The New York Knicks continued their winning streak by clinching the first game of the NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson led the team with 30 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. The Knicks overcame a 14-point deficit in the second half to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 on Wednesday night.

OG Anunoby contributed 17 points for New York, which now boasts a 12-game playoff winning streak. This achievement places them among only seven teams in NBA history to accomplish such a feat. In a noteworthy victory, the Knicks became the first team to defeat the Spurs in a Game 1 of the finals series, ending the Spurs’ previous 6-0 record in such games. This marks the first time San Antonio has trailed in a finals series before its conclusion.

Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 26 points and 12 rebounds, though he struggled with shooting, making only six of 21 attempts in his finals debut. Stephon Castle scored 17 for the Spurs, while Julian Champagnie and Dylan Harper added 16 each. Game 2 is set for Friday in San Antonio.

Former Spurs coach Gregg Popovich watched from a suite, maintaining his presence at every finals game in the team’s history. Spurs legends like David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Bruce Bowen were also present. The Knicks were supported by former player Patrick Ewing and notable fans including Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan, Ben Stiller, Fat Joe, and Timothée Chalamet. Many dedicated Knicks fans made the trip; among them was Tommy Sherlock from Brooklyn, who found it more economical to attend the game in San Antonio than a home game in New York.

The game saw intense periods as both teams led at different times. The Knicks initially led 14-7, but the Spurs responded with a 20-13 run. The lead changed six times in the second quarter, with San Antonio taking a 55-48 advantage into halftime. San Antonio extended their lead to 14 in the third quarter, but the Knicks responded with a 22-9 run, tying the game at 76 going into the final quarter.

With eight minutes remaining, New York led by eight. Wembanyama’s free throws put the Spurs briefly ahead 95-94 with 2:16 left. However, Brunson’s corner three-pointer immediately after ensured the Knicks secured the lead. The Spurs have previously been tied in finals against New Jersey in 2003 and Detroit in 2005, and they experienced ties with Miami several times in 2013 and 2014, but never trailed until those series concluded.