Knicks hold off late Spurs surge to edge closer to NBA title

The New York Knicks edged the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Knicks defy Finals odds in Game 2 win The New York Knicks pulled off an unlikely 105-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals, overcoming a late collapse to extend their winning streak to 13 games. Entering the series, road teams that won Game 1 of the Finals were just 2-16 in Game 2, with an average minus-11.3 scoring margin. The Spurs had responded to a Game 1 home defeat against Minnesota with a 38-point blowout win, making the Knicks' road triumph even more surprising. The series now shifts to New York for Game 3 on Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET. ## Game 2's pivotal final minutes The game hung in the balance down the stretch, with the Knicks leading by 14 points midway through the fourth quarter before the Spurs mounted a 14-0 run to tie the score. Dylan Harper and De'Aaron Fox led the charge for San Antonio, setting up a frantic finish. Victor Wembanyama then took over with a series of clutch plays, including an alley-oop dunk and an and-1 layup to give the Spurs their first second-half lead. However, his struggles beyond the paint proved costly, as he missed two midrange jumpers in the final minute that could have sealed the win. ## Wembanyama's late-game struggles Victor Wembanyama finished with a game-high 29 points, nine rebounds, four blocks, and two steals, but his errors in the final moments overshadowed his performance. After Jalen Brunson missed a go-ahead shot, Wembanyama grabbed the rebound but threw an outlet pass that Stephon Castle failed to secure, leading to Brunson's go-ahead free throw. Wembanyama admitted after the game, "In moments like this, results matter more than process. I need to score." His 34% shooting on shots from 20-21 feet in his career added context to his missed attempts. San Antonio's offensive rating of 105.1, while an improvement, still ranked poorly compared to regular-season standards. ## Spurs' offensive woes persist The Spurs' offensive struggles extended beyond Wembanyama's misses, as the team managed just a 105.1 offensive rating in Game 2 despite a 96.0 mark in Game 1. Their expected effective field goal percentage of 48% was the worst of the season and the worst in a Finals game since 2019. The Spurs often settled for contested jumpers or reckless drives, failing to generate open looks. Their halfcourt offense lacked cohesion, relying on transition advantages that the Knicks rarely provided. The turnover at the end of Game 2, combined with Wembanyama's missed shots, highlighted San Antonio's inability to capitalize on key moments. ## Three critical coaching choices Spurs coach Mitch Johnson faces tough decisions heading into Game 3. Dylan Harper's 15-point bench performance in Game 2, including clutch plays, suggests he'll see more minutes. Johnson's reliance on young trio of Wembanyama, Harper, and Castle has paid off, with a plus-17.7 net rating in the playoffs. Luke Kornet's struggles continued, as the Spurs were outscored by 52 points in 92 minutes with him on the court during the conference finals. Kornet's limited impact forced Johnson to rely heavily on Wembanyama, who played 40 minutes in Game 2. The Spurs' backup forwards combined for just eight scoreless minutes, leaving Johnson with few options. ## Depth disparities weigh on Spurs The Spurs' lack of productive reserves became evident in Game 2, where their bench scored just 19 points compared to 27 from the Knicks' reserves. Harper accounted for 15 of those points, while others combined for four. The Knicks' superior depth and lineup flexibility have been a major advantage, with Landry Shamet, Miles McBride, Jose Alvarado, and Mitchell Robinson making key contributions. Keldon Johnson's struggles, including six points on 25% shooting in the Finals, have further hindered San Antonio's offense. The Spurs' reliance on their starters grows more pronounced as the series progresses. ## Knicks' rotation adjustments pay off The Knicks' depth has been a key factor in their success, with reserves contributing significantly in Game 2. Miles McBride and Mikal Bridges stepped up when the starters rested, combining for 20 points and six assists off the bench. Bridges, in particular, showcased his scoring ability with 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting, including clutch baskets in a critical third-quarter stretch. His performance marked a revival of his high-volume scoring days from his Brooklyn tenure. The Knicks' ball movement and patience created open looks against San Antonio's stifling defense. ## Historical context and Finals MVP debate The Knicks became the third team in Finals history to win their first two games on the road, joining the 1993 Chicago Bulls and 1995 Houston Rockets. Jalen Brunson remains the betting favorite for Finals MVP, despite shooting 34% in the series and 7-for-25 in Game 2. Karl-Anthony Towns has outplayed Wembanyama so far, posting 21 points and 13 rebounds on 8-for-12 shooting in Game 2. Towns' all-around impact has made him a strong candidate for the award through two games. ## Key moments and tactical battles Both teams showcased brilliant ball movement in Game 2, with the Spurs' opening possession featuring four quick passes ending in a Jeremy Sochan 3-pointer. The Knicks countered with four consecutive drive-and-kick sequences leading to an open Mikal Bridges 3-pointer. Defensive intensity and length defined the game, forcing both teams to rely on precise execution. The Spurs' transition to offense often stalled in halfcourt sets, while the Knicks' structured approach created high-percentage shots.