The New York Knicks are getting closer to ending a historic drought. The New York franchise defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 this Friday and took a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals, remaining just two wins away from winning its first championship since 1973.
The hero of the night was Jalen Brunson, who converted a decisive free throw with 9.5 seconds left after a Victor Wembanyama turnover. The young French phenomenon had the opportunity to give San Antonio the victory on the last possession, but his shot fell short and the Knicks celebrated a victory that brings them closer to the dream of the title.
Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Brunson and Mikal Bridges each contributed 20 points. With the victory, the Knicks extended their winning streak in these playoffs to 13 consecutive games, the second longest in NBA postseason history.
The Knicks make history in the Finals
New York became just the third team in Finals history to win the first two games on the road. Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls did it before in 1993 and Hakeem Olajuwon’s Houston Rockets in 1995. Both ended up lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy.
The series will now move to Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will have the opportunity to get even closer to the championship in front of a fan base that has been waiting for this moment for more than five decades.
Wembanyama reacted late
After a discreet first half, Victor Wembanyama woke up in the second half and finished with 29 points for the Spurs. De’Aaron Fox added 20 points.
San Antonio came back from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter. With 57 seconds left, Wembanyama completed a three-point play to put the Spurs up 104-102, their first lead in nearly two full quarters.
However, Brunson responded immediately to tie the match. After a miss by Wembanyama and an offensive rebound by OG Anunoby, the Knicks set up the decisive possession. Although the Spurs managed a defensive stop, a turnover by Wembanyama himself opened the door for Brunson to be fouled and score the winning free kick.
New York prepares for a historic party
The third game will be played on Monday at Madison Square Garden and the expectation is enormous. Demand for tickets skyrocketed after the Knicks’ second straight win, with tickets on the secondary market approaching $9,000 even for seats furthest from the court.
The city of New York is excited to celebrate a championship that has not come for 53 years, while the Knicks try to complete one of the most memorable stories of the modern NBA.
