Knicks Triumph with Key Decision from Assistant Coach

Jalen Brunson delivered the winning goal, while Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns put on impressive performances. The Knicks’ bench also contributed significantly.

Interestingly, the standout during the Knicks’ record-setting 13-game winning streak might just be an assistant coach.

Jordan Brink, the director of video services and player development, played a pivotal role in persuading head coach Mike Brown to challenge a crucial call late in the fourth quarter. This decision was vital for the Knicks’ narrow 105-104 win over the Spurs at Frostbank Center.

With this victory, the Knicks became the third team in history to win the first two games on the road during the NBA Finals, currently holding a 2-0 lead.

The Knicks almost lost control of the game after letting a 14-point lead slip away. The referee had initially ruled that OG Anunoby’s shot went out of bounds, but Brink was convinced there had been a foul with just 2:37 left on the clock.

After the review, the call was overturned. Anunoby was awarded three free throws and converted all of them.

“Jordan’s a genius at this,” Brown commented, referring to Brink, who played at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Brown further remarked, “Sometimes I get too emotional and try to confront the referee, but that rarely works. I tend to follow Jordan’s lead, and it was entirely his decision.”

As it turned out, Anunoby made all three of his free throws, and he wasn’t shocked by the change in the call.

“Honestly, I’m surprised they didn’t call it in the first place because it definitely was a foul,” Anunoby noted. He had a solid game, clocking 36 minutes with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. “Jordan Brink did an amazing job communicating that. I think it was a big moment, especially scoring those three extra points.”

Brink’s decision was crucial in halting the Spurs’ momentum. Had the challenge failed, the Finals could have shifted back to New York with a much different outlook, tied at one win each.