Knicks end Spurs’ Finals opener streak with 105-95 victory
Head coach Mike Brown hails guard’s “MVP-level” effort as New York overcomes 14-point deficit to take Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
The New York Knicks have extended their playoff winning streak to 12 consecutive games, securing a 105-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals. Played at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, the result marks the first time the Spurs have trailed in a championship series before the final buzzer and ends their perfect 6-0 all-time record in opening-night Finals contests.
New York entered the series as underdogs against the young Spurs side led by Victor Wembanyama. Despite an early deficit, the Knicks overcame a 14-point shortfall in the second half to claim the opening contest. The victory continues a dominant run for New York, which included an 11-game winning streak dating back to their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks, followed by two series sweeps prior to the Finals.
Jalen Brunson led the offensive charge for the Knicks, scoring 30 points and delivering 13 of those points in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed alongside Brunson in driving the offensive effort, helping New York overcome an early 10-point deficit established by the Spurs in the first quarter.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown praised Brunson’s performance, describing it as “MVP-level” and highlighting his ability to perform in critical moments. Brown has consistently referred to the guard as an MVP-calibre player throughout the 2025-26 season, seeking greater recognition for his impact despite his smaller stature.
“He’s a gamer. In the biggest moments, he shows up. That’s what MVPs are supposed to do,” Brown said in his post-game interview. “We put the ball in his hands, we said we were going to live and die with him, and he went, and he got it done for us.”
Brunson avoided a major injury scare during the game, maintaining his availability for the remainder of the series. The win provides a significant psychological boost for New York, who now look to build on their momentum as they face increased pressure to replicate this level of performance in Game 2.
The Spurs, who had never trailed in a championship series before this game, will look to bounce back with Wembanyama leading the charge. However, the Knicks’ ability to overcome adversity and execute in the fourth quarter suggests a resilient structure that has defined their playoff run thus far.
