By Blessing Nweke
The New York Knicks overcame injuries, a hostile road environment and a double-digit deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 on Wednesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the 2026 NBA Finals.
New York star Jalen Brunson delivered a clutch performance despite suffering multiple injuries during the game. Brunson exited briefly in the first quarter after Spurs forward Harrison Barnes collided with his right knee and later appeared hampered when his left ankle was stepped on in the second quarter. Struggling through much of the night, the All-Star guard came alive when it mattered most, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter.
His high-arcing jumper with 37 seconds remaining extended New York’s lead to six points and effectively sealed the victory. Brunson finished with 30 points, joining Knicks legend Willis Reed as the only players in franchise history to score at least 30 points in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
“I’ll be all right,” Brunson said afterward.
The Knicks closed the game on an 11-0 run, securing their 12th consecutive postseason victory and improving to 7-1 on the road during the playoffs.
San Antonio appeared in control after building a 14-point lead in the third quarter, but New York quickly erased the deficit by repeatedly attacking the basket while Spurs star Victor Wembanyama rested. Karl-Anthony Towns sparked the comeback with 10 of his 17 points in the third quarter.
Wembanyama recorded 26 points and 12 rebounds but struggled from the field, shooting 6-for-21 and committing six turnovers.
“I’m gonna figure it out,” Wembanyama said. “I was bad tonight.”
Josh Hart provided a major boost for New York with 15 rebounds, while Dylan Harper scored 16 points off the Spurs bench. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday in San Antonio.
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