The NBA Finals 2026 began with a strong comeback story as the New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 at the Frost Bank Center. They overturned a 14-point deficit to win 105-95 on the road.
Jalen Brunson led the way with 30 points as New York controlled the final quarter.
This article breaks down how the Knicks shifted momentum, key performances, and where the game was decided.
Knicks Comeback Shifts Momentum Of NBA Finals 2026 Game 1
San Antonio started faster and built an early lead behind Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs stayed in control through most of the first half and into the third quarter.
However, New York slowly reduced the gap with better defense and smarter possessions.
Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points and 12 rebounds, keeping the Knicks close throughout the contest.
As the game progressed, New York applied steady pressure and forced San Antonio into difficult possessions.
Brunson Leads The Final Push As Knicks Close Strong In The NBA Finals 2026
The fourth quarter completely changed the game. Jalen Brunson took over and scored 13 of his 30 points in the final period.
New York closed with an 11-0 run, turning a tight contest into a clear win.
The Knicks also protected the ball extremely well, finishing with just 8 turnovers compared to 13 from the Spurs. That control played a key role in their late surge.
Josh Hart delivered one of the most impactful all-around performances of the night. He finished with 3 points but added 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals, along with a game-high +22 plus-minus.
His hustle and defensive pressure helped swing momentum in crucial moments.
Spurs Struggle As Wembanyama Faces Heavy Pressure
Victor Wembanyama tried to save the game, but struggled with efficiency. He finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds.
He shot 6-of-21 against a physical Knicks defense that tightened in key moments.
San Antonio also struggled from deep, finishing 11-of-43 from three-point range. Outside of Julian Champagnie’s five makes, the rest of the team shot poorly from distance.
Turnovers and missed shots disrupted their rhythm late, and they could not respond during New York’s decisive run.
Knicks Extend Playoff Winning Streak With 11 Straight Victories
New York extended its playoff winning streak to 12 straight games with this victory. That consistency has become a defining strength in their postseason run.
They are now just three wins away from their first NBA title since 1973. Their balance of defense, rebounding, and late-game execution has given them early control of the series.
Game 2 now shifts to San Antonio at the Frost Bank Center, where the Spurs will need a strong response to level things.
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Conclusion
Game 1 highlighted the difference between control and collapse. The Knicks stayed composed under pressure and finished stronger when it mattered most.
San Antonio will need sharper shooting and cleaner execution moving forward. The series is still early, but momentum clearly belongs to New York after a strong start in the NBA Finals 2026.
