Supporting Casts Steal Spotlight in Knicks-Spurs Finals Game 1

This year's NBA Finals matchup is fueled by star power. New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson and San Antonio Spurs playmaker Victor Wembanyama headline the action on both sides.

But the 105-95 Knicks win in Game 1 was fueled by more than just the biggest names. Both teams saw key contributions come from surrounding playmakers, which helped to make the opening game of the Championship series a nail-biting must-watch.

For a recap of the action and a look at a stellar 30-point performance by Brunson, who produced despite an early injury scare, Knicks Roundtable writer Jack Haslett has more.

Here, the focus will be on the supporting cast. For the Knicks, center Karl-Anthony Towns put on a dominant defensive display holding Wembanyama to 2-of-12 shooting when Towns was the primary defender and helping to limit the superstar forward to a 6-of-21 night from the floor. 

Guard Josh Hart may have only gone 1-of-5 from the field with three points on the evening, but his 15 rebounds and stingy defense led to a plus-22 rating from the floor. He also had a pair of impactful steals that helped to create some distance between New York and San Antonio in the second half. He finished with four steals on the night.

A late shooting surge by forward OG Anunoby also helped to keep San Antonio at bay in the fourth quarter. His 17-point night included three triples with two coming on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter as the Spurs had inched within one point.

Along with Brunson's 30 points, it was a team effort that propelled the Knicks past the Spurs.

However, San Antonio didn't lack for contributors behind Wembanyama either.

Rookie guard Dylan Harper began the game with an incredible scoring streak going 100% from the floor through seven minutes in the first quarter. He became the youngest player in NBA history (20) to score in double digits during an NBA Finals game. He also surpassed center and Spurs legend David Robinson for most points scored by a Spurs rookie in a single postseason.

Meanwhile, scoring efforts by forward Julian Champagnie and guard Stephon Castle at one point helped the Spurs open up a 14-point lead in the third quarter. Champagnie added five three-pointers on his 16-point night.

With contributions coming from two deep lineups and rosters, this Finals series is set to be a thrilling one.

The Knicks now hold a 1-0 lead, handing the Spurs their first franchise loss in a Finals Game 1. New York has not lost a game in 41 days. 

The two teams will square off again for the second game of the series on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET.