Knicks dominate Spurs in Game 1 of 2026 NBA Finals behind Brunson's 30

Jalen Brunson scored 30 points as the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

Knicks extend winning streak The New York Knicks continued their remarkable run, securing a victory in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson led the way with 30 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds. The Knicks erased a 14-point deficit in the second half to claim a 105-95 win over the San Antonio Spurs. This marks the 12th consecutive playoff victory for New York, tying the second-longest postseason streak in NBA history. ## Spurs fall to rare Game 1 defeat The San Antonio Spurs suffered their first-ever Game 1 loss in a title series, falling 105-95 to the Knicks. Victor Wembanyama recorded 26 points and 12 rebounds in his finals debut, but shot just 6 for 21 from the field. Stephon Castle added 17 points, while Julian Champagnie and Dylan Harper each scored 16. The Spurs had previously won all six of their Game 1 appearances in the finals. ## Historic franchises meet in Finals The series opener featured a clash of basketball legends, with former San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich in attendance. Popovich has been present for every finals game in Spurs history, though he watched from a suite rather than the sidelines. Spurs icons including David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Bruce Bowen were also in the stands. Former Knicks great Patrick Ewing was there, along with high-profile New York fans like Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan, Ben Stiller, Fat Joe, and Timothée Chalamet. ## Fan perspective on ticket costs New York fans made the trip to San Antonio for Game 1, with some noting the affordability compared to home games. Tommy Sherlock, an auto sales manager from Brooklyn, explained that the combined cost of two tickets, airfare, and hotel in San Antonio was less than the price of two Game 3 tickets in New York. "First-class air, too," Sherlock said. "By a lot." ## Game 1 breakdown by quarters The Knicks started strong with a 14-7 lead, but the Spurs responded with a 20-13 run to take a 10-point advantage. Six lead changes occurred in the second quarter before San Antonio entered halftime ahead 55-48. The Spurs extended their lead to 14 midway through the third quarter, but the Knicks stormed back with a 22-9 run to tie the game at 76 heading into the final period. ## Critical final minutes The Knicks took an eight-point lead with about six minutes remaining in the game. Victor Wembanyama made two free throws with 2:16 left to put San Antonio ahead 95-94, but Jalen Brunson answered with a corner three-pointer on the next possession to seal the victory. This marked the seventh straight road playoff win by double digits for New York, extending the longest such streak in playoff history. ## Spurs' finals history of near-misses San Antonio's streak of never trailing in the finals had come close in past years. The Spurs were tied twice with New Jersey in 2003, tied with Detroit twice in 2005, and tied with Miami three times in 2013. They also finished tied with Miami once in 2014. The 2013 series against Miami ended in seven games, with San Antonio only trailing when the final buzzer sounded.