots to seal the deal for New York.
He pancaked a corner three-pointer with only 1:50 left on the clock to secure a 97-95 lead, giving the Knicks the momentum they needed. Acknowledging that rust was a factor, it was clear the team needed to work on their coordination moving forward.
Jose Alvarado provided crucial support, stepping up when Brunson briefly went down with an ankle issue. His performance during that stretch kept New York competitive, and his efforts were commendable. He capitalized on opportunities and added valuable stats to the board.
Meanwhile, Josh Hart had a quieter second-quarter presence due to foul troubles but made an impact later in the game. His defensive skills certainly turned heads even if his shooting percentages weren’t the highlight.
The Spurs, on the other hand, faced challenges. Struggling to keep up with the Knicks’ pace, they missed a significant amount of their shots and faltered defensively. Though they had some bright spots, inconsistencies marred their performance.
With Game 1 in the books, it’s clear that the Spurs have a lot to prove. The team, while talented, must discover its identity as they move forward in the series. They will need to tighten their game to face the resolute Knicks again. The question remains—can they rise to the occasion?
