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Knicks edge Spurs in thrilling Game 2 to lead NBA Finals
The New York Knicks secured a dramatic 105-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. The win marks their 13th consecutive playoff victory as they chase a first championship in 53 years.
The decisive play
With 9.5 seconds remaining and the score tied, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson intercepted a misplaced pass from Spurs center Victor Wembanyama to teammate Stephon Castle. Wembanyama fouled Brunson, who calmly sank the free throw to put New York ahead by one. The Spurs had one last chance to tie, but Wembanyama's 20-foot buzzer-beater fell short, sealing the Knicks' victory.
Wembanyama's costly error
The 22-year-old French phenom, who had dominated much of the series, admitted post-game that the final play would haunt him. Wembanyama led a second-half resurgence for San Antonio, scoring 22 points after a quiet first half, but his ill-fated pass in the closing seconds proved pivotal.
"I threw that away. I messed up. Am I going to regret it? Yes, of course. Am I going to use that to fuel me and to fuel us next game? Absolutely."
Victor Wembanyama, Spurs center
Brunson's clutch performance
Brunson, who also delivered the game-winning points in Game 1, credited the Knicks' team chemistry for his composure under pressure. His 12-point fourth quarter helped New York fend off San Antonio's 14-0 run to close the gap.
"Knowing my teammates have my back-that's the biggest thing in an environment like this. The trust we have in each other has got us to this point."
Jalen Brunson, Knicks guard
Historical context
The Knicks become just the third team in NBA history to win the first two Finals games on the road, joining the 1993 Chicago Bulls and 1995 Houston Rockets-both of whom went on to win the championship. Only five of the 37 teams to take a 2-0 Finals lead have failed to close out the series.
What's next
The best-of-seven series shifts to New York for Game 3 on Monday, with the Knicks hosting the Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a native New Yorker, is expected to attend as the Knicks aim to end their 53-year title drought.
