Knicks win NBA Finals opener against Spurs, Brunson outduels Wembanyama

The New York Knicks secured a 105-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the opening game of the NBA Finals, marking their 12th consecutive playoff win. The Knicks took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, with the second game also scheduled in Texas.

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We stuck together. It wasn't exactly our night, and not mine for most of it, but we found a way.

Jalen Brunson was the standout performer for the Knicks, pouring in 30 points. He was instrumental in the team's comeback after trailing by as many as 14 points in the second half. Brunson's clutch performance in the final quarter, where he scored 13 points, overshadowed the Spurs' star, Victor Wembanyama.

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We know we have each other's backs. There are a lot of things we could do better, but our unity was the biggest difference.

The game remained tight until the closing moments. Wembanyama briefly gave the Spurs a 95-94 lead with just over two minutes remaining, but Brunson responded immediately with a three-pointer, igniting a decisive run for the Knicks. Brunson acknowledged the team's resilience, stating, "We stuck together. It wasn't exactly our night, and not mine for most of it, but we found a way."

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I was bad.

Brunson highlighted the team's chemistry and mutual support as key factors in overcoming the deficit. "We know we have each other's backs. There are a lot of things we could do better, but our unity was the biggest difference," he added. Despite leaving the game briefly in the first quarter with knee discomfort, Brunson returned to lead his team to victory. He was one of four Knicks players to score in double figures, alongside Karl-Anthony Towns (18), OG Anunoby (17), and Landry Shamet (13).

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Of course it was a special feeling, but far from being able to have it as an excuse. It had no impact on our performance whatsoever.