Knicks Edge Spurs for Second Finals Win
The New York Knicks are back at Madison Square Garden, aiming for their first championship in 53 years. They managed to secure a thrilling 105-104 victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals. This win makes them only the third team in NBA history to clinch the first two games of a finals series on the road, following the 1993 Chicago Bulls and the 1995 Houston Rockets.
Currently, the Knicks are riding high with 13 consecutive playoff wins, having won 11 of those games by double-digit margins. Although the Spurs were favored to win the series (2-1), New York has clearly outperformed the younger San Antonio team so far.
The Knicks went up 97-83 thanks to a driving dunk from OG Anunoby with six minutes remaining in the game. However, the Spurs responded with a 14-0 run, tying it up just in time. A chaotic sequence unfolded at the end of the fourth quarter when Jalen Brunson missed a jump shot and the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama grabbed the rebound. Wembanyama attempted to pass to teammate Stephon Castle, but Castle wasn’t looking, and the ball hit him in the back, resulting in a turnover. Brunson then got fouled after the Knicks regained possession, hitting one of two free throws for the lead. The Spurs got one last shot, but Wembanyama’s jumper at the buzzer missed.
For much of the game, it felt almost like the Knicks had a perfect grasp of basketball. Despite the Spurs holding a nine-point lead at the end of the first quarter, New York stormed back in the second with impressive ball movement, shooting, and defense. They’ve developed a true five-out offense that keeps San Antonio constantly adjusting their defense. With excellent spacing, passing, and shooting, the Knicks have made it hard for the Spurs to contain them.
This was evident on one key possession where all five Knicks players touched the ball before Mikal Bridges hit a corner three-pointer.
The Knicks’ offensive prowess sometimes overshadows their defense, but it’s their commitment to the defensive side that has helped them gain control of the series. Wembanyama, who seemed unstoppable during the Spurs’ playoff run against the defending champions, has struggled against New York’s defensive strategy. The Knicks have forced him to play further from the basket, limiting his effectiveness.
Karl-Anthony Towns has been pivotal for the Knicks in this matchup, standing out on both ends of the floor. If the series ended now, he’d likely be named the Finals MVP.
Historically, Towns’ defense has come under scrutiny, but he’s really stepped up this postseason. He’s shown he can apply pressure on Wembanyama and keep him away from his favorite positions inside. Plus, Towns is an exceptional rebounder, playing a key role in New York’s control of possession. On offense, his shooting keeps Wembanyama from lurking near the paint, and Towns often drives hard to the basket, finishing strong past Wembanyama and the Spurs’ defenders.
Jalen Brunson has made some crucial shots for the Knicks, especially in Game 1. However, the Spurs did a solid job containing him most of the time. Fortunately for New York, other players have stepped up. The offense no longer relies solely on Brunson, which must be frustrating for opposing defenses.
Brunson has scored 50 points on 56 shots so far in these Finals. He’s still a go-to option, especially when the Knicks need a crucial basket, but players like Anunoby, Bridges, Hart, and Landry Shamet significantly contribute to keeping the offense dynamic.
Wembanyama ended up with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting, but a late mistake targeting Castle might linger in the Spurs’ minds for a while.
With the Knicks up 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals, all eyes will be on Game 3, happening Monday at Madison Square Garden. It promises to be quite the spectacle, and the excitement around the series is palpable.
