Knicks end Spurs’ Finals opener streak with 105-95 victory
New York overcomes 14-point deficit to claim first Game 1 win in Finals history, setting up pivotal Game 2 in San Antonio
The New York Knicks have secured a decisive 105-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals, held at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. The result ends San Antonio’s perfect 6-0 all-time record in opening-night Finals games and marks the first time in franchise history that the Spurs trailed in a championship series before the final buzzer.
Jalen Brunson led the offensive charge for New York, scoring a game-high 30 points, including 19 in the second half. Brunson attempted 30 shots in total, with nine taken in the fourth quarter, and his performance helped the Knicks extend their playoff winning streak to 12 consecutive games. The team is now 6-0 this postseason when Brunson scores 30 or more points.
San Antonio established an early advantage, leading by 10 points after the first quarter. However, the Knicks overcame a 14-point deficit in the second half as the Spurs’ offense declined and transition defence tightened. New York outscored the home team 50-42 in the paint, neutralising the interior presence of Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama recorded 26 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks for the Spurs but struggled with shooting efficiency, making just six of 21 field goals. Stephon Castle added 17 points, while Dylan Harper and Julian Champagnie each contributed 16. The Spurs’ rotation struggled significantly from beyond the arc, with the group outside of Champagnie combining to shoot just 6-33 (18.2%) from three-point range.
Champagnie hit five three-point attempts, but the rest of the Spurs’ perimeter shooting was ineffective. The Knicks, making their first Finals appearance since 1999, will look to maintain this momentum in Game 2, which is scheduled for Friday night in San Antonio.
