orywireNews that matters in AmericaReporting on public life, technology, money, and policy in the United States.
orywireThe New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson scored 30 points as the Knicks took a 1-0 series lead.
The New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals, taking a 1-0 series lead after closing the game on an 11-0 run. Jalen Brunson led New York with 30 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, according to NBA.com and the Associated Press.
The opener was played in San Antonio, where the Spurs held a 14-point second-half lead before New York rallied. NBA.com’s recap said the game was tied 76-76 after three quarters before the Knicks controlled the fourth.
The game turned late. New York closed on an 11-0 run and held San Antonio scoreless over the final stretch, turning a tight fourth quarter into a 10-point road win.
Brunson supplied the biggest shots after an uneven start. NBA.com said he scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, while AP reported that San Antonio managed 19 points as a team in the period.
The Knicks also limited their mistakes after halftime. NBA.com noted that New York had just one turnover in the second half, a key part of the comeback as the Spurs struggled to finish possessions.
Brunson finished with 30 points for the Knicks.
Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points and 12 rebounds, and OG Anunoby scored 17. Josh Hart also gave New York a major boost with 15 rebounds, six assists and four steals, according to NBA.com’s live recap.
For San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama had 26 points and 12 rebounds in his first NBA Finals game. AP reported that he shot 6-for-21 from the field. Stephon Castle scored 17, while Julian Champagnie and Dylan Harper each had 16 for the Spurs.
The Knicks now have the first win in the best-of-seven Finals and took a road game before the series shifts to New York later this week.
AP reported that San Antonio had been 6-0 in Game 1s of the NBA Finals before Wednesday’s loss. The Knicks also extended their playoff winning streak to 12 games.
The result does not decide the series, but it puts immediate pressure on the Spurs to respond in Game 2 before the Finals move to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4.
Knicks vs. Spurs Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Here is the confirmed NBA Finals schedule, streaming context and where the series stands.
Fans going to Knicks vs. Spurs Game 3 at Madison Square Garden should bring no bags, arrive early and expect enhanced security screening. The NBA Finals game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET Monday, June 8.
Scoring and schedule details should be checked again before Game 2 in case the league posts official corrections or broadcast updates.
Knicks vs. Spurs Game 3 is scheduled for Monday, June 8, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with NBA.com also listing ESPN for Game 3. The Knicks lead the NBA Finals 2-0 after winning the first two games in San Antonio.
