Knicks Edge Spurs in Game 2 of NBA Finals

The New York Knicks returned to Madison Square Garden with just two wins needed to end their longstanding championship drought.

In a thrilling Game 2 on Friday night, Jalen Brunson sank a crucial free throw in the closing minute, leading the Knicks to a narrow 105-104 victory over the Spurs. Just prior to that, Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs missed a key jumper that could have shifted the momentum in his team’s favor.

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns had an impressive game, scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, while both Brunson and Mikal Bridges contributed 20 points each. This victory marks the Knicks’ 13th consecutive win, making it the second-longest playoff winning streak in NBA history.

With this win, the Knicks join a rare group, becoming the third team to win the first two games of the Finals on the road. The others were the iconic 1993 Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, and the 1995 Houston Rockets with Hakeem Olajuwon.

After a slow start, Wembanyama rallied back in the second half, scoring a total of 29 points, while De’Aaron Fox managed to add 20 points for San Antonio. The series now heads to New York, with Game 3 set for Monday night at Madison Square Garden, which could become one of the most expensive sporting events ever.

In a dramatic fourth quarter, the Spurs managed to erase a 12-point deficit, taking a 104-102 lead after Wembanyama’s 3-point play with just 57 seconds left. However, Brunson quickly evened the score on the Knicks’ next possession. Wembanyama missed a long-range jumper, and NY’s OG Anunoby secured the rebound with just 30 seconds remaining, setting up a pivotal moment for the Knicks.

For the Knicks, Brunson was fouled in the ensuing play, allowing him to give his team the lead for good before the final buzzer sounded. With Game 3 looming, excitement and tension will surely fill the air in New York.