New York erased a 14-point deficit to defeat San Antonio 105-95 on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Knicks now lead the series 1-0 after going on an 11-0 run. Victor Wembanyama scored 26 points, but the Spurs failed to score in the final two minutes.
San Antonio takes control before the break
In Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals, the Spurs looked set to capitalize on home-court advantage at Frost Bank Center for much of the game. After a strong start for the Knicks, San Antonio gradually found their rhythm and took control of a hard-fought contest. Julian Champagnie was a key player in the Spurs' impressive start. The forward scored 15 points in the first half, including five three-pointers, giving the Spurs a seven-point lead at halftime, 55-48.
Victor Wembanyama, in his first NBA Finals appearance, was a force on the boards and in protecting the rim. Around him, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Champagnie contributed consistently, while New York had to contend with injuries to Jalen Brunson, who hurt his right knee and then his left ankle in the first half.
The Spurs have a 14-point lead
San Antonio extended their lead after halftime. A basket by Dylan Harper made it 65-51, giving the Spurs their largest lead of the night: 14 points. The Knicks then responded with a 20-6 run. New York capitalized on missed shots and turnovers to close the gap, before tying the game at 71-71 on a basket by Brunson. The third quarter ended in a 76-76 tie. San Antonio missed eight of their last 12 shots in that period and committed two turnovers in the final six minutes. New York, despite struggling at the start of the quarter, completely turned the game around.
Tu Brunson accelerates in the final quarter
Jalen Brunson took control of the game in the final twelve minutes. The Knicks' point guard scored 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, just six fewer than the entire Spurs team in that period. New York took an eight-point lead with just over six minutes remaining, 94-86, after Brunson scored eight consecutive points. San Antonio responded, however. Wembanyama scored eight points on a 9-0 run that put the Spurs back in front, 95-94, with two free throws with 2 minutes and 16 seconds left. Those would be San Antonio's final points.
A fatal 11-0 run for Spurs
On the ensuing possession, Brunson sank a three-pointer from the corner to give the Knicks a 97-95 lead. Mikal Bridges then made two free throws, Brunson added a jumper, and OG Anunoby sealed the victory with four consecutive free throws. New York finished the game with an 11-0 run and won 105-95. The Spurs missed several shots in the final minutes, while Wembanyama turned the ball over on a drive and De'Aaron Fox also committed a turnover. In the fourth quarter, San Antonio shot just 6-for-21 from the field, for 28,6%, and committed five turnovers. The Knicks didn't commit any turnovers during this period and won the quarter 29-19.
Wembanyama finishes with 26 points, but lacks accuracy.
Victor Wembanyama finished the game with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks. However, the Frenchman made only 6 of his 21 field goals, including 2 of 9 from three-point range, and committed 6 turnovers. Stephon Castle added 17 points and 8 rebounds. Julian Champagnie scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Dylan Harper contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. The Spurs finished the game shooting 36% from the field and made only 11 of 43 three-point attempts, for 25,6%.
The Knicks strike first
Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 30 points. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. OG Anunoby scored 17 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter. Josh Hart finished with 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals, despite scoring only 3 points. Landry Shamet added 13 points off the bench. With this victory, the Knicks extended their playoff winning streak to 12 games. They also became the first team to defeat the Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. San Antonio had won all six previous opening games in franchise history at this stage of the competition.
Game 2 on Friday in San Antonio
New York now leads the best-of-seven series 1-0 and has regained home-court advantage. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday night, again at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
