The New York Knicks persevered, hung around, and played their best basketball when it mattered the most, turning a sluggish beginning into a late surge to beat the San Antonio Spurs 105–95 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.
New York got of the gate well and built a 14–7 advantage before San Antonio answered. The Spurs went on a 20–5 run to take control and ended the first quarter on top 27–19.
Even with San Antonio shooting only 36% from the field, the Spurs managed to protect the lead and carry it into the third quarter. The Knicks struggled offensively as well, hitting just 41% for the game, but they stayed close enough to pounce when the game opened up.
San Antonio pushed the advantage to 14 midway through the third, but from that point the Knicks tightened up their defenceand essentially took over. New York closed the third quarter on a 22–9 run, and the teams were tied 76 apiece heading into the fourth.
The fourth quarter stayed competitive for much of the way. The Spurs led 95–94 with 2:16 left, but New York scored an 11–0 run to finish strong and secure the 105–95 win—taking a 1–0 series lead.
Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 30 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points and 12 rebounds. More importantly, Towns helped limit and frustrate Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 26 points on 6-of-21 shooting and committed six turnovers.
New York’s nine second-chance points loomed large in the comeback and late surge.
San Antonio will look for a bounce-back in Game 2 on Friday night.
