Knicks Dodge A Bullet In San Antonio With 105-104 Win and Move Within Two Victories of NBA Title

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Jalen Brunson walked the ball across midcourt while 18,000 people inside Frost Bank Center searched for one more Spurs rally. A few minutes later, the New York Knicks headed for the airport with a 105-104 victory and a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.

New York spent much of Friday night in control before San Antonio made one last push. The Knicks now return to Manhattan needing only two more wins to bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to a franchise that has spent generations chasing another championship banner.

Noise rolled through the building whenever Victor Wembanyama touched the ball. As reported by Reuters, the Spurs star finished with 29 points, yet a late turnover and foul gave New York an opening. Brunson answered with a steal and a free throw that helped preserve a razor thin margin.

Karl-Anthony Towns supplied 21 points and 13 rebounds. Mikal Bridges and Brunson each added 20. Reserve players also delivered valuable minutes, allowing New York to maintain breathing room before the closing sequence narrowed.

Five seconds remained when San Antonio gained possession for one final attempt. Fans rose from their seats. Wembanyama received the pass, released the shot and watched it drift away from the basket. A building filled with anticipation suddenly fell quiet.

San Antonio's young roster showed why many believe another title run could eventually pass through Texas. Speed, length and confidence nearly erased New York's cushion before a handful of mistakes halted the surge.

Game 3 shifts to Madison Square Garden. Orange and blue jerseys will cover the lower bowl, celebrities will fill courtside seats and one of basketball's loudest arenas will greet a Knicks team sitting halfway from ending a 53 year championship drought.

Friday's finish lasted only seconds. The memory of it may linger much longer for players, coaches and fans.