Full Breakdown
Knicks Take 2-0 Lead in NBA Finals as Wembanyama’s Missed Pass Sets Up Brunson’s Game-Winner
6/7/2026, 1:35:21 PM
Knicks Win First Two Games on the Road
The New York Knicks captured a 2-0 advantage in the NBA Finals after winning the first two games of the series against the San Antonio Spurs. The Knicks became the third team ever to win the first two games of a Finals series on the road, joining the Chicago Bulls (1993) and the Houston Rockets (1995). After a quiet first half, San Antonio’s 22-year-old forward Victor Wembanyama sparked a comeback with 22 second-half points, narrowing the gap. In the final seconds the scores were level as Wembanyama passed the ball into Castle’s back, which gave Brunson a chance to grab the winning basket.
Historical Context of Away Wins
The Knicks are appearing in the Finals for the first time since 1999. Their 2-0 road start mirrors only two prior instances: the Chicago Bulls in 1993 and the Houston Rockets in 1995, both of which proceeded to capture the championship after winning the opening two games away from home.
Key Players and Performances
Victor Wembanyama, the 22-year-old French forward, led San Antonio’s resurgence with a 22-point second-half surge, but his misplaced pass in the closing moments allowed the Knicks to seize the lead. Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ player, capitalized on the opportunity and credited the team environment for his performance.
Official Statements & Responses
After the game, Wembanyama acknowledged that he was not at his best, emphasizing the need to avoid extreme highs and lows and saying he would use his regret as fuel for the next contest. Brunson credited the road setting and the trust among teammates, noting that the mutual confidence helped the team reach this point in the series.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need to never get too high and never get too low,” — Victor Wembanyama, Forward, San Antonio Spurs
- “I threw that [misplaced pass] away.” — Victor Wembanyama, Forward, San Antonio Spurs
- “Am I going to regret it? Yes, of course. Am I going to use that to fuel me and to fuel us next game? Absolutely.” — Victor Wembanyama, Forward, San Antonio Spurs
- “I think most importantly, knowing we're on the road, and knowing my team-mates have my back, I think that's the biggest thing in an environment like this,” — Jalen Brunson, Player, New York Knicks
- “The trust they have in me and the trust I have in them, it's got us to this point.” — Jalen Brunson, Player, New York Knicks
What’s Next
The next game is scheduled for Monday at Madison Square Gardens in New York City. U.S. President Donald Trump, who was born in New York City, plans to attend as the Knicks pursue their first championship since 1973.
