The New York Knicks are three wins away from ending a 53-year championship drought.
Jalen Brunson scored 30 factors because the Knicks erased a 14-point second-half deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Wednesday night time.
Karl-Anthony Cities added 18 factors and 12 rebounds, whereas OG Anunoby chipped in with 17 factors as New York prolonged their playoff profitable streak to 12 video games.
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The sport gave the impression to be slipping away from the Knicks halfway via the third quarter when San Antonio constructed a 14-point lead. However New York responded with a 22-9 level.
Brunson as soon as once more delivered when his staff wanted him most.
The Knicks star scored 13 factors in the ultimate quarter and knocked down a spinning jumper with 38 seconds remaining to assist seal the victory.
“He’s a gamer, man,” Knicks coach Mike Brown mentioned. “Within the greatest moments, he exhibits up. That’s what MVPs are presupposed to do.”
San Antonio was led by Victor Wembanyama, who completed with 26 factors and 12 rebounds in his NBA Finals debut.
“I used to be unhealthy tonight,” Wembanyama mentioned. “It’s no more difficult than that.”
Stephon Fort scored 17 factors for San Antonio, whereas Julian Champagnie and Dylan Harper every added 16.
Regardless of trailing by one level with simply over two minutes remaining, the Spurs failed to attain once more as New York completed the sport on an 11-0 run.
“I feel we let that one go,” Wembanyama admitted.
The victory offers the Knicks a 1-0 sequence lead and takes home-court benefit away from San Antonio.
Nonetheless, Brunson is aware of the job is way from completed.
“We’ve got a protracted approach to go,” he mentioned.
Game 2 is scheduled for Friday night time in San Antonio.
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