NBA Finals: Knicks overcome 14-point deficit to beat Spurs in Game 1
The New York Knicks produced another remarkable postseason comeback on Wednesday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals to move one step closer to ending a 53-year championship drought.
Led by Jalen Brunson's 30-point performance, the Knicks erased a 14-point third-quarter deficit and finished the contest on an 11-0 run to stun the home crowd at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
The victory extends New York's winning streak to 12 consecutive playoff games and hands them a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.
Brunson delivers when it matters most
As he has throughout the playoffs, Brunson rose to the occasion in the game's biggest moments.
The Knicks captain scored 13 points in the final quarter, including a decisive three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining after San Antonio had briefly regained a one-point lead through Victor Wembanyama's free throws.
Brunson's clutch shot sparked the game-ending run that secured New York's victory and silenced the Spurs faithful. The All-Star guard finished with:
- 30 points
- 7 assists
- Multiple clutch baskets in the fourth quarter
His leadership continues to be one of the driving forces behind New York's historic postseason run.
Knicks show Championship resilience again
This latest comeback adds to a growing list of dramatic playoff recoveries for Tom Thibodeau's side.
New York has now won four postseason games after trailing by at least 10 points, highlighting the resilience that has become a defining characteristic of their playoff campaign.
After falling behind 67-53 midway through the third quarter, the Knicks gradually chipped away at the deficit. A dominant 22-9 run to close the third period tied the game at 76 heading into the final quarter, setting the stage for another late-game Knicks surge.
Karl-Anthony Towns played a major role in the turnaround, contributing 18 points and 12 rebounds for a crucial double-double performance.
"We reflect our fans and their lifestyles," Towns said after the game.
"The grit, the grind and the hard work it takes to make it in New York City. That's how we play."
Wembanyama struggles in NBA Finals debut
Much of the pre-game attention centered on Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama making his NBA Finals debut. The French phenom finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds but endured a difficult shooting night, converting just six of his 21 field-goal attempts.
Despite leading San Antonio in scoring, Wembanyama acknowledged his performance fell below expectations.
"I was bad tonight," Wembanyama said. "It's not more complicated than that."
The 22-year-old repeatedly faced double teams and physical defensive pressure from New York, preventing him from establishing a consistent rhythm offensively.
Historic night for the Knicks
The win carried additional historical significance.
New York became:
First team to beat Spurs in an NBA Finals Game 1
San Antonio had entered the contest with a perfect 6-0 record in NBA Finals openers.
First team to lead a Finals Series against the Spurs
The Spurs had never trailed in an NBA Finals series before Wednesday night's defeat.
Matching a historic playoff-winning streak
The Knicks' 12-game postseason winning streak equals the second-longest playoff winning streak in NBA history and matches the mark set by the Spurs during their 1999 championship campaign.
OG Anunoby provides key support
British-Nigerian forward OG Anunoby played an important supporting role, finishing with 17 points while helping limit San Antonio's offensive production during crucial stretches.
His defensive versatility proved especially valuable against the Spurs' young core.
What Comes Next?
Game 2 remains in San Antonio before the series shifts to New York for Games 3 and 4 at Madison Square Garden.
While the Spurs have recovered from losing home-court advantage earlier in these playoffs, the Knicks now carry momentum and confidence into Friday's showdown.
For a franchise seeking its first NBA championship since 1973, stealing the opening game on the road could prove to be one of the defining moments of the season.
With Brunson leading the charge and New York continuing to thrive under pressure, the Knicks are now just three wins away from ending a title drought that has lasted more than five decades.
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