The Knicks continue to be 'on fire' and win at Brunson's pace in San Antonio

The New York Knicks struck first in the NBA Finals and extended a historic streak that brings them closer and closer to the championship dream. The New York team rallied from a 14-point deficit in the second half to beat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in the first game of the series, held in Texas.

Jalen Brunson once again showed why he is the undisputed leader of these Knicks. The point guard scored 30 points, including 13 in the final quarter, and was crucial in the closing moments. With 38 seconds remaining, he made a difficult turnaround jumper while falling to the ground, a move that practically sealed the game.

"He's a fierce competitor. He always shows up in the most important moments. That's what MVPs do," highlighted New York coach Mike Brown.

Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds, while OG Anunoby added 17 points for a Knicks team that now has 12 consecutive victories in these playoffs. This figure equals the second-best winning streak in a single postseason in NBA history, a record also achieved by the 1999 Spurs. Only the 2017 Golden State Warriors, with 15 straight wins, have achieved a higher mark.

The game seemed to be leaning towards the home team for much of the night. San Antonio led by 14 points midway through the third quarter after being up 55-48 at halftime. However, New York reacted with a 22-9 run to close the third period and tie the score at 76 before the final quarter.

The game remained tight until the final minutes. Victor Wembanyama made two free throws with 2:16 left to put the Spurs ahead 95-94, but Brunson immediately answered with a corner three-pointer that reclaimed the lead for the visitors. From there, New York closed the game with an 11-0 run.

Wembanyama ended with 26 points and 12 rebounds in his NBA Finals debut, although he struggled with his shooting, going 6 for 21 from the field. Stephon Castle added 17 points, while Julian Champagnie and Dylan Harper each contributed 16.

"I was off tonight. It's as simple as that," admitted the young French center after the game.

The loss also marked the end of a historic stat for San Antonio. The Spurs had won all six opening games they had played in a Finals series and had never before ended a title series game at a disadvantage. That undefeated status was broken by the Knicks, who also became the first team to take away home-court advantage from them in a Finals series.

The Spurs, defeated in the start of the Finals

The event brought together numerous legends of the Texas franchise. Gregg Popovich was present in the arena, along with David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Bruce Bowen. In the New York camp, the support of historical figures like Patrick Ewing and celebrity fans such as Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan, Fat Joe, and Timothée Chalamet was also not missing.

With this victory, the Knicks take a 1-0 lead in the series and are just three wins away from securing their first NBA championship in 53 years. The second game will be played this Friday, again in San Antonio.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los Knicks siguen "on fire" y ganan al ritmo de Brunson en San Antonio