Knicks seize historic 2-0 NBA Finals lead over Spurs in San Antonio

The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday night, securing a 2-0 series lead and shifting the momentum of the championship debate. The victory marks the first time in franchise history the Knicks have held a 2-0 lead in the Finals and makes them only the third team in NBA history to win the first two games of a Finals series on the road, joining the 1993 Chicago Bulls and the 1995 Houston Rockets.

Jalen Brunson secured the win by hitting a go-ahead free throw with 9.5 seconds remaining, following a turnover by Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama, who had scored 29 points after a quiet first half, missed a final jumper attempt as time expired. The Spurs had overcome a 14-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter to tie the game, with Wembanyama’s three-point play with 57 seconds left giving San Antonio a 104-102 lead.

Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Brunson and Mikal Bridges each scored 20 points for the Knicks. The victory extends New York’s winning streak to 13 consecutive games, the second-longest streak in NBA playoff history. Knicks coach Mike Brown praised the team’s resilience, noting the significance of the road win in such a high-stakes environment.

The series shifts to New York for Game 3 on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. Secondary market ticket prices for the game exceeded $11,000 for the worst seats, reflecting the high demand from fans eager to witness the team’s pursuit of its first championship since 1973. The Knicks are now two wins away from the title, a milestone that has eluded the franchise for over five decades.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson highlighted the team’s competitive response in the fourth quarter, stating that they showed tremendous desperation and urgency. Wembanyama acknowledged the setback, emphasising that the team is already focused on Game 3. The Spurs, led by De'Aaron Fox’s 20 points, will look to regain footing when the series returns to Madison Square Garden.