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Karl-Anthony Towns-led Knicks outlast Victor Wembanyama, Spurs with gutsy win in Game 2 of NBA Finals

The Knicks proved that Wednesday's 105-95 Game 1 win at the San Antonio Spurs was no fluke, doubling down in Friday's 105-104 Game 2 victory and taking a commanding 2-0 lead as the NBA Finals heads to New York.

Takeaways

  1. Karl-Anthony Towns was the best player on the floor, continuing his dominance of Victor Wembanyama. Whether New York pushed ahead against San Antonio or ended the Spurs' momentum -- the Knicks faced a largest deficit of 12 points, 37-25, after Stephon Castle's triple at the second quarter's 11:32 mark -- Towns was a common denominator on both ends. Towns scored 17 of his 21points in the first half, including a corner trey with 10 seconds before halftime to give New York a 56-52 lead at the break. He was the X factor, bringing physicality and energy from the jump while Wembanyama struggled to get going until the second half.
  2. Alongside Towns, Mikal Bridges stepped up in a development that especially mattered while Towns hit foul trouble and Jalen Brunson struggled shooting. Bridges blossomed after nine points two days ago, scoring 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting and a 4-for-6 clip from deep. Among other moments, Bridges' jumper at the third quarter's 1:15 mark pushed the Knicks ahead 82-73 and assisted an alley-oop dunk to Mitchell Robinson on the ensuing New York possession to create an 8-1 run into the 35-second point. Wembanyama ended the spurt on a field goal with 19 seconds left to keep the Knicks' lead at single digits, 84-75, entering the fourth quarter but not before New York's momentum was apparent.
  3. As mentioned, Brunson was not himself from the field, posting a 7-of-25 mark. He found his spots for timely buckets, but the Spurs were physical with him early and kept the Knicks' leader out of sorts. For Brunson to have that type of game and New York still dominate San Antonio on the road speaks volumes about where the team is at entering Games 3 and 4. Brunson's five points in the final two minutes of the game, including the decisive free throw on a 1-of-2 trip to the line, should also not be discounted.
  4. Landry Shamet's return to the Knicks for the 2025-26 season is perhaps the move of the past offseason. Shamet, as he has been in spots throughout his second year with the franchise, was nails for New York off the bench. Shamet scored 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting in 30 minutes, including two triples to start the fourth quarter and maintain the Knicks' 12- and eight-point leads, 87-75 and 90-82.

Who's the MVP?

Towns, whose 21-point, 13-rebound on 8-of-12 shooting and a 3-for-5 clip from deep while delivering on both ends went far in 33 minutes.

Highlights

What's next

The Knicks return to MSG for Monday's 8:30 p.m. Game 3. New York has not played a home game since May 21 when it notched its 109-93 Game 2 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

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Knicks take commanding NBA Finals lead over Spurs after they scrape through Game 2 nail-biter

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges #25 reacts after putting up a three-point shot, Image 2 shows New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson drives the ball downcourt as San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell gives chase, Image 3 shows New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson #11 dribbles down the court as San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell #24 gives chase
The Knicks defeated the Spurs in Game 2.

SAN ANTONIO — The thrill. Then the anguish. 

And then the absolute euphoria. 

The Knicks took their fans through every possible emotion. The result was something special. 

It didn’t have to be pretty. It didn’t have to be straightforward. 

All that matters is that the Knicks are halfway there. 

Karl-Anthony Towns reacts during Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 5. Charles Wenzelberg
The Knicks now have a 2-0 series lead. Jason Szenes for The New York Post

They saw a 14-point fourth quarter lead evaporate. But it didn’t matter. They made enough plays down the stretch to take home a 105-104 Game 2 win over the Spurs on Friday night to take a commanding 2-0 NBA Finals series lead. 

“We gotta do a good job of staying composed in those situations,” Jalen Brunson said. “It’s a credit to the character this team has. Not being able to fold in situations like that is key.” 

After the Knicks took the 14-point lead with 6:04 left in the game, the Spurs rattled off a 14-0 run to tie the game with 2:59 left. Brunson missed three straight shots in that stretch. A few moments later, the Knicks were trailing by two. 

It looked like a heart-wrenching collapse was on. 

But Brunson responded with a bucket to tie the game with 39.3 seconds left. Victor Wembanyama missed on the other end. 

Jalen Brunson looks to move the ball during the Knicks’ June 5 game against the Spurs. Charles Wenzelberg

After a timeout, Brunson missed a midrange jumper over Wembanyama. But Wembanyama turned it right over, throwing his outlet pass to Stephon Castle, who wasn’t looking. It hit him in the back and the ball was corralled by Brunson. Wembanyama then fouled him. Brunson made one of two free throws to put the Knicks up by one as the Spurs called timeout with 7.5 seconds left. 

Wembanyama would have another chance for his signature moment. Everything lined up for him to create the lasting memory. 

And he failed. De’Aron Fox got the inbounds pass. Wembanyama set a screen for him, and Fox passed it to him. Everyone knew who would end up taking the last shot. 

But Wembanyama’s 20-foot jumper over Mitchell Robinson hit off the side rim and missed. The abundance of Knicks fans in the arena rejoiced. An incredible 13th straight win was secured. 

Wembanyama had vowed that he would be better in Game 2. In the biggest moments, however, he came up empty, missing the Spurs’ final two shots and turning it over in between. 

“I’m still very blurry,” Wembanyama said. “That’s the whole problem. I need to have more poise, more control over the game.” 

And just like that, the Knicks are heading home in complete control of the Finals. Just like that, the Knicks are within touching distance of a championship. 

Just like that, a near collapse was made to be irrelevant. 

Mikal Bridges celebrates during the Knicks’ June 5 game against the Spurs. Charles Wenzelberg

Only two teams had ever lost the first two games of a Finals as the home team — the 1993 Suns and the ’95 Magic. Both lost the series. 

The Spurs just became the third. Overall, teams that take a 2-0 lead in the Finals are 32-5 in the series. 

History is certainly on the Knicks’ side. They are just the second team to win 13 straight in the postseason, joining the 2016-17 Warriors, who won 15 straight. 

“It’s an amazing feeling,” coach Mike Brown said, “as a coach to know how mentally tough your team is no matter what the situation is in front of them.” 

Brunson shot a brutal 7-for-25 from the field and had four turnovers. But he hit the biggest shots when they were needed. 

A key moment also halted that 14-0 Spurs run. 

The Knicks, who have been excellent with their challenges all year, delivered yet again. They challenged a missed OG Anunoby 3-pointer and won, resulting in a foul and giving him three free throws instead of what would have been a turnover. He drilled all three to give the Knicks a 3-point lead with 2:37 left in the game. 

Mitchell Robinson slams the ball over San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama during the third quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The Knicks trailed by as many as 12 points early in the second quarter, but Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges helped carry the Knicks offense and sparked the comeback in the middle two quarters as Brunson struggled. Towns had 12 points in the second quarter and was cooking Wembanyama. Bridges had a combined 20 in the second and third quarter and went 8-for-8 from the field. 

Landry Shamet added 13 points and made three 3-pointers. All three went missing down the stretch, though. 

And Josh Hart fouled his way to the bench and was largely a nonfactor. At the moment, though, who cares? The Knicks came into the Alamo City and punched the Spurs in the mouth. They overcame a 14-point deficit in Game 1 and a 12-point deficit along with a blown lead of their own in Game 2. 

“At this stage of the season, things aren’t gonna be pretty,” Brunson said. “It’s gonna be ugly, it’s gonna be grinded out. It’s as simple as that.” 

They just seem to keep figuring it out. The Finals are firmly in their hands. 

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Jalen Brunson, De'Aaron Fox stare each other down in heated NBA Finals moment

Editor's Note: Click here for live coverage and all the latest news from Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.

What's an NBA Finals series without a good stare down?

We got one on Friday night during Game 2 of the championship series when De'Aaron Fox and Jalen Brunson faced off in a heated moment during the fourth quarter.

Fox was guarding Brunson, who was dribbling in place. When the New York Knicks guard tried to move downcourt, he tripped after Fox seemingly put an arm in his way. The Spurs guard walked up to him, toward the sideline, and the two stared each other straight in the face.

Mikal Bridges and referee Josh Tiven came over to break it up and a few Spurs players came over to try to tussle in defense of their teammate. Knicks coach Mike Brown yelled at Tiven from the sideline, calling for a technical, but no foul was called.

The Knicks were up 87-80 at the time.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen Brunson, De'Aaron Fox stare down in Game 2 of NBA Finals

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Jalen Brunson gets nose-to-nose with Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox in heated NBA Finals Game 2 scene

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Jalen Brunson and De'Aaron Fox get in a staring contest in the fourth quarter of Game 2, Image 2 shows Jalen Brunson and De'Aaron Fox get in a staring contest in the fourth quarter of Game 2

Game 2 turned into a staring contest.

As the Knicks and Spurs turned up the physicality at Frost Bank Center, Jalen Brunson and De’Aaron Fox went from going toe-to-toe to face-to-face in a heated fourth quarter moment.

Fox defended Brunson hard as the Knicks star tried to get away along the sidelines with 9:35 on the clock in the quarter and the Knicks up 87-80, being forced out of bounds.

In response, Brunson stared down his Spurs foe — who was happy to oblige, getting face-to-face in a wordless showdown.

Teammates and officials came in to quickly break things up before they crossed a line — though Brunson’s dad, a former Knick and current assistant coach, got involved, racing down the court and appearing to admonish Fox.

“You don’t do that,” the elder Brunson seemed to say, according to The Post’s amateur lip-reading. “That’s enough.”

Game 2 has gotten increasingly physical as players seek any edge they can find — the Spurs trying to avoid a 2-0 hole and the Knicks looking to head back to the Garden in command of the series.

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Fat Joe has memorable NBA Finals Game 2 appearance: ‘We are not playing’

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Fat Joe with his arm around Shaquille O'Neal, both smiling, as O'Neal holds a microphone
Fat Joe

Fat Joe was having a moment where he was so excited before Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday night.

The rapper and huge Knicks fan joined the “Inside the NBA” crew’s ESPN pregame show before the Knicks beat the Spurs 105-104 in San Antonio, and he made his voice heard and felt.

He went right up to Shaquille O’Neil and defiantly said, “You don’t believe, Shaq,” while holding the basketball Hall of Famer’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry what I be doing,” O’Neil said before Fat Joe went on about Newark, N.J. being close to New York, leading to some laughs from the panel.

Fat Joe then said the Knicks fans have made their presence felt at Frost Bank Center.

“We here, we here,” the rapper said. “We are not playing. Shoutout to San Antonio, great guys, great basketball program. Tim Duncan my favorite power forward of all time.”

But then Fat Joe made clear that while he respects the Spurs and what they’re doing, he believes this is the Knicks’ time.

“But this, this is our year,” he said. “New York City, this is our year.” Fat Joe then asked about Charles Barkley’s opinion before saying he wanted that “street meat.”

All Barkley could do was laugh and nod.

Rapper Fat Joe reacts before the start of Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Spurs and the Knicks on June 5, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Fat Joe dapped up Shaq before the segment was over.

He’s not the only Knicks fan feeling excited by this NBA Finals run, as New York is now two wins away from taking the title for the first time since 1973.

Plenty of other celebrity fans made the trip to the Lone Star state, with celebrity row mainstays Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller taking in Game 2.

For those who couldn’t make the trip down, plenty of fans packed outside Madison Square Garden for a watch party for what turned into an all-time classic.

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Shaq has trouble getting past security in viral NBA Finals scene

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Shaquille O'Neal ducking to pass through a security metal detector, Image 2 shows Shaquille O'Neal going through security, with a security guard using a handheld wand to scan his back as he stands too tall for the metal detector archway
Shaq security issues

If the Spurs had played defense on Shaquille O’Neal like security staffers did Friday night, they may have prevented that Lakers dynasty in the early 2000s.

O’Neal encountered some difficulties entering Frost Bank Center ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday night in San Antonio, although the Hall of Famer laughed it off.

A video circulating on social media showed O’Neal, sporting a relaxed fit with a blue shirt and blue pajama pants, had to re-enter the metal detector for a second walkthrough.

Due to his 7-foot-1 stature, O’Neal had to duck under the top to get back to the other side, which elicited a chuckle from ESPN analyst Richards Jefferson.

O’Neal then re-entered, but the red lights went off again.

He eventually flashed a smile while the staffer took out the wand and scanned him, even making O’Neal turn around to truly make sure he had nothing on him.

O’Neal later shook hands with the individual before proceeding further into the arena.

It made for a lighthearted scene ahead of a pivotal Game 2, with the Knicks holding a 1-0 series lead after their 105-95 Game 1 win.

O’Neal having issues with security. @thescore/X

This edition of the Finals is slightly different for O’Neal since he’s analyzing games under the ESPN umbrella, although still as part of the critically acclaimed “Inside the NBA” show.

Friday’s halftime show featured a spirited discussion between O’Neal and Charles Barkley discussing the slow start from Victor Wembanyama, with the pair surprised by his play.

Barkley mentioned how O’Neal’s first trip to the Finals in 1995 did not go well, with the Magic being swept by the Rockets.

O’Neal being scanned. @thescore/X

O’Neal is no stranger to San Antonio at this time of year both as a broadcaster and player, having battled the Spurs six times during his illustrious career.

His teams went 3-3 against Gregg Popovich-led squads.

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'Wemby is in shock.' Inside the NBA crew has blunt analysis at Knicks vs. Spurs halftime

Editor's Note: Click here for live coverage and all the latest news from Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.

Charles Barkley went back to his high school days to remember a time when, as a young basketball star he was unexpectedly dominated by another player. The feeling was shocking, the Hall of Fame forward said.

Barkley said that San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama was "in shock" after the first half of Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals, which the visiting New York Knicks led 56-52 after 24 minutes of play.

The physicality that Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks played with clearly took Wembanyama off his game in the first half, as he tallied only 7 points of 2-for-4 shooting to go with 5 rebounds at the half.

Meanwhile, Towns poured it on to lead the Knicks, scoring 17 points before halftime, including a trio of key three-pointers.

A masterful performance by Towns and the Knicks shouldn't be shocking to anyone at this point as New York looks to extend its undefeated streak in these playoffs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victor Wembanyama 'in shock' as Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks lead Game 2

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Charles Barkley eviscerates Wemby after Karl-Anthony Towns dominates him: ‘In shock’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts during game two of the 2026 NBA Finals, Image 2 shows Charles Barkley in a pinstripe suit and tie, looking slightly to the right
Victor Wembanyama; Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley didn’t hold back with his criticism of Victor Wembanyama during halftime of Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday night in San Antonio.

“Wemby’s in shock right now,” Barkley, the Hall of Famer and “Inside the NBA” analyst, said before the Knicks won 105-104 to take a 2-0 series lead over San Antonio. “It’s probably been a long time since he got his ass kicked like this.

“But right now, big KAT is taking his ass to the woodshed.”

Victor Wembanyama reacts during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs on June 5, 2026 in San Antonio. Imagn Images

Barkley said Wembanyama looked flustered during the first half and was throwing the ball all over the place.

He finished the half with seven points and ended the night with 29 points on 11-for-21 shooting.

But Wembanyama had a critical turnover and foul that helped give the Knicks the lead for good in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. He then missed the game’s final shot at the buzzer.

“Personally, I think I could’ve been better in recovering from the high of the conference finals, but here we are,” Wembanyama said after the loss. “We can’t change the past now. We’re already focused on Game 3.”

Towns had 21 points and 13 rebounds as the Knicks took a critical win to move two wins away taking the NBA Finals.

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NBA Finals Game 2 getting chippy as Knicks hit with flagrant, technical foul — in just 16 seconds

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows josh hart trips devin vassell, hit with flagrant 1 foul in game 2, Image 2 shows mitchell robinson and victor wembanyama shove in game 2; knicks center hit with technical

The heat has been turned up in San Antonio.

Game 2 between the Knicks and Spurs on Friday night has seen a marked increase in physical play by both teams as they seek an edge at the Frost Bank Center.

It’s the Knicks, however, getting most of the attention from the officials.

In a span of just 16 seconds of gameplay, Josh Hart was hit with a Flagrant 1 foul and Mitchell Robinson got a technical for his troubles.

Hart, diving for a loose ball, let his hand linger perhaps a little too long on Devin Vassell’s ankle, sending the Spurs guard tumbling to the floor.

“The contact was unnecessary,” the lead official said, much to the delight of the San Antonio crowd.

Robinson, no stranger to foul trouble, was the recipient of a dubious and one-sided call as he got into a shoving match with Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, with the French center selling his end of things a little better to the official.

“I don’t like that call,” ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson said on the broadcast. “They’re both being physical… Wemby pushes him, and then they push each other back, and that’s where the technical occurs on Mitchell Robinson.”

“That should be a double technical,” play-by-play man Mike Green opined.

Bringing some attitude to the proceedings seem to be working for the Knicks, who trailed by as much as 12, but ended the first half leading 56-52.

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Josh Hart’s ‘hostile act’ earned Knicks a flagrant foul in NBA Finals Game 2 vs. Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are in a must win situation in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals after blowing a 14-point lead in their Game 1 loss. The Spurs responded by turning up the ball pressure in the first half of Game 2, and it caused one Knicks player loose his cool enough for a flagrant foul.

New York forward Josh Hart was called for a flagrant-1 with under six minutes left in the second quarter when he grabbed Devin Vassell’s leg as the Spurs wing tried to race off with a loose ball. Vassell was pressuring Hart as he attempted to bring the ball across halfcourt, and he poked it free just before the 8-second rule could have been called. Vassell had a beat on the ball, but Hart grabbed his ankle to trip him before he could get a breakaway layup.

The refs reviewed the play, and determined it should be a flagrant-1 for Hart. Watch the play here:

That sure looks “unnecessary contact” to me. The Spurs received two free throws and the ball.

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Timothee Chalamet, Knicks’ celebrity fans back for Game 2 of NBA Finals

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Ben Stiller taking a photo on his phone during Game 2 of the NBA Finals, Image 2 shows Timothée Chalamet arrives for Game 2 between the Knicks and Spurs on June 5
Ben Stiller and Timothée Chalamet were in attendance for Game 2 on Friday.

The traveling version of the Knicks’ celebrity row returned to Frost Bank Center on Friday.

Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Billy Baldwin, Fat Joe, Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Allan Houston were all in attendance, watching the Knicks take a 2-0 series lead with a wild 105-104 win over the Spurs in the NBA Finals in San Antonio.

Stiller, wearing a Knicks shirt and a black jacket, was spotted recording warmups with his phone — videos that the actor, director and producer has become known for during the postseason run — near the baseline, while Chalamet donned customized Chrome Hearts jeans that featured blue and orange.

Timothée Chalamet arrives for Game 2 between the
Knicks and Spurs on June 5. Screengrab via X/@nypostsports
Ben Stiller attends Game 2 between the Knicks and Spurs
on June 5. AP Photo

Chalamet and Stiller, especially, have become staples at Knicks games during recent postseason runs and their current sprint to the NBA Finals — which has been fueled by 12 consecutive wins entering Game 2 in San Antonio.

Rapper Fat Joe, who had a funny moment with “Inside the NBA” during the program’s pregame show, was also riding high in San Antonio.

Former Spurs point guard Chris Paul and big man David Robinson were also in attendance.

The Knicks nearly blew a late lead in the fourth quarter, but held on to take Game 2 in a thriller. Plenty of more A-listers should be on hand when the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for the Knicks’ first NBA Finals home game since 1999.

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How long can the Warriors reign as the most recent repeat champions last?

Steph Curry celebrating the 2018 championship.
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Kevin Durant #35 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

On June 8, 2018 — almost eight years ago to the day — the buzzer rang at Quicken Loans Arena. By that point, the stars of the game were all on the sidelines, getting ready for what would come next. Nearly three minutes of action had eclipsed since Steve Kerr sent Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, and Andre Iguodala to the bench, replacing them with Nick Young, Pat McCaw, Jordan Bell, Kevon Looney, and Zaza Pachulia. More than four minutes had passed since Ty Lue had pulled LeBron James off the court following his final stint as a Cleveland Cavalier.

The garbage time minute eaters battled it out until the buzzer sounded, concluding a dominant 108-85 win for the Warriors, and an even more dominant sweep in the NBA Finals.

Golden State was on top of the world, having won their third championship in four seasons and, most impressively, their second in a row.

They lost the crown the next year against the Toronto Raptors. A year later, James returned to the finals and this time emerged victorious, now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Giannis Antetokounmpo, years before discontent with the Milwaukee Bucks would brew, hoisted the trophy in 2021, and then the Warriors snuck back in for a surprise revival in 2022. In 2023 it was the Denver Nuggets, and in 2024 the Boston Celtics.

It felt like something changed when the Oklahoma City Thunder won it all in 2025, and then opened this season by winning 24 of their first 25 games. For the first time since those world-beating Golden State teams, the NBA had a the potential for a dynasty. The Thunder were young, elite on both sides of the court, had immeasurable chemistry, were loaded with stars who played their role, and, in perhaps the most apt comparison to the Dubs, had a magical point guard who was winning MVPs and laying a solid argument for the claim of best player on the planet.

After those first 25 games of the 2025-26 season, many started anointing the dynasty in Oklahoma. The conversation shifted away from if the Thunder could repeat, and into whether or not they would break Golden State’s single-season record of 73 wins along the way. It was morbidly humorous that everyone crowning the Thunder before the calendar flipped to 2026 apparently forgot what happened to the Dubs in that famous and infamous season one decade ago.

Ultimately, Oklahoma City suffered a similar fate. Just as the Warriors did in 2016, the Thunder dealt with injuries to a few key players, and lost in a Game 7 to one of the most unique, talented, and athletically alarming players in NBA history.

And so we get a new champion. As I write this, the San Antonio Spurs are in the midst of an attempt to even up the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, who stole Game 1 on Wednesday. We don’t know who will win the series, but we do know that it will give the league remarkable parity: eight different champions over the last eight years, with only three teams (the Warriors, Celtics, and Miami Heat), even making multiple Finals appearances during that time.

That means we’ll have to wait until 2027, at the very earliest, to see the first repeat champion since the Warriors in 2018.

Repeat champions are, it goes without saying, special. And they are a singular entity that go down in basketball lore. The teams who have repeated since 1990 are teams that every basketball fan can identify in seconds: Curry and Durant’s Warriors; the Heatles; Kobe’s last push with Pau; Kobe and Shaq’s threepeat; Jordan’s pair of threepeats; and Hakeem’s pair while MJ was tightening his batting gloves.

It will happen again in the NBA, and maybe even soon. The Thunder with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Spurs with Victor Wembanyama both look prepared to play at the highest level for the better part of the next decade. But then again, they do exactly as they did this year: play each other so well, that each side keeps the other from ever truly dominating. I expect both of those teams to win championships in the next few years, and probably even multiple. But will they achieve NBA history with the hardest thing in sports, a repeat? Will the Knicks, or anyone else?

That will be a storyline heading into next season, and probably into the next season as well. The Warriors may no longer be championship favorites, and their dynasty may be snuggly closed, but for a while longer they get to hold onto a title that certainly means something to those in the league: they’re the last team to repeat as champions.

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Knicks in firm control of NBA Finals after surviving Spurs rally: Takeaways

Editor's Note: Click here for a recap and highlights from Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.

It’s a bad night to be a broom in New York City.

The New York Knicks, once again, outplayed the San Antonio Spurs Friday, June 5 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, taking a commanding 2-0 lead as the series turns to New York.

New York, which withstood a late charge from San Antonio, stunned the Spurs on their own home, 105-104, on a free throw by Jalen Brunson with 9.5 seconds left to play to win the game.

Brunson got to the line on a bad pass from Victor Wembanyama in the final seconds of the game, as the Spurs were trying to get up the floor on a defensive rebound. Wembanyama tossed a pass ahead, but Stephon Castle wasn’t looking, so the ball bounced off his back, allowing Brunson to scoop it up. Wembanyama then fouled Brunson, putting him on the line.

Later on, the Spurs had the chance to win the game, but Wembanyama’s would-be game-winning jumpshot rimmed out.

So now, with Madison Square Garden set to host the the next two games, the Knicks are just a pair of wins away from a sweep and from claiming their first NBA championship in 53 years.

New York has won 13 consecutive playoff games, including eight consecutive on the road.

Here are live takeaways from Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs:

NBA Finals Game 2 score: Knicks 105, Spurs 104

TEAM1234F
Knicks25312821105
Spurs34182329104

Karl-Anthony Towns, once again, was the best player on the floor. It’s going to guide New York to a title

Just like he was in Game 1, Karl-Anthony Towns lifted the Knicks on both ends of the floor. And with the Knicks now carrying their 2-0 lead, his dominance over Wembanyama across stretches has New York close to erasing its 53-year title drought.

His offense has been stellar. Towns led the Knicks with 21 points — 17 of which came in the first half — on 8-of-12 shooting, adding 13 rebounds and 4 assists.

Towns stretched the floor, opening up the space for his teammates to attack.

But it’s his defense that is going to get the Knicks their first title in 53 seasons — as long as New York keeps this up.

Towns has been dominant on Wembanyama, using his size and strength to body Wembanyama and make him feel Towns’ presence. In the first half, Wembanyama played timidly, apparently perplexed about how to break through Towns’ physicality. Frankly, it’s determining the outcome of the series.

At the half, Wembanyama had just 7 points on only 4 shot attempts. Wembanyama did drop 22 in the second half, but the early struggles put San Antonio in a hole.

And while Mitchell Robinson also had massive defensive possessions against Wembanyama late in the game, Towns is the reason Wembanyama looked lost early in the game.

Early on, Victor Wembanyama took what the defense gave him. He needed to be far more assertive — far earlier

At the half, after the Knicks had made several runs, Wembanyama had taken just four shot attempts. New York, of course, deserves credit for showing bodies any time Wembanyama touched the ball, but his response, mostly, was to drift around the perimeter.

He tried to drive and create opportunities for his teammates, but that led to two turnovers. During one of those, late in the second quarter, Devin Vassell passed him the ball on the right wing. Almost immediately after he saw the Knicks defense approaching, Wembanyama tried to dump the ball back to Vassell, who had started to relocate. The ball skipped out of bounds.

In short: Wembanyama was just out of rhythm in the first half.

It’s often difficult, when opponents are game planning for a single player, for that person to find the balance between taking a steady diet of shots but not forcing them.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson will also need to find ways to manufacture easier offense for Wembanyama, because having him standing around, watching other players operate will make it difficult for the Spurs to win.

Wembanyama did pick it up in the third quarter, taking 8 shot attempts and scoring 12 points in the period, but the slow start put San Antonio in a position where they need to play from behind.

Mikal Bridges had the role playing impact that wins championships

Not only is he one of the toughest defenders in the NBA with his length and shiftiness, but Bridges has been on a generational heater this postseason — at least after he struggled early in the first round.

Bridges entered the fourth quarter 8-of-9 — having made eight consecutive shots — and finished the game with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal. He hit his first 4 3-pointers of the game and hit timely basket after timely basket.

Having another potent scorer on the floor mitigated the tough shooting night from Jalen Brunson, who shot just 7-of-25 from the floor.

Desperate Spurs ramped up their defensive intensity

The natural response was always going to be for San Antonio to play with a different level of urgency in Game 2. The Spurs, from the very first seconds of the game, played with a level of force and physicality they didn’t have two nights ago.

For one, San Antonio’s speedy and aggressive guards De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle picked up full-court pressure on made baskets. Once the ball crossed half court, the Spurs also stayed in front of New York’s players with lateral quickness.

Then, once the Knicks tried to foray into the paint, Spurs defenders collapsed to show bodies and clog the area.

The Knicks opened the game shooting just 6-of-17 (35.3%) from the field and New York scored just 2 points in the paint in the first 7:44 of the game.

Spurs also made it a priority to get paint touches

In Game 1, San Antonio backed down from New York’s physical defense and settled for jumpers. In the first quarter of Game 2, the Spurs spammed attacks in the paint to space the floor, setting up sprays to perimeter or high-percentage looks near the rim.

This is San Antonio’s recipe for success. The Spurs led in points in the paint in the first quarter by a 18-8 margin.

The Spurs shot a blistering 65% from the field in the first.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Knicks vs Spurs live analysis, score: Wembanyama misses game winner

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NBA Finals Game 2 fit check: Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Vassell blossom

The NBA Finals continues with Game 2 on Friday, June 5.

The San Antonio Spurs hope to rebound from losing the series opener at home to the New York Knicks. But as a team, they did win in the tunnel as the more fashionable franchise.

For Game 2, there is a mix of style statements. It's hard to beat the iconic habit that the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco will be wearing to cheer on the Spurs. But we have suits and sweats, a statement jacket and some shorts that are simply happy.

The Knicks are back in the Finals for the first time since 1999. This year's championship is a rematch of that series, which the Spurs won. Sports media didn't embrace fashion like we do now, so fans don't have a record of who won the fashion in that series, but we are here to make sure we have a winner of this one.

Here is the NBA Finals Game 2 Fit Check:

7. Jeremy Sochan - New York Knicks

Starting us off is Jeremy Sochan. He wanted to be free and wore this breezy black V-neck button-up without a shirt. The tan shorts are a little wrinkly, but with the snappy patent dress shoes, we appreciate the effort to be different.

6. Mikal Bridges - New York Knicks

Mikal Bridges kept it clean and we have no notes. He went with an easy chore jacket in a really pretty cornflower blue color. It's from JW Anderson's collab with Guinness. The Knicks guard isn't Irish like the two brands, but with some well-fitting cream cargo pants and white Air Force 1s, he wears it well.

New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges arrives at the arena before Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.

5. Stephon Castle - San Antonio Spurs

If we told you Stephon Castle wore a graphic tee and sweats for Game 2, you would probably ask what's the big deal? The key here is color coordination. The Spurs guard perfectly matched the details of his Harley-Davidson t-shirt to the blue color of his sweatpants and we love it.

4. Jordan Clarkson - New York Knicks

After turning heads with the perfect amount of glitz for Game 1, Jordan Clarkson delivered again for Game 2. The Knicks guard wore a custom Who Decides War jacket repping his team with orange and black color blocking and a studded collar. The sleeves of the jacket have the brand's signature stained glass design and the back features a silhouette of the Statue of Liberty. He let the jacket be the statement piece with long leather shorts and black boots.

New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson arrives at the arena before Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.

3. Bismack Biyombo - San Antonio Spurs

Bismack Biyombo has been quietly killing the suit game. He JUST missed out on the Game 1 fit check because you have to draw the line somewhere, right? But this luxe satin forest green suit he wore for Game 2 HAD to be included. It fits well, the brown tie and pocket kerchief ground the look and the single-breasted jacket keeps it cool.

2. Devin Vassell - San Antonio Spurs

Devin Vassell's look was all about the details. The Spurs guard was straight heat in a white suit that was just enough oversized. The burnout texture at the bottom of the jacket and pants also kept this far from boring. The pops of color with the key lime Louis Vuitton duffel, little flower brooch and gemstone rosary necklace make this outfit a must-see.

1. Karl-Anthony Towns - New York Knicks

Karl-Anthony Towns looked effortless, which is the best way to be. He wore an oversized white button-up with a single chain around the collar. The statement piece was a pair of excellent oversized shorts from Joshua Samuels. The London-based brand specializes in upcycling and plants a tree with every order. The flowers are the perfect proportion on the shorts and just make us happy. What more could you want?

Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns arrives at the arena before the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks in game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Vassell top best looks of NBA Finals Game 2