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Recap: Jalen Brunson lifts Knicks late to defeat Spurs in Game 1

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Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks closed out the San Antonio Spurs in the clutch to take Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

Jalen Brunson (30 pts) scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to take the New York Knicks home in the clutch, lifting them to a 105-95 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

It was the 12th straight Playoff win for the Knicks. They’re the third team in NBA history to reach that milestone, joining the 1999 Spurs and 2015 Warriors.

What we know after Game 1 of the NBA Finals:

  • The Knicks won 105-95, earning their 12th straight win in this Playoff run.
  • Postgame Presser: Knicks-Spurs
  • This series will reconvene Friday at 8:30 ET on ABC.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 11:40 ET

One time for New York

JUNE 3, 2026 / 11:31 ET

Postgame Presser: Knicks-Spurs

JUNE 3, 2026 / 11:15 ET

Knicks win 105-95

New York closed on a 11-0 run, dominating in the clutch to take Game 1 over San Antonio and bring home court advantage back to their fans in Madison Square Garden.

“Wasn’t really our night, wasn’t really my night most of the night,” said Jalen Brunson (30 pts). “I like how resilient we were… Our togetherness was really the biggest difference.”

Josh Hart (15 reb, 6 ast, 4 stl) was a force for the Knicks, while Karl-Anthony Towns (18 pts, 12 reb) carried the offense when the flow lagged.

Then, down the stretch, it was Brunson, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

“The Knicks have one of the great closers in the NBA, and he proved it again tonight,” said Richard Jefferson.

Victor Wembanyama (26 pts, 12 reb, 3 blk) was the top scorer for the Spurs. San Antonio didn’t have someone to drive the offense in the clutch tonight, as De’Aaron Fox (7 pts) was limited.

It’s the 12th straight win in these Playoffs for the Knicks.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 11:08 ET

Knicks strike back

Jalen Brunson (30 pts) and Mikal Bridges (9 pts) have the last seven points for the Knicks, while Josh Hart (14 reb, 6 ast, 4 stl) is flying around.

New York’s kept fighting all night, refusing to let the Spurs’ energy shake them. Their captain has led them, scrapping his way through injury and tough defense for bucket after bucket.

“I’ve run out of words for Jalen Brunson in these situations,” said Tim Legler. “It’s the shot-making.”

“He’s become one of the great Playoff performers of his era,” said Mike Breen.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 11:04 ET

The Wemby factor

On one end, Victor Wembanyama (26 pts, 12 reb, 3 blk) altered a floater from Jalen Brunson and grabbed the rebound.

On the other, he caught a lob in the lane, drawing a foul and stepping to the line for two free throws, which he made.

The Spurs’ superstar has a presence few others can match.

95-94 Spurs with 2:12 to go, with San Antonio on a 9-0 run.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 11:01 ET

Spurs defense locking in

94-90 Knicks with 4:04 to go, as the Spurs’ defense forces misses on tough, fading midrange jumpers from Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson to keep them alive.

Victor Wembanyama (21 pts) hit a clutch stepback 3-pointer as well, taking the ball up the court and stepping into it without hesitation.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 10:56 ET

‘A Brunson barrage here in the fourth quarter’

Jalen Brunson (24 pts) just scooped in another layup. He has the last eight points for the Knicks, willing his way to success against tough defense from San Antonio.

On the other end, Victor Wembanyama (18 pts, 9 reb) has been bothered by the defense of Karl-Anthony Towns (18 pts, 12 reb) and Mitchell Robinson.

94-86 Knicks with 6:03 to go in the fourth.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 10:48 ET

OG on target

The Knicks’ forward (13 pts) has stepped up here in the fourth quarter, including this calm 3-pointer from the quarter.

He’s been aided by Jalen Brunson (22 pts), who keeps stepping up on a banged-up knee to help lead New York here on the road.

92-86 Knicks with 6:34 to go in the contest.

“It has been a gritty, tough game,” said Mike Breen.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 10:34 ET

Tied at 76 after three

The Spurs led by as many as 14, but the Knicks rallied back to tie the game at 76 as we head to the fourth quarter in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Dylan Harper (16 pts) leads the way for San Antonio, while Karl-Anthony Towns (18 pts, 10 reb) is the top man for New York.

Jalen Brunson (17 pts on 7-of-22 shooting) and Victor Wembanyama (15 pts on 3-of-13 shooting) are misfiring, but working their way to success for their teams.

Will one find their rhythm here in the fourth? Tune in to ABC to find out.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 10:26 ET

Knicks cut into the lead

New York’s on a 15-4 run to diminish the San Antonio advantage to 71-69 with 2:52 to go in the third quarter.

Karl-Anthony Towns (18 pts, 10 reb) has nine points in the quarter, dueling with Victor Wembanyama (13 pts, 5 reb). The six-time All-Star has looked comfortable on the big stage.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 10:14 ET

San Antonio opens up the lead

63-50 Spurs with 6:50 to go in the third quarter, as Victor Wembanyama (13 pts, 4 reb, 3 blk) heads to the bench for San Antonio.

The Knicks are looking for a foothold. They’re at a 14-3 disadvantage in fast break points — a calling card for the team against the Cavaliers.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 9:45 ET

Spurs lead 55-48 at the half

De’Aaron Fox (4 pts, 4 ast) just stole the ball from Jalen Brunson (11 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast) and drove for a fast-break layup, then whipped a one-handed lefty bullet to Julian Champagnie (15 pts, 5-of-6 3PA) in the corner for another 3-pointer.

It was a fitting capper for the Spurs, who went at the Knicks throughout the half, building on their form from Game 7 against the Thunder.

The Knicks are 20-of-49 (40.8%) from the field, while the Spurs are 18-of-45 (40.0%).

JUNE 3, 2026 / 9:41 ET

Champagnie’s buckets

Julian Champagnie (12 pts, 4-of-5 3PA) is heating up for the Spurs, knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers.

The Brooklyn native had 11 3-pointers against the Knicks on Dec. 31, as the Spurs earned their sole win of the season in the season series 134-132.

As one of their few knockdown long-range shooters, his performance is always a meaningful barometer for the Spurs.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 9:35 ET

Brunson still out there

The Spurs have put Carter Bryant, who gave Shai Gilgeous-Alexander some trouble in the Western Conference Finals, on Jalen Brunson (11 pts), who seems no worse for wear after coming up gimpy.

“Brunson has an iron will,” said Mike Breen as the Knicks’ captain swerved his way to the rim for two.

38-37 Knicks with 4:17 to go in the half.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 9:30 ET

3-pointers not falling yet

The two teams are a combined 8-of-31 (25.8%) from 3-point range so far. The Finals stage often makes it tough to shoot — both teams have to get used to it.

Jalen Brunson is now battling an ankle tweak, adding to his physical woes from tonight’s contest. He is, obviously, crucial to the Knicks — New York holds its breath.

37-32 Spurs with 5:52 to go in the quarter.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 9:23 ET

Knicks rallying

Karl-Anthony Towns (6 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast) has been going at Victor Wembanyama (7 pts, 2 blk) with Jalen Brunson off the floor.

The two centers have been battling early — the emotion is fun to watch.

Spurs up 31-28 with 8:03 to go in the second quarter.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 9:16 ET

Karl-Anthony Towns believes

“Staying together what’s got us to the moment,” the Knicks’ center said in the quarter-break interview. “Staying together is what’s going to get us through it.”

Jalen Brunson is back on the Knicks bench.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 9:12 ET

Spurs lead 27-19 after one

San Antonio looked no worse for their quick turnaround in the first quarter, holding New York to 8-of-24 (33.3%) shooting.

Dylan Harper (10 pts) is +13 so far, while Landry Shamet is -15 for the Knicks.

If Shamet can’t stay with the Spurs guards, Mike Brown will have to go deeper into his bench. Maybe San Antonio native Jordan Clarkson? NBA Cup Final hero Tyler Kolek? He does have options.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 9:06 ET

Brunson starting slow

The Knicks’ captain (3 PTS) is 1-of-7 so far in the contest, harried by Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.

He just took a shot to the knee from a falling Harrison Barnes, then got attacked by Harper (10 pts) for a floater in the lane on the next possession. He’s headed back to the locker room for treatment.

27-17 Spurs with 1:27 to go in the first quarter.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 9:01 ET

Dylan Harper making an impact

The rookie guard (8 pts) just stole the ball and went coast-to-coast, drawing a foul, picked up an and-one bucket in the lane and stuck a 3-pointer.

“Dylan Harper on fire in his first Finals game! That’s one rambunctious rookie,” said Mike Breen.

Harper’s been impressive throughout this Playoff run — his sense of angles and timing around the rim is special, and he has good athleticism and strength to back it up.

22-17 Spurs with 2:57 to go in the first, as San Antonio continues a 15-3 run.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 8:46 ET

Knicks up early

10-7 New York with 7:52 to go in the first, as they hold San Antonio to 3-of-11 (27.3%) shooting to start the contest.

OG Anunoby (5 pts) is the top scorer for the Knicks, as he and Jalen Brunson hit their first 3-point attempts of the game.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 8:30 ET

The NBA Finals are about to begin

JUNE 3, 2026 / 8:13 ET

The Jackals are ready to howl

“With tremendous effort and results (they’ve realized my vision),” Victor Wembanyama said of The Jackals cheering section at Media Day. “I knew for years this Spurs community had it in them, and now to see it organized into something efficient and effective, it’s a great joy.”

Wembanyama founded the group of avid Spurs supporters ahead of the 2025-26 season.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 8:00 ET

Patrick Ewing in the place to be

New York royalty. A warrior. Only fitting that he’s in the building to see the Knicks pursue glory.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 7:30 ET

The Knicks’ captain gets loose

JUNE 3, 2026 / 7:05 ET

These two teams went down to the wire this season

JUNE 3, 2026 / 6:30 ET

Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks are in San Antonio to face the Spurs in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

New York:

  • PG Jalen Brunson
    • Brunson discussed the challenge of going up against Stephon Castle at Media Day. “I think his intensity and tenacity are special… He’s something you definitely have to game plan for, and just be smart.” We’ll see if Castle’s strength can bother Brunson in the mid-post, where he is consistently dominant.
  • SG Josh Hart
    • Hart shot 41.3% from 3-point range during the regular season, but that’s dipped to 30.3% in the postseason. It’s been enough to keep him viable, but the Spurs may try to cheat off him — watch that as an early variable in this series.
  • SF Mikal Bridges
    • The NBA’s current iron man is cruising along, as always, in the Playoffs, basically mirroring his regular season production. He may need to step it up in this series, as the Spurs have the defenders to bother Brunson. Can Bridges be a consistent second option when the lights are at their brightest?
  • PF OG Anunoby
    • Anunoby will likely draw the initial assignment on Victor Wembanyama, allowing Karl-Anthony Towns to lurk around the rim and block shots. Wembanyama punished the Thunder for going small in the Western Conference Finals, but OG is an elite all-around defender, with a 7’2″ wingspan, and mirrors Wemby at roughly 240 pounds.
  • C Karl-Anthony Towns
    • Towns was a team-low -10 against the Spurs this season (over all three games, including the Emirates NBA Cup Final) despite shooting 51.6/36.4/92.3 from the field. This is the biggest stage the six-time All-Star has ever played on. Will he be able to step up in this matchup?

San Antonio:

  • PG De’Aaron Fox
    • Will Fox be able to hold up against Jalen Brunson on switches? Brunson shot 6-for-11 against him for 15 points over 33.3 possessions in the regular season.
  • SG Stephon Castle
    • Castle’s eager for the challenge of guarding the Knicks’ captain. “What’s worked for me is trying to be physical with him,” he said at Media Day. “Trying to be as disciplined I can, crowd his space, but not give him the angles that he’s looking for.”
  • SF Devin Vassell
    • Vassell averaged 13.9 ppg, including 39.6% shooting from 3-point range, while largely being guarded by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Western Conference Finals. He’ll have to be able to hold up physically against the strength of the Knicks wings and potentially punish Brunson on the offensive end.
  • PF Julian Champagnie
    • The Brooklyn native was crucial in Game 7 against the Thunder, knocking down six 3-pointers en route to the victory. He can go off like a supernova.
  • C Victor Wembanyama
    • The Alien ascends to the global stage tonight. He had a transcendent Game 1 against the Thunder — all eyes will be on him tonight, as he seeks to match it.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 6:00 ET

Tuesday’s injury report

Mitchell Robinson is questionable with a fractured right fifth metacarpal bone. The metacarpals connect the fingers to the wrist.

JUNE 3, 2026 / 5:30 ET

Two great teams prepare for the NBA Finals

Welcome to the biggest stage in basketball. It’s the culmination of a long season.

Enjoy the drama, and the moment.

 

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