Knicks defeat Spurs in Game 1 behind Brunson's performance

SAN ANTONIO -- The New York Knicks continued their winning streak and struck first in the NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson scored 30 points, Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points and 12 rebounds, and the Knicks overcame a 14-point second-half deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 on Wednesday night. OG Anunoby contributed 17 points for New York, which has won 12 consecutive playoff games, matching the second-longest winning streak in a single postseason in NBA history. The 1999 Spurs and 2017 Warriors both won 12 straight games, with both teams ultimately claiming the championship.

"I think we know what we have to do," Brunson stated. "I think we're a pretty together group." Brunson scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, only six points less than the Spurs managed as a team during that period, sealing the victory with a spinning jumper while falling to the ground with 38 seconds remaining.

Knicks coach Mike Brown remarked, "He's a gamer, man. In the biggest moments, he shows up. That's what MVPs are supposed to do." The Knicks closed the game with an 11-0 run, making history by becoming the first team to beat San Antonio in a Game 1 of the championship series; the Spurs had been 6-0 in that scenario. This also marked the first time the Spurs ever trailed in a Finals before its conclusion.

Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 26 points and 12 rebounds, despite shooting just 6-for-21 from the field in his Finals debut. Stephon Castle scored 17 points, while Julian Champagnie and Dylan Harper contributed 16 points each. Wembanyama expressed disappointment, stating, "I was bad tonight. It's not more complicated than that."

Game 2 is scheduled for Friday in San Antonio. Former Spurs coach Gregg Popovich attended the game, along with Spurs legends like David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili. Knicks great Patrick Ewing was also present, along with high-profile fans such as Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan, Ben Stiller, and Fat Joe. Many non-celebrity Knicks supporters traveled to San Antonio, with some fans noting that it was cheaper to attend Game 1 than to buy tickets for Game 3 in New York.

The Knicks took an early lead of 14-7 before the Spurs responded with a 20-13 run to establish a 10-point advantage. The Knicks rallied in the second quarter, which featured six lead changes, and at halftime, the Spurs led 55-48. San Antonio extended the lead to 14 points midway through the third quarter, but the Knicks answered with a 22-9 run to tie the game at 76 heading into the fourth period. New York led by eight points at one point in the final quarter.

Wembanyama made two free throws with 2:16 remaining to give San Antonio a 95-94 lead, but Brunson answered with a corner three-pointer to put the Knicks ahead for good. "I think we let that one go," Wembanyama acknowledged.

The Knicks have now won seven consecutive road playoff games by double digits, extending the longest such streak in playoff history. This win not only gave the Knicks momentum but also the opportunity to claim their first title in 53 years, having taken home-court advantage away from San Antonio.

"We have a long way to go," Brunson concluded.