Knicks Edge Spurs to Take Commanding Finals Lead
The New York Knicks are closing in on ending their lengthy championship drought, now just two wins away after a narrow victory over the Spurs. Jalen Brunson’s clutch free throw in the dying moments secured a 105-104 win for the Knicks in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
The game, held at San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center, saw a missed jumper by Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama that could have tipped the outcome the other way. This adds another chapter to the Knicks’ strong performance, as they extend their playoff winning streak to 13 games, the second-longest in NBA playoff history.
“San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard De’aaron Fox (4) reacts after a foul call during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals.”
With the win, the Knicks join an elite group of teams, as only the 1993 Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan and the 1995 Houston Rockets with Hakeem Olajuwon have previously won the first two games of a finals on the road. Both of those teams went on to win the championship.
The Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns contributed significantly with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Brunson and Mikal Bridges both added 20 points to the scoreboard. The team’s victory sets up a promising outlook as they look to claim their first championship since 1973.
The action now moves to New York, where Game 3 will be held at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. The excitement is building, with expectations that it might become the most expensive sporting event on record.
The Spurs had mounted a comeback from a 12-point deficit, led by Wembanyama’s 29 points and De’Aaron Fox’s 20 points. Wembanyama’s three-point play with under a minute left gave San Antonio their first lead in almost two quarters. However, Brunson responded quickly, tying the game and setting the stage for his decisive free throw.
“Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks celebrates a three-point basket with Karl-Anthony Towns during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals.”
Despite New York’s turnover in the final seconds, Wembanyama’s turnover on the next play allowed Brunson to re-establish the Knicks’ lead. The clock ran out with New York ahead.
Game 3 is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on Monday in New York. Fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling finals series.