New York Seized Home-Court Advantage After Closing the Game on an 11-0 Run at Frost Bank Center
The San Antonio Spurs will have work to do after dropping Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Wednesday night.
The New York Knicks defeated the Spurs 105-95 at Frost Bank Center, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series and wresting home-court advantage away from San Antonio.
The loss marked the Spurs’ first Finals game in years, but the atmosphere inside Frost Bank Center reflected the excitement surrounding a franchise that has returned to the league’s biggest stage.
Spurs Battle But Come Up Short
Despite a hot start shooting the ball the Spurs ultimately struggled from beyond the arc going just 11-for-43 (26%) as a team. The Silver and Black were uncharacteristically outdone in the paint relenting 50 points to the Knicks while only putting up 42 points themselves.
Victor Wembanyama finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks, leading San Antonio’s effort in his first NBA Finals. It wasn’t his best shooting night as he went 6-for-21 from the field and just 2-for-9 from distance. He also finished the game with a team high six turnovers, including a crucial one in the games waning minutes.
Stephon Castle had 17 points and eight rebounds but struggled from the floor going 7-for-16 and 1-for-5 from distance. Julian Champagnie added 16 points including five threes for the Silver and Black. Rookie Dylan Harper, who has had a strong postseason had another strong game finishing with 16 points off the bench.
De’Aaron Fox’s struggles continued in Game 1. The veteran guard finished with just seven points, four rebounds, and five assists. He finished the game just 3-for-13 from the field and a goose egg from three.
Brunson Leads New York’s Late Surge
The night however belonged to the Knicks Jalen Brunson who paced the Orange and Blue with 30 points, including 13 fourth quarter points to lead all players. Big body Brunson shook off two first half injury scares and finished strong on 12-for-31 shooting.
Knick big man Karl Anthony-Towns continued his strong play finishing with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Josh Hart, the Knicks’ Mr. Do-Everything, struggled on the offensive side but had 15 rebounds and six dimes.
OG Anunoby had 17 points for New York — which has won 12 consecutive playoff games, the seventh team to have such a streak in NBA history.
Despite multiple opportunities to regain control, San Antonio could not find enough offense down the stretch as the Knicks secured the road win. The visiting Knicks closed out the game on an 11-0 run in the game’s final two minutes.
Opportunity to Respond Quickly
While the loss stings, the Spurs remain in a familiar position. Championship series are often defined by adjustments, and San Antonio will have little time to dwell on the opener.
The focus now shifts to Game 2, where the Spurs will attempt to even the series before it moves to Madison Square Garden.
A victory Friday would erase the early deficit and restore momentum heading into New York.
Next Up
The Spurs and Knicks will meet again in Game 2 on Friday, June 5, at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CDT.
