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It wasn’t pretty. It certainly wasn’t comfortable. But once again, the New York Knicks found a way.
The Knicks survived a furious late comeback from Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to claim a dramatic 105-104 victory in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday night, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
After stealing home-court advantage in the opener, New York now heads back to Madison Square Garden with momentum firmly on its side and just two wins away from ending a championship drought that stretches back to 1973.
Wembanyama Almost Flips The Script
For most of the fourth quarter, the Knicks looked in complete control.
New York led by 14 points with just over six minutes remaining and appeared on course for a relatively
straightforward win.
Then Victor Wembanyama happened.
The Spurs superstar sparked a breathtaking rally, scoring key baskets and energising the home crowd. His three-point play late in the game even gave San Antonio a two-point lead, capping a remarkable turnaround.
But the Knicks responded when it mattered most.
Jalen Brunson, who endured a difficult shooting night, drilled a clutch fadeaway jumper to level the scores. After both teams traded defensive stops, Wembanyama committed a costly turnover and foul, sending Brunson to the free-throw line.
The All-Star point guard made one of two attempts, giving New York a slender one-point advantage.
That left the Spurs with one final possession.
Wembanyama rose over Mitchell Robinson for a mid-range jumper that would have won the game, but the shot bounced away as time expired.
Knicks Win Despite Brunson Struggles
Brunson finished with just 18 points on 7-of-25 shooting, one of his least efficient outings of the postseason.
Fortunately for New York, others stepped up.
Karl-Anthony Towns produced a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges added 20 points.
Wembanyama led all scorers with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting, while De’Aaron Fox chipped in with 20 for San Antonio.
Historic Run Continues
The victory extended New York’s playoff winning streak to 13 games, the second-longest postseason winning streak in NBA history.
Only the 2017 Golden State Warriors, who won 15 consecutive playoff games en route to the title, have done better.
The series now shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on Monday.
