Knicks win dramatic Game 2 in San Antonio and travel to New York with a 2-0 lead

The Knicks, who had led by as many as 14 points, had to fight for the win in the final phase. San Antonio started a 14-0 run and tied the game at 97-97 three minutes before the end. The fact that New York managed to hold onto the narrow lead underscored the team's resilience in a phase where many championship aspirations often falter.

Historic Constellation

With their victory in San Antonio, the Knicks extended their winning streak in the current playoffs to 13 consecutive games. This brings them closer to the record set by the Golden State Warriors, who set the league's best mark with 15 consecutive playoff wins in 2007. Another team achieved a comparable start to a Finals series over three decades ago: The Houston Rockets won the first two Finals games on the road against the Orlando Magic in 1995.

The situation before the games in New York is thus clearly shifted in favor of the Knicks. In the best-of-seven series, which requires four wins to clinch the championship, the New York team can perfect the championship with two more victories at Madison Square Garden. Should San Antonio win at least one of the upcoming games, the series would shift back.

Political Applause from the Stands?

The announcement by US President Donald Trump that he intends to attend at least one of the two games in New York as a spectator is causing additional attention. This brings the sporting contest into the public eye beyond the sporting arena. The Knicks organization has not yet publicly commented on the announced visit.

On the Knicks' side, center Karl-Anthony Towns had clear words for the late success. "We won this game because we earned a lead. We gave ourselves a chance to win this game, and we did it," Towns said after the game. He also expressed great respect for his opponent.

Reactions After the Game

His assessment of Victor Wembanyama was unmistakable: "He's a great player, one that comes along once a generation. I just tried to make it as hard as possible for him. I'm just happy to be playing basketball." With this, Towns simultaneously acknowledged the Frenchman's performance without diminishing his own victory.

It was Wembanyama who, with his 29 points, largely shaped the Spurs' game for a long time and gave his team the opportunity to turn the game around in the first place. His turnover in the decisive second was highlighted as the game-deciding play in post-game analyses. Had the shot on the Spurs' final possession gone in, San Antonio could still have won the game.

The Knicks will play Game 3 on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, followed by Game 4 a few days later at the same venue. Should both home games be lost, the series would return to San Antonio. Statistically, it should be noted that no team has had such a long playoff winning streak this season as the Knicks.