The 3 keys that made the Knicks pass over the Spurs
The victory of New York in San Antonio was not a coincidence: we analyze what happened in Game 1 of the NBA Finals
The first game of the 2026 NBA Finals featured a script marked by the resilience of the San Antonio Spurs, the offensive struggles of the New York Knicks for much of the game, and a decisive turnaround in the final quarter. What seemed like a controlled night for the Texans ended up shifting in the final minutes due to a series of key adjustments and individual appearances.
The clash was also influenced by unusual tactical matchups, the impact of the bench players in critical moments, and, above all, the Knicks' ability to raise their level in the decisive stretch. This led to a victory that turned a 14-point deficit into a convincing win at the end.
1. Jalen Brunson's Finish and "Brunson Time"
Jalen Brunson had an inconsistent game for much of the match, impacted by the Spurs' defense and a knee issue that forced him to briefly leave the game. He missed 14 of his first 21 shots, keeping his team behind on the scoreboard.
However, the final quarter saw a complete shift in dynamics. In the last seven minutes, he scored 11 points on 5 of 9 shooting, leading a run that turned a 14-point deficit into a clear lead. His impact included crucial transition plays and a key sequence where he kept a possession alive before hitting a corner three-pointer to definitively put the Knicks ahead.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart's Support
Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart were instrumental in keeping the team in the game during the most challenging offensive stretches.
Towns provided balance with a complete performance: defensive work against Victor Wembanyama, offensive production, and rebounding control. His ability to attack from outside and create advantages helped stretch the Spurs' defense.
Hart contributed in all aspects without the need for high scoring volume: 15 rebounds, 6 assist, turnover-free, and 4 steals. His defensive activity and impact on second chances were crucial for the Knicks to stay close on the scoreboard during the team's toughest moments.
3. Adjusting the Towns–Wembanyama Duel
One of the most significant tactical elements of the game was the direct matchup between Towns and Wembanyama, not initially foreseen as the primary focus.
Both centers began more directly defending each other, prompting the Knicks to adjust their offensive and defensive structure. Towns succeeded in pulling Wembanyama away from the paint in several plays, creating spaces for penetration attacks and limiting the presence of the Spurs' center near the rim.
Simultaneously, the choice of matchups reduced Wembanyama's ability to act as constant defensive help, impacting the Knicks' offensive flow in the decisive stretch of the game.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las 3 claves que hicieron a los Knicks pasar por encima de los Spurs
