The New York Knicks are teetering on the edge of a historic victory, poised to claim their first NBA championship since 1973 after edging out the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 in a thrilling Game 2. With this win, the Knicks have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.
At the heart of New York’s success on Friday at the Frost Bank Center was Karl-Anthony Towns, whose impressive performance included 21 points and 13 rebounds. This display of skill and teamwork has been the hallmark of the Knicks’ journey throughout the playoffs.
Supporting Towns was Mikal Bridges, who delivered a stellar performance with 20 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field, while also contributing six assists and six rebounds, showcasing his versatility and prowess on the court.
Despite not being at his best in terms of shooting, Jalen Brunson proved his worth with a gritty contribution. Although he shot just 7-of-25, Brunson still managed to notch up 20 points, six assists, and five steals, showing his determination and impact beyond the scoreboard.
On the opposing side, Victor Wembanyama was a standout for the Spurs, putting up a valiant effort with 29 points and nine rebounds. However, his efforts fell short of securing a much-needed victory for San Antonio.
De’Aaron Fox also made notable contributions for the Spurs, scoring 20 points and providing five assists. Despite an early lead that saw them ahead by as many as 12 points in the first quarter, the Spurs couldn’t maintain their momentum as the Knicks outperformed them in the subsequent quarters.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns helped lead the Knicks to a win in Game 2 on Friday
Towns led the way at the Frost Bank Center with 21 points and 13 rebounds on the night
Victor Wembanyama gave San Antonio everything he had but they still came up short
Devin Vassell contributed 14 points and nine rebounds off the bench for the Spurs, but it was not enough as New York’s collective resolve proved the difference.
It follows a dramatic Game 1 in which the Knicks trailed early after Brunson hurt his knee in the first quarter, only to storm back and win 105-95.
The Knicks previously swept Cleveland 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals and have now won 13-straight playoff games.
New York’s win comes despite NBA officials being accused of protecting Spurs star Wembanyama against the New York Knicks’ frontcourt during the ongoing Finals.
The most egregious transgression in the minds of Knicks fans came in the second quarter of Game 2 when New York’s Mitchell Robinson was called for a technical.
After a clear push-off by Wembanyama, Robinson grabbed his jersey and some brief shoving ensued. Although Robinson’s right arm was seen pushing Wembanyama’s back after referee Josh Tiven whistled the play dead, many fans did not think he warranted a technical foul.
‘WHAT!?’ long-time sports pundit Skip Bayless wrote on X. ‘Obviously not a tech on Robinson. Wemby so overprotected by the league.’
New York entered this postseason as a third seed, dismissed by many as contenders.
The Knicks have now won 13-straight playoff games as they prepare to head back to New York
Knicks star Jalen Brunson was not at his sharpest, shooting 7-of-25 from the field, but still found ways to contribute with 20 points, six assists and five steals
However, they have beaten Atlanta, Philadelphia and Cleveland without breaking sweat, and now lead the Spurs 2-0 as they head back to New York for Game 3.
The franchise last won the championship in 1973 – the year of Frazier, Reed and DeBusschere. A city that has endured 53 years of near-misses now dares to dream in a way it has not done in a generation.
The series now moves to Madison Square Garden, where President Donald Trump will attend Game 3 on Monday.
Trump was personally invited by Knicks owner James Dolan. NBA commissioner Adam Silver welcomed the visit, calling Trump a lifelong Knicks fan who attended multiple NBA drafts at the Garden in earlier years.
Fans are advised to arrive two hours early due to the Secret Service security operation. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani will also attend, though in a separate section from the president.
Tickets for Game 3 are among the hottest in recent sporting memory, with get-in prices reported at over $7,000 and some courtside seats listed north of $200,000.
