Predictions in favor of the Knicks skyrocket
According to experts, the Knicks are already close to the title with an 83% chance of winning after taking Game 2 as well.
New York Knicks is getting closer to ending one of the NBA's longest droughts. The New York franchise took a step closer to the championship by defeating San Antonio Spurs 105-104 in the second game of the 2026 NBA Finals, a result that not only allows them to travel home with a 2-0 lead in the series but has also drastically changed the expectations surrounding the championship race.
Before the start of the second game, predictions indicated a much more balanced matchup. The Knicks had a 53 percent chance of winning the championship according to Polymarket prediction markets. However, the victory in Texas has caused a major shift in those estimations, now placing New York with approximately an 80 percent chance of lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy.
This situation contrasts with what existed just a few days ago. San Antonio had started the Finals as the favorite to win the series, with a 64 percent chance. Furthermore, the Spurs faced this second game as 5.5-point favorites playing at home. None of that ended up reflecting in the final score.
The Knicks' success in the first two games of the series has had a direct impact on the race for the Finals MVP. Jalen Brunson has become the leading candidate for the award thanks to his influence on the New York team's game.
Currently, the point guard has a 55 percent chance of winning the most prestigious individual award of this series. Karl-Anthony Towns emerges closely, with a 29 percent chance of being chosen as Finals MVP after two strong performances in the initial games. The center now has a 29 percent chance of being selected as Finals MVP.
The situation is very different for Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs' star started the series as the clear favorite to win the individual recognition, with a 62 percent probability. However, San Antonio's 0-2 record has dramatically reduced his chances to 15 percent.
Top Picks for the Finals MVP
| Player | Probability |
|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | 55% |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 29% |
| Victor Wembanyama | 15% |
A Game that Seemed Decided
Throughout most of the night, the Knicks dictated the pace of the game. The New York team managed to control the game's flow during the first three quarters, building a lead that seemed sufficient to secure the victory.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the visitors' scoring with 21 points, while Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson contributed 20 points each. The offensive production of the three players allowed New York to stay ahead in the most critical moments of the game.
However, the matchup shifted in the final period. Towns' personal foul trouble gave life to a Spurs team that seemed on the ropes. San Antonio capitalized on that circumstance to react and bring the game to a dramatic finish.
Wembanyama Had the Last Word... but Missed
Despite the loss, Victor Wembanyama once again was the most productive player for the Spurs with 29 points. The Frenchman took responsibility in the crucial moments and had the opportunity to change the course of the game.
However, the outcome wasn't as expected for San Antonio. With 9.5 seconds left, Wembanyama lost a crucial ball that complicated his team's comeback chances. Nonetheless, the Spurs had one last shot at claiming victory.
The final possession again fell into the hands of the French star, who attempted a game-winning shot against Mitchell Robinson's defense. The shot missed the mark, allowing the Knicks to celebrate a victory as hard-fought as it was valuable for their championship aspirations.
The Madison Square Garden Awaits
The series now shifts venue to New York for the third game, scheduled for Monday at the Madison Square Garden. After the two away victories, the Knicks will face the first home game as 2.5-point favorites.
In addition to the 2-0 lead in the Finals, the New York team arrives in an exceptional form of results. Friday's victory extended their winning streak to 13 games in a row, a sequence that began after the fourth game of the first round against the Atlanta Hawks.
With a two-game lead, home-court advantage regained, and championship odds skyrocketed to 80 percent, the Knicks are closer than ever to capturing a title the franchise hasn't celebrated since 1973. The next chapter will unfold at the Madison Square Garden, where New York will have an unmatched opportunity to get even closer to glory.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Se disparan las predicciones a favor de los Knicks
