SAN ANTONIO — A Night 27 Years in the Making
The Knicks have eagerly anticipated this moment for nearly three decades. And for Landry Shamet, it seems like a lifetime waited for this opportunity.
While some teammates were grappling with the effects of a long break and the pressure of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Shamet shone brightly off the bench, contributing significantly to the Knicks’ 105-95 victory over the Spurs at Frostbank Center. He led all bench players with 13 points, shooting 5-of-9 from the field and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc.
“Landry was excellent off the bench,” Knicks coach Mike Brown remarked. “It wasn’t just about scoring; defensively, he made a big impact for us.” After losing his rotation spot earlier in the postseason, Shamet transformed into one of Brown’s most dependable players.
Shamet’s playoff journey has had its ups and downs. He scored 14 points in the first round but struggled to hit just under 29 percent from the field. His performance improved significantly; after solidifying his position in the lineup with a pivotal 3-pointer performance in Game 1 against the Cavaliers, he further proved his worth by hitting 11 of 12 attempts from deep in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The 29-year-old has been particularly impressive lately, notching at least 12 points in five of his past seven games and shooting close to 77 percent (20 of 26) from three-point territory.
“My focus is on my role, and that doesn’t shift. Whatever moment I’m called into, I need to be prepared—that’s my only thought,” Shamet said. “I’m not stuck in the past; I think we’ll reflect on everything once it’s all said and done.”
Shamet has been waiting for this kind of spotlight since before joining the Knicks. He was once seen as a promising player in the 2020 playoff bubble with the Clippers, also partnering with superstars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. He had aspirations during his time with Brooklyn but faced disappointments there and with a top-seeded Phoenix team that fell in the second round.
Now, after limited play last postseason, Shamet is embracing this chance, one that could certainly linger in memories for years.
“I believe that every experience, even if it’s not what you expect, prepares you for where you end up,” he reflected. “I’m thankful for all my personal highs and lows. Right now, all I know is I’m here. I’m trying not to overthink it; revisiting the past might not help me win games.”
“I truly think that every moment, both the good and the bad, shapes the path you take moving forward.”
