SouthernWorldwide.com – The New York Knicks have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals, putting them on the cusp of ending a decades-long championship drought.
Jalen Brunson sank a crucial go-ahead free throw in the dying seconds of Game 2 on Friday night, securing a thrilling 105-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. This pivotal moment came shortly after Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama missed a potential game-winning jumper.
The Knicks’ strong performance was bolstered by Karl-Anthony Towns, who contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 20 points, helping the Knicks extend their winning streak to an impressive 13 games. This remarkable run places them second in NBA playoff history for consecutive victories.
With this road victory, the Knicks have etched their names in the history books as only the third team to win the first two games of the NBA Finals away from home. They join the ranks of legendary squads such as Michael Jordan’s 1993 Chicago Bulls and Hakeem Olajuwon’s 1995 Houston Rockets.
Both of those historic teams went on to win the NBA championship. The Bulls clinched their title in six games against the Phoenix Suns, while the Rockets achieved a sweep of the Orlando Magic after winning the initial two games on their home court. The Knicks, who are aiming for their first championship since 1973, are now in a strong position to emulate their predecessors.
Victor Wembanyama, after a relatively quiet first half, found his rhythm and finished the game with 29 points. De’Aaron Fox also contributed 20 points for the Spurs, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory.
The series now heads to the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. Game 3 is scheduled to take place on Monday night.
The Spurs demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming a 12-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter to tie the game. Wembanyama’s impressive three-point play with just 57 seconds remaining gave the Spurs their first lead in almost two full quarters, putting them ahead 104-102.
On the subsequent possession, Brunson managed to score, converting his seventh basket of the night on 24 attempts, thus tying the game. Following a missed long-range jumper by Wembanyama, OG Anunoby secured the rebound for the Knicks with 30 seconds left. The Knicks then called a timeout, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
The Spurs managed to force a stop, but a crucial turnover by Wembanyama handed possession back to the Knicks. Brunson was fouled, giving the Knicks the lead once more. The scene unfolded with a palpable sense of disappointment among the Spurs fans, many of whom began to leave the arena, perhaps anticipating the end of their team’s season.
With only 7.5 seconds left on the clock, the Spurs called a timeout. De’Aaron Fox received the inbound pass and then set up Wembanyama for a potential game-winning jumper. However, the shot rimmed out, sealing the Knicks’ victory and their 2-0 series advantage.
Game 3 is slated to tip off at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday in New York.
