Jalen Brunson poured in 30 points as the New York Knicks closed Game 1 on an 11-0 run to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 and seize an early lead in the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.
The Knicks, who have now won 12 straight playoff games—joining an elite group in NBA history—overcame a 14-point second-half deficit. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds, while OG Anunoby added 17 points. Brunson was clutch down the stretch, scoring 13 in the fourth quarter and sealing the win with a dazzling jumper in the final minute.
The victory marks the first time San Antonio has ever trailed in an NBA Finals series, snapping their perfect Game 1 record. “He’s a gamer, man,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said of Brunson. “In the biggest moments, he shows up. That’s what MVPs do.”
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 26 points and 12 rebounds in his finals debut but struggled from the field, shooting just 6-for-21. Stephon Castle had 17 points, and both Julian Champagnie and Dylan Harper chipped in 16 apiece.
The Knicks now hold home-court advantage as the series continues with Game 2 on Friday in San Antonio. With New York just three wins from ending a 53-year title drought, Brunson remains focused: “We have a long way to go.”
