Knicks Take 1-0 Series Lead with Fourth-Quarter Surge Against Spurs

The New York Knicks seized control of the NBA Finals in Game 1, rallying from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95. The victory gives New York an early advantage in the championship series.

Jalen Brunson was instrumental in the comeback, netting 13 of his game-high 30 points in the final period. His scoring outburst included a crucial stretch where the Knicks went 11-for-11 on the scoreboard without a response from San Antonio, securing the lead in the final two minutes.

With this win, New York extends its current winning streak to 12 games, tying for the second-longest postseason run in NBA history. The only longer streak belongs to the Spurs, who won 14 consecutive games in 1999. That historic run culminated in the Spurs defeating the Knicks in the Finals, marking New York’s most recent appearance in the best-of-seven series.

This victory marks the fourth time the Knicks have reversed a deficit of 10 points or more in the second half during these playoffs. Earlier in the postseason, they overcame a 22-point shortfall in the opening game of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Knicks are now aiming to capture their first title since 1973. Center Karl-Anthony Towns, who contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds, credited the home crowd for fueling the team’s resilience.

"It's something that's in the city, you feel that energy in the city," Towns said. "The grit, the grind, the hard work you've got to put in to make it in the city. I think we reflect our fans and their lifestyles and what it takes to make it in New York City, when we step on that court with the Knicks jersey."

For the Spurs, the night was challenging for star rookie Victor Wembanyama. Despite leading the team in scoring, he struggled with efficiency, making only six of his 21 field goal attempts. However, Wembanyama remained unfazed by the loss.

"We've been down in a series before - never in the Finals - but I'm not kicking myself about anything," Wembanyama said. "I was bad, it's not more complicated than that. I'm not worried in the slightest."

The series shifts to San Antonio for Game 2 on Friday. The action then returns to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on Monday.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-04 06:46:04 UTC