Knicks Take Commanding Series Lead After Game 2 Win

After another dramatic finish, the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs on the road 105-104, making it their 13th straight win in the 2026 playoffs. 

The Knicks had a slow start to this game, as the Spurs were up as much as 12 in the second half. Their comeback was led by their defense, which led to offense - their recipe for success in the playoffs. 

New York was able to build a 14-point lead of their own in the second half before San Antonio cut the lead and tied the game at 97 with under three minutes to go in the fourth quarter. 

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was able to give the Spurs a 2-point lead after making a tough layup through contact, but it was Jalen Brunson who came up big for the Knicks again, making a jump shot to tie the game. 

A turnover by Wembanyama gave the Knicks possession of the ball, and Jalen Brunson was able to make a free throw to give the Knicks a 105-104 lead. The Spurs had a chance to win it off a Victor Wembanyama shot on the elbow, but he missed as the game ended. 

This was a game where Jalen Brunson was not as much of a factor for the Knicks up until the very end. Going into the fourth quarter, Brunson was just 4 of 16 from the field. It was Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges who led the charge for New York. 

Bridges and Towns combined for 41 points, each having efficient shooting nights. Bridges finished 8-for-13 while Towns finished 8-for-12. New York was barely able to out-rebound the Spurs, as it ended 44-42 in their favor. 

There were instances where the Knicks brought down multiple offensive rebounds that extended possessions and created open looks for New York. Karl-Anthony Towns was the only player on the Knicks with double-digit rebounds, bringing down 13. 

New York now heads home to Madison Square Garden with a 2-0 lead on the Spurs. While their confidence is likely the highest it's been these playoffs, they will have to stay level-headed going into these next two games.  

San Antonio showed more life in this game and started out with a higher sense of urgency. After a relatively quiet first half, Victor Wembanyama took matters into his own hands in the second half, finishing with 29 points. 

If the Knicks want to go up 3-0 in the series, they will have to make sure to deny looks for Victor Wembanyama as they did for much of the first half. New York now has the next two days to rest before playing their first home NBA Finals game since 1999.