Knicks survive to take 2-0 NBA Finals lead after Jalen Brunson's clutch shot sinks Spurs
The New York Knicks seized a 105‑104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, putting themselves two wins away from ending a championship drought that has stretched back to 1973. The win, secured on Friday night, gave New York a 2‑0 series lead and pushed their playoff winning streak to 13 games – the second‑longest such run in postseason history.
Key contributions came from across the roster. Center Karl‑Anthony Towns posted a double‑double with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while guards Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each chipped in 20 points. Brunson’s decisive moment arrived with seconds left on the clock: after a Spurs rally that had briefly put San Antonio ahead, Brunson was fouled and converted the free throw that put the Knicks back in front for good.
The Spurs had erased a 12‑point deficit midway through the fourth quarter, with Victor Wembanyama sparking the comeback by converting a three‑point play with 57 seconds remaining to give San Antonio a 104‑102 lead – its first advantage in nearly two quarters. Brunson responded on the next possession, scoring his seventh basket of the night on 24 shots to tie the game. Wembanyama then missed a long jumper, OG Anunoby secured the rebound for New York, and the Knicks called a timeout. San Antonio forced a stop, but Wembanyama turned the ball over on the ensuing trip. Brunson was fouled again and sank the free throw that sealed the win.
Wembanyama finished with 29 points after a quiet first half, while De’Aaron Fox added 20 for the Spurs. The Knicks’ performance extended their impressive run and placed them in rare company: they are only the third team in NBA history to win the first two finals games on the road, joining the 1993 Chicago Bulls and the 1995 Houston Rockets – both of which went on to capture the title.
The series now shifts to Madison Square Garden, where Game 3 is scheduled for Monday night at 8:30 p.m. With a chance to sweep the Spurs and end a half‑century wait for a championship, New York will look to carry its momentum back home.