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Mets shut out Padres in 5-0 win

The Mets opened their series in San Diego with a 5-0 win over the Padres on Friday night.

Here are the key takeaways...

-- In a game where the Mets totaled nine hits, they made sure to make them count, with four of them accounting for all five of New York’s runs. 

-- Jared Young kicked things off with a second-inning solo home run against Michael King that traveled 422 feet and had an exit velocity of 111.1 mph to put the Mets ahead, 1-0. The cleanup hitter finished 2-for-4 and has been taking full advantage of his increased playing time since returning from the IL, hitting .313 with a .945 OPS on the season.

-- Fresh off his four-hit game against the Seattle Mariners, Bo Bichette stayed hot with two more hits, including a run-scoring triple in the third inning and a double in the eighth. Bichette is up to .230 at the plate with a .609 OPS.

-- The biggest night offensively, though, belonged to No. 9 hitter Luis Torrens, who went 2-for-3 with a double and a home run while driving in two and scoring two runs. His double came before Bichette’s third-inning triple and his home run, a two-run shot to straightaway center for his first bomb of the year, happened in the fifth inning to double New York’s lead. 

With Francisco Alvarez potentially returning from the IL on the next Mets homestand, Torrens is doing what he can to make manager Carlos Mendoza’s decision at catcher that much more difficult.

-- Brett Baty tacked on a run in the ninth inning, scoring A.J. Ewing, who singled and stole second and third base, with his second hit of the game. Baty became the fourth player of the game to have a multi-hit night and also made a nice play in the field, diving for a popped-up bunt attempt in the second inning.

-- Meanwhile, Christian Scott shut out the Padres for 5.2 innings to match his season-high and has allowed one earned run over his last three starts (16.1 IP). 

Scott made quick work of the Padres, allowing just three singles and two walks while throwing a season-high 98 pitches (67 strikes). He was pulled after Manny Machado’s single, which was San Diego’s last hit of the game.

The right-hander struck out only three and instead relied mostly on weak contact to get the job done. New York also turned a double play behind Scott to help him go deeper in the game. Scott’s ERA is now at an impressive 2.50 through eight starts, and after earning his first career win in his last start, he’s now won back-to-back games to go to 2-0 on the year.

-- The Mets’ bullpen matched Scott’s zeros for 3.1 innings as Huascar Brazoban (1.1 IP, 2 K), Luke Weaver (1 IP) and A.J. Minter (1 IP) didn’t allow a hit in their appearances. Baty’s fielding error with one out in the ninth ended a string of eight consecutive batters retired, but Minter got the final two outs with ease and gave New York a series-opening win

Game MVP: Mets pitching

Mets pitchers were on point on Friday and shut out their opponent for just the third time all season.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets continue their three-game set with the Padres on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. on SNY.

RHP Nolan McLean (3-4, 4.21 ERA) will face off against former Met RHP Griffin Canning (0-4, 7.16 ERA).

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New York Knicks fan base celebrates Game 2 victory in NBA Finals

The New York Knicks’ fan base had a reason to feel good after the team secured a 2-0 lead in the 2026 NBA Finals on Friday, June 5.

The Knicks managed to fend off the Spurs’ late rally in the fourth quarter to secure a 105-104 victory. Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for New York with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each scored 20 points.

Fans were offered the chance to attend watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden and at SummerStage in Central Park in New York on Friday night.

Here’s how the celebration unfolded after Game 2 was decided after Victor Wembanyama missed a potential game-winner for the Spurs.

More: Who won NBA Finals Game 2? Knicks hold off Spurs in San Antonio again

Knick fans celebrate Game 2 victory

New York fans were out in the streets to celebrate the victory while police looked on. Fans could be heard chanting, "Knicks in Four!"

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New York Knicks fans celebrate NBA Finals Game 2 victory

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AFL investigating ‘vile and racist’ abuse sent to Hawthorn player Mabior Chol

Club and AFL condemn messages received by Hawks forward, who told social media followers ‘don’t be like this guy’

The AFL and the Hawthorn football club have condemned “vile and appalling” racial abuse sent to player Mabior Chol via a series of direct messages on social media.

Chol, a Hawthorn forward who is of South Sudanese heritage, posted a screenshot of the comments he received on Instagram following his side’s loss to the Western Bulldogs on Friday night. The language contained in the comments were not fit for publication.

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Knicks fans go bonkers in NYC after Game 2 Finals win, celebrate in streets outside MSG: ‘Go New York!’

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Knicks fans celebrate the team's win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals outside Madison Square Garden on June 6, 2026, Image 2 shows Fans hold up a Jalen Brunson cutout during a wild celebration outside Madison Square Garden on June 6, 2026, Image 3 shows Knicks fans crowd both sides of the street outside Madison Square Garden on June 5, 2026

Midtown turned into a sea of blue and orange Friday night as thousands of “exhilarated” Knicks fans flooded the streets outside Madison Square Garden after their hometown team won Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

When the final buzzer sounded nearly 2,000 miles away in San Antonio, Knicks nation went bonkers back in the Big Apple with their team just two wins away from its first championship in 53 years. 

Chants of “Go New York, go New York, go New York, go!” and “Knicks in four!” echoed down Seventh Avenue and drivers could be heard honking their horns in their own show of support one block away.

Knicks fans celebrate the team’s win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals outside Madison Square Garden on June 6, 2026. Michael Nagle for NY Post
Fans hold up a Jalen Brunson cutout during a wild celebration outside Madison Square Garden on June 6, 2026. Michael Nagle for NY Post

The party kicked off hours earlier as diehards secured spots at a watch party outside the World’s Most Famous Arena more than four hours before the 8:42 p.m. tipoff.

“I feel exhilarated,” said Lester Alexander, who was equipped with a Knicks flag attached to a broomstick.

“I can’t be happier. As a New Yorker, nothing could ruin my day now, my week, my month, my summer,” the 27-year-old, who goes by “Les,” told The Post.

Les, a Harlem native, already had grand plans for a possible Knicks title.

“I’m gonna propose to the most beautiful woman I’ll meet that night. ‘Cause right now I’m single. And if I don’t find nobody I’ll just marry the game,” he declared.

A Knicks fan holds up a broom after the team took a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals over the San Antonio Spurs on June 5, 2026. Michael Nagle for NY Post
Knicks fans crowd both sides of the street outside Madison Square Garden on June 5, 2026. Christopher Sadowski for NY Post

Gary Charles, 31, who watched the game at a separate watch party inside MSG, said, “we’re literally writing history right now.”

He was amazed at “just the amount of people that’s coming out to just support the Knicks,” adding that “it’s magnificent, beautiful.”

Reacting to the Knicks’ 105-104 victory over the Spurs, Charles’ 33-year-old friend told The Post that “it’s a blessing.” 

“A Championship win,” he said, “would unify the city, it would bring the city up in many ways, people not even realizing, you know what I’m saying? Economically, socially, emotionally.”

A person in a Spiderman costume is carried through the crowd of Knicks fans outside Madison Square Garden. Aristide Economopoulos for NY Post
Knicks fans celebrate the team’s win in Game 2 of the NBA Finals during a watch party at Summer Stage in Central Park on June 5, 2026. Lone Pine Press for NY Post
Fans crowded into Central Park’s SummerStage for the watch party on June 5, 2026. Lone Pine Press for NY Post

Randy Horowitz traveled with her two daughters and husband from Long Island to watch the game at The Mecca. 

“I am ecstatic,” she said.

“I’m energized. This is why we live in New York. We feel this. No place like New York to experience a night like this,” she continued.

“I was inside. It was better than the team being there. There was so much energy — it was amazing.”

Pals Surgio Urnia, 35 and Ken Lopez, 50, also joined in on the festivities outside the Garden.

“The thing that I love about the watch party is the camaraderie between the New York culture,” said Urnia, a Brooklyn resident.

Knicks fans celebrate during a watch party outside Madison Square Garden on June 5, 2026. Aristide Economopoulos for NY Post
Knicks fans celebrate the team’s win at the SummerStage party in Central Park on June 5, 2026. Lone Pine Press for NY Post
Ben Stiller reacts after the Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 5, 2026. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

“It’s beautiful. It brings it back. It’s a feeling I haven’t felt in this city in a very long time.”

When asked how he would celebrate the Knicks winning the championship, he had a blunt response: “I’m quitting my job.”

But that wouldn’t be all for Urnia.

“I’m going to the parade. I am gonna get a new girlfriend. I’m gonna have a brand new life,” he insisted.

Lopez was much more modest.

A Knicks fan cheers on the team during a watch party in Central Park on June 5, 2026. Lone Pine Press for NY Post
A Knicks fan walks around outside Madison Square Garden holding a large cutout of Jalen Brunson’s head after the team’s win on June 5, 2026. Aristide Economopoulos for NY Post
NYPD officials detain a Knicks fan during the watch party outside Madison Square Garden. Aristide Economopoulos for NY Post

“I’m gonna take a whole week off work,” he said.

Leaning against the barriers in front of MSG was Nasir Boston, 24, of Queens, who currently works as a security guard but hopes to get into the social media field.

“The Knicks got all of us united right now, all five boroughs including Long Island,” Boston told the Post. 

And if they win the championship?

“No one is going to work,” Boston said. 

Similar scenes of jubilation erupted across the city on Friday night as Central Park was home to another watch party and bars were packed to the brim with fans.

Knicks superfan and filmmaker Spike Lee was spotted in the city standing through the sunroof of a car, reaching toward a cheering crowd as fans blasted airhorns and yelled into the night, per a video posted to X by ESPN New York.

The Jeffrey, an institutional Upper East Side sports bar, slashed the prices of beer and food from 7 p.m. to tip off at 8:30 p.m. at their 1973 levels — $.73 draft beers, oysters, wings and hot dogs.

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Not worth the wait; Royals fall to Twins

Jac Caglianone fails to catch up to a flyball down the line in right field
Jun 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone (14) cannot catch a ball hit by Minnesota Twins right fielder Austin Martin (16) in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images | Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Despite a rain delay of over an hour, the game started off so well for the Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. took a one-out walk, Vinnie Pasquantino hit an RBI double, then Jac Caglianone drove him in with his own double. The Royals wouldn’t score again until a weak groundout in the ninth brought home Caglianone again in a 5-3 loss.

As you might imagine, Michael Wacha didn’t have one of his stronger starts of the season. But what you also need to realize is that this game featured two Royals errors and three wild pitches. The Royals played really crappy defense. On the other side, Byron Buxton was everywhere in centerfield until he crashed into the wall to rob Carter Jensen of extra bases. Austin Martin in right field gunned down two runners at home with assists from catcher Alex Jackson making excellent tags.

Of the five runs, four were earned, but the Royals’ lack of speed in the corners led to at least three different hits, and two of the wild pitches took a runner from second all the way home. Again, let’s not pretend it was only the defense. Wacha threw fewer than 10 pitches in a 1-2-3 fifth but gave up a home run and then back-t0-back double to surrender the lead before the poor defense helped put the game out of reach.

Austin Martin will be the story from the Twins’ side. In the top of the fourth, Caglianone took a one-out walk, advanced to second on an Isaac Collins single, and then Michael Massey crushed one on the ground into right. I was yelling at my TV, begging them not to send Caglianone home, but home he went on a no-signal from third-base coach Vance Wilson. Martin had everything lined up for him, and, despite Caglianone making it closer than I had dreamed possible, he was clearly out. That is at least the second time this season a runner has been thrown at home when he probably shouldn’t have gone but didn’t get a signal from his third base coach. That certainly won’t quiet the calls for coaches’ heads to roll from the Royals faithful.

Isaac Collins led off the seventh with a walk of his own, then advanced to second when Zebby Matthews disengaged from the mound for a third time without recording a pickoff. This time, the hard-hit ball into right was off the bat of Kyle Isbel, and Martin had to move laterally a bit to field it. Vance Wilson actually signalled to Collins he should head home, and that seemed more reasonable to me, but he was thrown out by even more than Cags.

Those of us who recall the 2014-2015 Royals remember that running on guys and hoping they make a mistake can be a terrific gamble, but it absolutely didn’t pay off tonight, despite how Mickey Mouse the Twins’ defense looked in the first series these two teams played. You can blame the runners – both of whom chose to slide feet-first instead of using a head-first slide to give them an opportunity to swim around the tag. You could absolutely blame the coaches, too, and I wouldn’t argue with you either way. But there’s also an element of the other team being good at their jobs that’s involved here, too.

There were certainly some bright spots in this one. Steven Cruz pitched 1.1 scoreless innings with a pair of strikeouts. Beck Way made his big league debut and struck out a pair of his own, including the first batter he faced, in a scoreless eighth inning. The Royals can use any help they can get from their bullpen.

Michael Massey continued his hot hitting with a pair of hard singles on the night. Vinnie only went 1-for-3, but he tattooed a lineout in the sixth inning. Jac went 2-for-3 with a walk, and his only out was a similarly smoked lineout in the sixth.

At this point, moral victories mean even less than they did earlier this year when you hoped they’d might lead to better play before things got out of hand. Things are out of hand. The season is lost until and unless the Royals have the kind of ridiculous winning stretch that simply doesn’t feel possible with this club, which was built to be solidly above-average with a high floor. The floor fell out, and they don’t have the top-end potential to make up for it. But I’ll take all the bright spots I can get that tell me that they might be able to find some guys to help them do better next year.

Anyway, tomorrow’s game is an afternoon match; it will start at 1:10 Central. Luinder Avila (4.44 ERA) will face off against Joe Ryan (3.20 ERA). We’ll just have to hope KC can hammer Ryan for the third straight time.

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Josh Hart surprisingly no-shows for Knicks in Game 2 of NBA Finals

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Knicks guard Josh Hart #3 drives down court during the second quarter, Image 2 shows New York Knicks guard Josh Hart #3 knocks the ball away from San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama #1 in the first quarter
Josh Hart

Josh Hart said he had to be smarter.

He couldn’t afford to get into foul trouble again.

He didn’t listen to his own advice. 

The Knicks’ guard was a no-show in Game 2 after having such a major role in the come-from-behind win in the series opener.

He rarely saw the floor, foul woes keeping him from making his usual impact. 

Hart failed to score, missing all four of his field goal attempts, and committed two turnovers.

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart drives down the court during the second quarter of NBA Finals Game 2 on June 5, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

He was only on the floor for 18 minutes as the Knicks blew a 14-point, fourth quarter lead, but managed to hold on for a 105-104 victory at Frost Bank Center and take a commanding 2-0 series lead in the NBA Finals.

They became just the third team in the history of the finals to win the first two games on the road. 

Hart didn’t score much in Game 1, limited to three points, but still had a major role.

He had 15 rebounds, six assists and four steals. It seemed like he was in the right spot during every Knicks run

“That’s just who he is. He’s always been that way. I can’t explain it,” Jalen Brunson, his longtime teammate dating back to college, said. “He just has a knack for doing things like that, and in crucial times, as well. It’s a credit to who he is as a player.”

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart knocks the ball away from San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama in the first quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

But that player didn’t arrive for Game 2. He spent much of the game on the sideline.

Instead, Landry Shamet took a good chunk of his minutes and continued his strong postseason with 13 points and three 3-pointers. 

It did showcase the Knicks’ depth that they were able to survive this kind of effort from Hart. 

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Heroes, zeros from Knicks’ Game 2 NBA Finals win over Spurs: Victor Wembanyama chokes late

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama tries to put up a last minute shot past New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns in the final seconds of the fourth quarter.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama tries to put up a last minute shot past New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns in the final seconds of the fourth quarter of NBA Finals Game 2 on June 5, 2026.

Heroes and zeros from the Knicks’ 105-104 Game 2 win over the Spurs in the NBA Finals on Friday night in San Antonio:

Hero

Even though he was quiet late, Mikal Bridges carried the Knicks when Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson were on the bench at the end of the third quarter.

The dynamic wing scored 20 points and added six rebounds and six assists. Those five first-round draft picks the Knicks sent to the Nets don’t seem so valuable anymore.

Zero

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama tries to put up a shot in the final seconds of the fourth quarter of NBA Finals Game 2 on June 5, 2026. Jason Szenes for The New York Post

Victor Wembanyama threw the ball away with the chance to hold for a final shot in a tie game and then missed the potential game-winning shot in the final seconds.

While the 7-foot-4 Frenchman finished with 29 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, he came up small late.

His turnover and foul of Brunson led to the Knicks captain making the game-deciding free throw with 9.5 seconds left.

Victor Wembanyama looks on after Jalen Brunson hits a shot during the Knicks’ 105-104 Game 2 win over the Spurs on June 5, 2026 in San Antonio. Jason Szenes for New York Post

Unsung hero

The bench.

The bench came up big again, led by Landry Shamet’s 13 points. Miles McBride, Mitchell Robinson and Jose Alvarado all contributed, particularly late in the third quarter when the Spurs seemed to have momentum.

But led by the aforementioned quartet, the Knicks were able to extend the lead from four points to nine over the final 3:19 of the period.

Key stat

3: The Knicks became the third team in NBA Finals history to win the first two games on the road, joining the 19993 Bulls (Suns) and ’95 Rockets (Magic).

Quote

“It started with [Mitchell Robinson], and it ended with the other four guys boxing out. So just a heck of a job by Mitch guarding the most iconic player in the world on two possessions to possibly win the game. Phenomenal.”

— Knicks coach Mike Brown on Robinson’s defense on Victor Wembanyama in the final seconds. 

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Raise your hands if you hit two homers today!

Jun 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (26) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a three run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

As ridiculous as it sounds, figuring out a punny name to properly capture the Giants recent power surge was a bit of a pressing matter for announcers Hunter Pence and David Flemming after Matt Chapman lifted a grand slam in the 4th inning off Cubs starter Edward Cabrera. The opportunity was too good to pass up. Baseball had become fun again. The improbable occasion had to be christened.

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Pence, ever the wordsmith, stumbled over the syllables as he proposed the blocky Slam Cancisco.

Flemming, ever the editor, simplified it to a much more sensible, if unimaginative, Slam Francisco. 

They’re both wrong.

Considering how many of these four-run, four-baggers the Giants have packed into such a short period of time, the proper nickname is obviously Slam Slamcislamco. 

Say that six times fast — one for each blast. The Giants are the seventh team in MLB history to hit six grand slams in a span of 18 games (including the 2020 Slam Diego Padres). Chapman’s shot that landed in the basket over the ivy was the team’s third of the road trip and broke a 5-5 tie with the Angels for the Major League lead. 

Turns out this odd beast of a line-up was just getting started.

Three batters later Casey Schmitt rocketed  a flat 3-2 change-up 411 feet to left-center. A no-doubter that at the time felt a little superfluous at 8-0, but would prove to not reach be half of the run total of what the team would eventually score in their 18-3 blowout at Wrigley. 

San Francisco hitters just kept feeding the bleacher creatures. They peppered seven total homers in all, the most for any team in a single game all season, and the most for a Giants order since April 2023 — a 12-3 win also played in Chicago, just on the Southside. 

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Willy Adames followed up his 427-foot, 2-run shot in the 1st with another off sidewinder, Hoby Milner, in the 6th.

A couple of beats passed before Chapman capped the 7-run frame by demolishing a hanging curveball from reliever Ethan Roberts into the NUTRL sign floating above the left field seats. The 3-run homer earned him his sixth, seventh, and eighth RBIs on the day, tying a San Francisco-era single game record most recently matched by Wilmer Flores’s 3-HR performance against the Athletics in early 2025.

Not to be out done by the veterans, Schmitt claimed his pair of homers with a 9-iron shot off of position player Carson Kelly — a pitch after recent call-up Jonah Cox had done the same.   

Over the past week, the Giants’ offense has posted hit totals of 25, 20, and 19, and run totals of 19, 12, and 18 — and they’ve won those three games too! Call it trying to make up for lost time, blowing off steam — whatever is happening, it’s excessive and over-the-top and pretty dang fun to watch.

Many were skeptical of the 20-run outburst in Colorado and were then vindicated by the early returns in Milwaukee, and yet here we are on the following weekend back to stuffing ourselves on loaded taters. It’s obviously not sustainable — but it feels slightly less ridiculous than it did back in Colorado. 

I wrote last week how it wasn’t the offense that worried me, it was the pitching. The game following the 20-run win, the San Francisco arms gave up 16 runs to the Brewers. A poor ability to challenge hitters and attack the zone allowed the tying run to come to the plate in the 9th in a game the Giants once led 12-3 thanks to a Eric Haase grand slam.  

But the bullpen did end up holding on in that one. The night before, Logan Webb took a no-hitter into the 7th inning in a 1-0 win. And today, the all-around pitching performance didn’t want coaches and fans to pull at their eye sockets in exasperation. 

That’s not to say the arms were perfect. Pitching with a lead for his entire outing, Robbie Ray was as inefficient as ever. He walked 5 hitters and only struck out 4 while needing nearly 100 pitches to do it. He did, however, allow just two inconsequential singles and managed to get through that pesky fifth frame for the first time since May 8th, logging his 14th and 15th outs of the game on his 97th and final offering. 

Back in May, the relationship between Giants line-up and Giants starter was completely flipped. The toothless offense had handed Ray losses in five starts in which he allowed 3 earned runs or fewer. Now they’ve hit grand slams in each of his last three games, it’s just the veteran hadn’t managed to hang around the mound long enough to qualify for a statistical win until Friday’s scoreless outing. 

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Bullpen reinforcement in Carson Seymour may have been still jet-lagged from the last-minute red-eye from Sacramento, and was far from “lights-out” in his 2026 debut, but the right-hander managed to relieve the beleaguered pen with three innings of work.

A double play ball, closing out frames — these are small feats compared to what the offense did today, but its those types of in-game victories that the pitchers need a lot more of if this team wants to really make strides getting back to .500.

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Emotional Mikal Bridges redefined his Knicks fate again with bounce-back Game 2

New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges #25 passes the ball as San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama #1 defends.
Mikal Bridges looks to pass during Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 5.

SAN ANTONIO — Jalen Brunson was an undersized, second-round pick, a superstar that no one saw coming. Josh Hart was traded three times before becoming the fan favorite of a title contender. OG Anunoby might as well have come from Mars, missing nearly as many games as he played in Toronto before becoming a modern-day Dave DeBusschere.

Mikal Bridges shouldered the weight of five-first round picks, preventing him from exceeding expectations.

Until now.

Mikal Bridges looks to pass during Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 5. Charles Wenzelberg

Coming off a quiet showing in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Bridges bounced back in Game 2 with 20 points (8-for-13 overall, 4-for-6 on 3-pointers), six rebounds, six assists and phenomenal defense in the Knicks’ 105-104 win over the Spurs at Frost Bank Center.

“That desperation of trying to be the last team standing, I’m trying to do whatever it takes to help my team to win,” Bridges said. “Just trying to give it all I got.”

After hitting 3 of 6 from the field in Game 1 — Bridges’ fewest attempts since the first round — the 29-year-old made up for an inefficient game from Brunson.

Bridges was held scoreless for nearly 19 minutes, but then hit eight straight shots during the second and third quarters (including his first four 3-pointers), carrying the offense with Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns off the floor. Though Bridges cooled off in the fourth, he continued to bother De’Aaron Fox with his length on defense.

Mikal Bridges attempts a shot during Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 5. Charles Wenzelberg

“[Bridges] was huge for us on both ends of the floor,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “You’re not stopping a guy like De’Aaron Fox. You’ve just got to try to make him work. We put Mikal on Fox in the second half a little bit and made him work.

“But what he did for us offensively when we were struggling and then when we took Jalen out was huge. He made big play after big play after big play.”

Bridges was uncharacteristically emotional throughout the night, repeatedly screaming and celebrating with teammates on the sideline after each big play.

In barely five weeks, Bridges has redefined a fate that seemed inescapable for a large part of the past two years, transforming from an overrated scapegoat — who was held scoreless as the Knicks moved two losses from first-round elimination — to an indispensable piece on both ends of the floor. Bridges entered the NBA Finals averaging 18.7 points and shooting over 62 percent from the field since being benched in Game 3 against Atlanta.

Five years ago, Bridges held a 2-0 series lead in the NBA Finals with the Suns. Now, he is two wins away from the ring that got away.

“Same situation, 2-0, just got to keep level-headed and keep playing desperate,” Bridges said. “Being here before, knowing how it was gonna be and how much effort you need to give at every single moment.”

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Victor Wembanyama turnover, foul leads to Knicks' winning point in Game 2 of NBA Finals

A bad pass from Victor Wembanyama turned into the game-winning point for the New York Knicks as the San Antonio Spurs dropped Game 2 of the NBA Finals 105-104 on Friday, June 5.

With 13.6 seconds left in the game and the score tied at 104, Wembanyama nabbed a defensive rebound after Jalen Brunson missed a jump shot. The Defensive Player of the Year took a few dribbles and then tossed the ball toward point guard Stephon Castle, who wasn't looking. Brunson then swooped in and stole the rock before colliding with Wembanyama and falling out of bounds.

Wembanyama was called for a foul on the play and he scrunched his face in frustration.

The Knicks guard made one of his free throws to put his team up 105-104.

The Spurs had the last possession of the game and Wembanyama attempted a jumper, but he missed.

The victory marks eight straight road wins in the playoffs for the Knicks and 13 straight victories overall. The series goes to New York for Game 3 on Monday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victor Wembanyama's bad pass leads to Knicks' winning point in Game 2

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Victor Wembanyama’s all-time mistake puts Spurs in disastrous NBA Finals situation

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Basketball players on the court during a game, Image 2 shows Basketball game in progress with players on the court and spectators in the stands, Image 3 shows A man wearing a basketball jersey makes a face that shows displeasure, with the score tied at 104 and 9.5 seconds left in the 4th quarter
Wemby mistake

This blunder will be featured in Victor Wembanayama “motivation” packages for years to come.

The Spurs’ phenom made an inexplicable mistake in the final 10 seconds Friday that led to the Knicks’ game-winning free throw in San Antonio’s 105-104 home loss to fall in a 2-0 NBA Finals series hole.

With a chance to hold for the final and potential game-winning shot, Wembanyama instead made an unforced error that led to a turnover and compounded his poor decision with a foul.

“I threw that one away. I messed up,” Wembanyama said. “We didn’t play great as a team. We needed to win that game. This game was ours. But at this point, it’s done.

“Am I going to regret it? Yes, of course. Am I going to use that to fuel me and to fuel me and fuel us next game? Absolutely.”

After Jalen Brunson missed a jumper with roughly 13 seconds remaining, Wembanyama corralled the rebound and attempted to pass to Stephon Castle, but the guard was looking up court.

The ball bounced off Castle’s back and went right to Brunson, and Wembanyama bumped into the Knicks’ guard for the foul to send him to the free throw line with 9.5 seconds remaining.

It appeared that Castle expected Wembanyama to dribble up the court or to take his time since the Spurs would likely be holding for the final shot.

There may have also been confusion about whether the Spurs would use their final timeout.

Wembanyama’s pass hits Castle in the back. @TheHoopCentral/X

Brunson hit one of two free throws to give the Knicks a 105-104 lead before Wembanyama had a chance to redeem himself and be the hero.

However, he missed a 20-foot jumper over Mitchell Robinson with two seconds remaining and the Spurs are now officially in massive trouble.

Wembanyama also missed a 16-foot jumper after the Knicks tied the game at 104-104, and he finished 0-for-2 with a turnover in the final minute.

He finished with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting, although this final minute will plague him.

Victor Wembanyama reacts after his costly mistake. @TheHoopCentral/X

Karl-Anthony Towns also outplayed him for large stretches, particularly in the first half.

Wembanyama has yet to take over this series as expected despite averaging 27.5 points through the first two games, and with his nightmarish final minute Friday night at Frost Bank Center, it’s looking more and more likely that this series will be the one that fuels him for years to come.

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San Antonio vs New York, Final Score: Spurs unable to complete all-time comeback in Game 2, 104-105

New York went home up 2-0 after the Spurs missed two opportunities to complete an improbable comeback in the fourth quarter
Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) goes in for a shot against New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first half during game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Despite having two chances to finish ahead of New York for good, San Antonio was unable to complete its ferocious fourth quarter comeback and lost game 2 of the Finals. In the waning seconds, Victor Wembanyama committed an unforced turnover trying to feed Stephon Castle in transition, and then missed a buzzer-beating 17-footer. New York extended its playoff win streak to 13 on the power of audaciously accurate shooting in many of the moments that mattered. With the two home losses, San Antonio dug itself a 0-2 hole that will require wins in four of the next handful of games – with three of them at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks erased yet another first half Spurs lead behind the shooting exploits of Karl Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges during some really wretched offensive futility by San Antonio in the second quarter.

San Antonio could not find their well-defended superstar Wembanyama (29 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks) over countless first half possessions, but after a heated huddle conversation in the third quarter, Wembanyama finally took the game into his hands in that late comeback attempt. De’Aaron Fox (20 points and 5 assists) came on late, while Castle (14 points and 4 assists) had his most uneven performance in some time. Devin Vassell (14 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists) contributed mightily, while Dylan Harper (15 points and 6 rebounds) made the only impact of the reservers.

New York took control of the game in the second period with timely shooting from their vetera players. Towns (21 points and 13 rebounds) nearly got the better of his Spurs counterpart again, while Bridges (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Landry Shamet (13 points) had answers for over 3+ quarters. Jalen Brunson (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) was carried by his teammates on a somewhat muted evening by his standards.

An intense first quarter saw the Knicks’ Brunson and Anunoby generate all of their offensive output over the first half of it. On the way to putting up 20 points over that same period of time, San Antonio only put up one questionable outside shot (Wembanyama had an open lane to drive and settled for a missed triple). Towns’ three broke the Brunson/Anunoby scoring streak and brought New York within four. The Hack-a-Mitchell-Robinson strategy commenced in the waning minutes of the frame generated mixed results as the center hit 3-for-6. Fox found better lanes late in the frame and put up a rapid seven points. Harper, known for his offense, helped forced two unforeced turnovers on the perimeter. An longer than usual first quarter ended with San Antonio ahead 34-25.

At the start of the second period, Towns, as Brunson rested for a protracted amount of time, pieced together his own 9-0 run to slice the New York deficit to five. Wembanyama, meanwhile, sat at four field goal attempts 1 1/2 periods in. New York received clutch shot after shot from Bridges, while San Antonio could not find a consistent contributor after Castle went to the bench with three fouls. A alarmingly tentative Wembanyama committed a pair of turnovers late in the half, and New York capitalized to surge ahead 56-52.

New York’s confidence in its outside shooting continued to grow coming out of the half. Castle, playing with three fouls, stabilized the Spurs’ offense in some tenuous moments in the meaty part of the third period. San Antonio benefitted from Hart and Towns picking up their fourth fouls, too. Johnson made his first meaningful impact this series with his presence on the boards. While San Antonio cut into the considerable deficit and prevented a New York runaway, they still left it down nine.

Observations

  • I keep on reading that, for many of the Spurs’ rotation players, this is the worst that they ever will be. I wish there was an accelerant somehow for them.
  • That agile and girthy stretch-4 will come in handy next playoff run.
  • Devin’s Deeds: If he continues his stalwart two-way presence, he could very well end up awarded on the top defensive teams next season.
  • Sequence of the Game #1: Stuck deep in the paint halfway through the first period, Johnson ‘found’ Wembanyama cutting through the lane for a dunk.
  • Sequence of the Game #2: Late in the first quarter, Harper caught the ball, eluded a Landry Shamet reach-in by switching hands, and powered home a dunk over Towns.

Game Rundown

A well-executed first possession ping-ponged from Wembanyama (top) to Castle (bottom) to Vassell for a straightaway three. Though Brunson hit his first attempt, Champagnie drew a quick foul on him at the other end. Champagnie hit two triples – the first a traditional one, and the second resembled the off-the-glass three Deuce McBride hit the other night. On a transition attempt, Brunson thought he’d drawn the foul on Vassell, but the guard swatted away the shot cleanly. Threes from Anunoby and Brunson kept it a one-possession game. Castle drew Hart’s second foul in transition, but missed both freebies. Towns committed a boneheaded foul to put the Spurs into the foul bonus with 5:45 left. Towns had a personal 5-0 run while Wembanyama sat, and San Antonio started settling for jumpers. Fox’s first basket came 8 1/2 minutes in, and his catch-and-shoot three moments later put the Spurs up eight. San Antonio exited the quarter up nine.

Castle’s corner three matched Towns’ three to start of the second. Tony Brothers’ crew missed an obvious foul by Shamet on Castle, and Towns received a friendlier whistle at the other end. Fox – very likely double-dribbling during a later possession – willed home an and-1. Castle was maddeningly whistled for his second foul (third overall) closing out on a three-point attempt. A Bridges three brought the Knicks within three. After Harper missed a transition lay-up, Bridges hit from three again. Hart was called for his third foul when he tripped Vassell on a loose-ball situation. Bridges’ third three of the quarter brought the Knicks within one. Right after a Shamet lay-up gave New York their first lead, Vassell knocked down a 4-point play. The Spurs’ offense sputtered over the remaining minutes, and after two Wembanyama turnovers, Bridges’ fourth three put the Knicks up four at the half.

New York continued to shred the Spurs defense to start the third period with Anunoby and Brunson knocking down deflating threes. Over the Knicks’ opening 8-2 salvo, San Antonio’s offense consisted of a lone Wembanyama fadeaway jumper. Fox drew Hart’s fourth foul, and his and-1 was answered by yet another Bridges three. Towns picked up his 3rd and 4th fouls in succession. Johnson’s offensive rebound and putback and Castle’s three brought the Spurs within five. San Antonio found it’s first consistent offensive execution since the first quarter, but the Knicks made just enough plays to stay comfortably ahead. McBride and Bridges’ shotmaking created separation near the end of the period, and the Spurs went to the fourth down 75-84.

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NBA finals: Knicks within two wins of elusive title after holding off Spurs in Game 2

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns leaves the court after his team’s Game 2 victory.Photograph: Eric Gay/AP

The white-hot New York Knicks moved within two wins of their first NBA championship in more than half a century on Friday night, edging the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 in a Game 2 thriller to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA finals before the series shifts to Madison Square Garden.

After stealing Game 1 with a furious fourth-quarter comeback, the Knicks once again turned to Jalen Brunson when the game hung in the balance. The All-NBA guard sank the go-ahead free throw with 7.5 seconds remaining after a costly turnover by Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. Moments later, Wembanyama’s clean look from the elbow at the buzzer caromed off the back rim, allowing New York to become only the third team to win the first two games of an NBA finals on the road after the 1993 Chicago Bulls and 1995 Houston Rockets.

The victory also extended the Knicks’ remarkable postseason run to 13 consecutive wins, matching one of the longest single-season playoff winning streaks in NBA history and fueling belief that a franchise still chasing its first title since 1973 may finally be on the verge of ending decades of frustration.

Brunson, who scored 30 points in Wednesday’s opener despite battling a sore knee and ankle, finished with 20 points on 7-for-25 shooting but once again provided the composure New York needed in the biggest moments. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 21 points and 13 rebounds and delivered several crucial baskets down the stretch.

Wembanyama looked determined to atone for a frustrating finals debut in which he shot just 6 for 21 and committed six turnovers. The 21-year-old French star responded with 29 points on 11-for-21 shooting in 40 minutes, but his late giveaway and narrowly missed jumper ultimately defined a heartbreaking finish for San Antonio.

No team has lifted the trophy after dropping the first two games of the finals at home.

San Antonio trailed by 14 points midway through the fourth quarter but used a run of 14-0 behind Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox to tie it at 97-97 with 3:00 remaining, then took their first lead of the half with less than a minute to go.

Brunson responded immediately, knotting the game at 104-104 with a driving basket. Wembanyama came up empty on San Antonio’s next trip and Anunoby gathered the rebound before New York called timeout.

The Spurs briefly seemed to catch a reprieve when they forced a miss, only for Wembanyama to throw the ball away on the ensuing possession. Brunson capitalized, drawing a foul and sinking the free throw that ultimately won the game.

Now the series shifts to New York, where anticipation has reached levels unseen in a generation. Game 3 is scheduled for Monday night at Madison Square Garden, with Donald Trump planning to attend and secondary-market ticket prices approaching $9,000 for the worst seats in the house.

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The Knicks have broken the Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals after Game 2 win

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 05: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks celebrates with his father Karl Towns Sr. after the 105-104 victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 05, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New York Knicks are headed back to Madison Square Garden with the opportunity to bring home the franchise’s first championship in 53 years without leaving the city. The Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs, 105-104, in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals to become the third team in league history to win the first two games of the championship round on the road, joining the 1993 Chicago Bulls and 1995 Houston Rockets.

The Knicks have now won 13 straight playoff games, with 11 of those victories coming by double-figures. The Spurs were a 2-1 favorite in the betting markets entering the series, but the Knicks have out-classed a young San Antonio team on both ends to take complete control in the matchup so far.

The Knicks took a 97-83 lead with six minutes remaining on a driving dunk by OG Anunoby. From there, the Spurs went on a 14-0 run to tie the game. The end of the fourth quarter featured a wild sequence where Jalen Brunson missed a mid-range jump shot with 13 seconds left, Victor Wembanyama grabbed the rebound and tried to throw an outlet pass to teammate Stephon Castle. Only problem: Castle wasn’t looking for the ball, so it hit him in the back and resulted in a turnover. Brunson was fouled after the Knicks recovered the possession, and he split two free throws to give New York the lead. The Spurs had one last chance, but Wembanyama missed an attempt at the game-winning jumper at the buzzer:

For long stretches in this game, it felt like the Knicks had mastered basketball. After the Spurs ended the first quarter with a nine-point lead, New York roared back in the second quarter with what’s quickly becoming their signature blend of selfless ball-movement, skilled shooting, and tough defense. The Knicks have a true five-out offense, and the threat of their shooting is putting San Antonio’s defense in constant rotation. New York has immaculate spacing and an entire lineup that all dribble, pass, and shoot.

It all came together on this possession where all five players touched the ball before Mikal Bridges walked into an opener corner three, which he drilled.

The Knicks have so many weapons offensively that it would be easy to overlook their defense, but their dedication to the other end of the floor is what’s given them such a strong grip on this series. Victor Wembanyama looked like the best player in the world after leading the Spurs to a 7-game Western Conference Finals victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The Knicks are flustered Wembanyama through two games in the NBA Finals by pushing him out to the perimeter, getting into his dribble when he puts the ball on the floor, and making him defend out on the perimeter to pull him away from the paint.

The key for the Knicks on both ends has been Karl-Anthony Towns. He should be Finals MVP if the series ended today.

Towns’ defense has been questioned through his career. He’s completely turned it around defensively during this playoff run. Towns looks comfortable pressuring Wembanyama out on the perimeter defensively, and he has the strength to keep him away his spots around the elbow or inside the paint. He’s also an elite defensive rebounder who has been cleaning up on the glass and allowing New York to win the possession game. Offensively, Towns’ knockdown shooting ability means Wemby can’t hang around the rim. When he sees an opening, KAT is also consistently attacking off the dribble to put pressure on the rim and finish through Wembanyama and other Spurs defenders.

Jalen Brunson took the Knicks home with clutch shot-making down the stretch in Game 1, but for the most part San Antonio has done an excellent job defending him. It’s been the other Knicks who have picked Brunson up. New York’s offense felt way too dependent on Brunson to create everything in previous years. The Knicks no longer feels like a one-man show on offense, and it’s making them so much harder to defend.

Brunson has 50 points on 56 shots so far in this series. He’s still been emptying the clip when the Knicks really need a bucket, but it’s players like OG Anunoby, Bridges, Hart, and reserve guard Landry Shamet have kept the offense humming.

Wembanyama ended the game with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting. The late turnover looking for Castle at the end of Game 2 might haunt the Spurs for a long time.

The Knicks are now up 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals. Game 3 is Monday in Madison Square Garden. It’s going to be incredible. The series just keeps getting better and better.