SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Diya TV) — Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals lived up to the hype as the New York Knicks rallied past the San Antonio Spurs for a 105-95 victory Thursday night.
The game was deadlocked through three quarters before the Knicks’ composure and playoff experience took over in the final period.
Jalen Brunson struggled with his shooting for much of the night, finishing 12-of-31 from the field, but delivered when it mattered most. The Knicks star knocked down a clutch three-pointer and followed it with a difficult fadeaway jumper late in the fourth quarter to help seal the win. Brunson finished with 30 points, becoming the first Knick since Willis Reed in 1970 to score 30 points in a Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
New York faced a 14-point deficit in the third quarter but mounted an impressive comeback behind relentless offensive rebounding and strong defensive play. The Spurs connected on just two three-pointers in the second half, allowing the Knicks to seize momentum and close the game on an 11-0 run.
Making their first NBA Finals appearance in 27 years — coincidentally against the same franchise they faced in 1999 when the Spurs were led by David Robinson and Tim Duncan — the Knicks continued their remarkable postseason run. New York improved to 13-2 in the playoffs and 8-1 on the road while extending its winning streak to 12 consecutive playoff games.
The loss marked the first time in franchise history that San Antonio has dropped a Game 1 in the NBA Finals. The Spurs had previously been 6-0 in Finals openers.
Victor Wembanyama recorded 26 points and 12 rebounds in his NBA Finals debut for San Antonio but struggled with his efficiency, shooting just 6-of-21 from the field.
Game 2 is set for Friday night in San Antonio.
