Knicks beat Spurs 105-104 to take 2-0 NBA Finals lead
The New York Knicks are now halfway to ending a 53-year championship drought after surviving a dramatic late comeback from the San Antonio Spurs to claim a thrilling 105-104 victory in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
In a contest that appeared comfortably under New York's control for much of the second half, the Spurs mounted a furious rally from 14 points down before falling agonisingly short when Victor Wembanyama's potential game-winning jumper bounced off the rim at the buzzer.
The victory gives the Knicks a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series as the Finals shift to Madison Square Garden for the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999.
Knicks find a way despite Brunson's difficult night
Unlike Game 1, New York did not rely heavily on Jalen Brunson's scoring brilliance throughout the night. The All-Star guard struggled from the field, finishing just 7-for-25 shooting while committing four turnovers against San Antonio's aggressive defensive pressure.
Yet Brunson still delivered when it mattered most.
After Victor Wembanyama completed a three-point play to give San Antonio a late lead, Brunson responded with a clutch fadeaway jumper to tie the game before calmly stepping to the free-throw line in the closing seconds.
Following a costly Spurs turnover, Jalen Brunson split two free throws to put New York ahead 105-104, setting the stage for the dramatic final possession.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 21 points, while Mikal Bridges added 20 in another balanced offensive display.
Wembanyama's costly mistake changes the Game
The defining moment came with less than 13 seconds remaining and the score tied.
After securing a defensive rebound, Wembanyama attempted to launch a fast break by passing ahead to Stephon Castle. The rookie guard never saw the ball coming, and the pass bounced off his back before landing directly in Brunson's hands.
The French superstar immediately fouled Brunson, a sequence that ultimately proved decisive.
Speaking afterwards, Wembanyama took full responsibility.
"That's the most frustrating thing. I threw that one away. I messed up. We needed to win that game."
The 22-year-old finished with a game-high 29 points but endured a painful finish, missing a late jumper and committing the crucial turnover that swung the game in New York's favour.
Spurs show fight but face historic challenge
San Antonio deserves credit for producing one of the most impressive comeback attempts of the postseason. Led by Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, the Spurs erased a double-digit deficit in the final six minutes and briefly regained control of the game.
Fox, playing through an ankle issue, helped ignite the comeback while rookie Stephon Castle continued to show maturity beyond his years.
However, the Spurs once again struggled on the boards. New York won the rebounding battle 44-42 and repeatedly generated second-chance opportunities during critical stretches.
The defeat leaves San Antonio facing a daunting historical challenge.
Teams leading 2-0 in the NBA Finals have gone on to win the championship 32 times in 37 opportunities. No team has ever recovered after losing the first two Finals games at home.
Landry Shamet continues surprise Playoff impact
One of the most underrated stories of New York's postseason run continues to be Landry Shamet. The guard arrived on a non-guaranteed contract and was far from certain to make the roster at the start of the season.
Now he has become one of the Knicks' most reliable role players.
Shamet's perimeter shooting and defensive versatility have provided coach Mike Brown with another valuable weapon, helping New York maintain its remarkable playoff momentum.
The Knicks have now won 13 consecutive postseason games and remain unbeaten since April.
Madison Square Garden awaits
The series now heads to New York with the Knicks holding all the momentum. Madison Square Garden will host its first NBA Finals game in nearly three decades when Game 3 tips off on Monday night.
With victories in the next two games, the Knicks would complete a stunning sweep and capture their first NBA championship since 1973.
For the Spurs, the mission is simple but difficult: find a way to recover from consecutive home defeats and keep their title hopes alive.
For the Knicks, history is suddenly within reach.
SportsLigue
