The New York Knicks won their first NBA Finals game and their 12th consecutive playoff appearance. The New Yorkers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105:95 on the road and took a 1:0 lead in victories. In the final, the teams play for four wins. The second game will be on Saturday night again in Texas.
Jalen Brunson was the first man with 30 points for the New Yorkers, who were already trailing by 14 points in the second half. It was Brunson who overshadowed the local star in the last quarter Victor Wembanyama and in this part scored 13 points to celebrate the guests.
The game was tied almost all the way to the end, but Brunson did a great job of leading the team in the decisive moments. Wembanyama scored with a three-pointer and a layup just over two minutes before the end to give the home team a 95:94 lead, but then Brunson gave the visitors a lead again with a three-pointer, which they never let go of.
“We stuck together. It wasn’t really our night, not even mine most of the time, but we found a way,” Brunson said. The game organizer highlighted the real team chemistry that helped them come back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter.
“We know we cover for each other. There are a lot of things we could have done better, but our unity was the biggest difference,” added Brunson, who left the field in the first quarter with a knee problem but returned to the game.
Brunson was one of four New Yorkers in double figures in scoring. Karl-Anthony scored 18 points, OG Anunoby 17 in Landry Shamet 13.
On the other side, Wembanyama led San Antonio with 26 points, but a poor shooting from the field (6-21). He added 12 rebounds and three blocks.
“I was bad,” said Wembanyama, who denied nervousness was a factor in the loss. “Of course, the feeling was special, but far from being an excuse. It didn’t affect our performance in any way,” added the tall Frenchman.
Stephen Castle contributed 17 points for the home side, Dylan Harper and Julian Champagne and after 4 p.m.
San Antonio first star Victor Wembanyama was not at the throw. PHOTO: Scott Wachter/Imagn Images Via Reuters Connect
