The Finals — The Second Game
Can’t stop, won’t stop.
Tonight in San Antonio, the Knicks can continue their winning ways and put this series to bed. If they take a 2-0 lead back to New York City, they will have the Spurs exactly where they want them.
So far, David has conquered Goliath. Jalen Brunson slayed Victor Wembanyama in Game 1. Tonight, the Knicks must account for any adjustments the Spurs make and take care of business on the road.
In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Brunson was the hero. He overcame knee and ankle injuries and obnoxious heckling, but he silenced the noise. So did his teammates, including Karl-Anthony Towns, who isn’t supposed to be the star big man of this series, but played like one on Wednesday.
When Brunson left the first quarter to nurse his knee, the Knicks needed someone to turn to. Towns’s offensive surge this postseason has been key to the Knicks’ 12-game win streak. He has proven to be more than a strong three-point shooter or an interior piece. In Game 1, he was a multi-dimensional force, scoring over Wemby and toppling his defenders.
Towns has become a leader on this Knicks team. He is one of the biggest voices in the locker room, and when he speaks, his teammates listen. He is no longer second to Brunson; he is his partner in crime. After all, even a dragon slayer needs support.
Naturally, given his alien-like stature, it is hard for any player to match Wembanyama’s pace. Stephon Castle is a talented guard, but ultimately, the Knicks hold the upper hand over him and Wemby because of their experience. Not only have Brunson and Towns been playing together for two years, but they have more collective NBA experience than San Antonio’s counter-duo.
If the Knicks can keep things close for 36 minutes tonight, the fourth quarter will become their domain. That said, how they start the game is very important. The Spurs overcame three single-game deficits this postseason, including a 1-0 deficit against Minnesota in the second round. These series are seven games for a reason. No lead is ever safe.
The Knicks’ bench played a key role in Game 1 as well, including Landry Shamet, who led the bench with 13 points and a trio of triples. Jose Alvarado was also important, immediately assuming the role of Brunson’s backup once he hurt his knee. Alvarado is shorter than Brunson, but he makes himself known on the court.
Despite being nearly 1.5 feet shorter than Wembanyama, Alvarado took shots at the beast. Wemby felt uncomfortable when Alvarado drew a goaltending call on him. The Knicks’ prized trade deadline acquisition proved his worth, showing, like Brunson, that despite his size, he is tough.
“I wasn’t scared of the moment,” Alvarado said. “This is something I live for, and I just want to take advantage of it and do what the team needs. I don’t fear nobody. [Wembanyama is] a great player. He’s going to block shots regardless of what you do. That one went my way.”
Speaking of fearlessness, Josh Hart never altered his game plan despite experiencing early foul trouble in the first quarter. He finished the game with 15 rebounds, six assists, and four steals. He never stopped pushing, giving it his all, and leaving everything on the floor for his teammates.
“It takes humility and just a willingness to sacrifice. We’re in the NBA Finals,” Hart said. “There are millions of people watching. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the human nature of waiting to get recognition, wanting to score the ball, wanting to show people what you can do on the biggest stage.”
The Knicks hope to continue making noise tonight in San Antonio. They have a chance to grab momentum by the horns and inch their way closer to their first title since 1973.
Game Information
Teams: New York Knicks (RS: 53-29, 22-19 Away) at San Antonio Spurs (RS: 62-20, 32-8 Home)
Time: 8:30 PM
Networks: ABC, ESPN App (Pregame and Postgame on MSG, Gotham Sports)
Venue: Frost Bank Center — 1 Frost Bank Center Drive, San Antonio, TX 78219
Monday Line: SA -6.5 (ESPN Bet)
