Samwise NBA Newsletter
Friday, June 5, 2026
Knicks Rally from 14 Down to Win NBA Finals Game 1, 105–95
The New York Knicks rallied from a 14-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 105–95 in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on Wednesday. Jalen Brunson scored 30 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, to power New York’s comeback. Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points and 12 rebounds. Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 26 points and 12 rebounds on 6-of-21 shooting. New York outscored the Spurs 51–28 over the final 18 minutes, closing on an 11–0 run as San Antonio faded. The Knicks lead the 2026 NBA Finals 1–0 heading into Game 2 on Friday night.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Josh Hart Sets NBA Finals Record with 15-Rebound, 6-Assist, 4-Steal Performance
Knicks guard Josh Hart made NBA Finals history in Game 1 against the Spurs on Wednesday, becoming the first player to lead both teams in rebounds, assists and steals in an NBA Finals game. Hart posted 15 rebounds, six assists and four steals in just 27 minutes despite scoring only three points. He also became the first player in NBA history to record at least 15 rebounds, six assists and four steals in any playoff game in under 30 minutes. Hart’s effort anchored New York’s 23–14 edge in second-chance points, which proved pivotal as the Knicks rallied from a 14-point deficit to win 105–95.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports
Brunson Powers Through Knee and Ankle Injuries to Score 30 in Game 1
Jalen Brunson sustained apparent knee and ankle injuries in Game 1 of the NBA Finals but returned to score 30 points in the Knicks’ 105–95 victory over the Spurs on Wednesday. Brunson left the court in the first quarter after a San Antonio player fell into his knee at an awkward angle, then aggravated his ankle after returning. He gutted through both ailments to score 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, powering New York’s game-closing run. Brunson told reporters he expects to be fine and is not listed on the official injury report for Friday night’s Game 2 in San Antonio.
Sources: HoopsHype, Yahoo Sports
Mitchell Robinson Returns from Broken Finger Surgery to Play in NBA Finals Game 1
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson returned from surgery on a fractured right fifth metacarpal to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Spurs on Wednesday, contributing two points and six rebounds in 13 minutes. Robinson had the procedure just five days before the series opener and was listed as questionable entering Game 1 but took the floor wearing a protective brace. He is listed as probable for Game 2 on Friday night and is expected to play through the broken right pinkie finger. Robinson’s availability gives the Knicks their full frontcourt rotation as New York leads the series 1–0.
Sources: Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports
New York’s Second-Chance Points Edge Proves Decisive in Game 1 Victory
The New York Knicks’ offensive rebounding proved the defining edge in their Game 1 victory over the Spurs, with New York building a 23–14 advantage in second-chance points on Wednesday night. Josh Hart grabbed 15 rebounds while Karl-Anthony Towns added four offensive boards among his 12 total, collectively wearing down San Antonio’s defense. Every missed Knicks shot became a new opportunity, disrupting the Spurs’ rhythm and contributing to Victor Wembanyama’s visible exhaustion late in the fourth quarter. Spurs players acknowledged after the game that the offensive rebounds were the decisive factor in the 105–95 defeat that put San Antonio in an early 0–1 series hole.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, NBA.com
Wembanyama Visibly Fatigued Late in Game 1 as Knicks’ Multiple Coverages Take Toll
Victor Wembanyama finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds in his NBA Finals debut but was visibly fatigued in the fourth quarter of the Spurs’ 105–95 Game 1 loss on Wednesday. The Knicks toggled multiple defensive coverages to disrupt Wembanyama’s touches throughout the night, forcing him into difficult late-clock situations and consistently bumping him off balance on drives to the rim. His 6-of-21 shooting reflected those constant disruptions. San Antonio was outscored by three points with Wembanyama on the floor and by seven in the 10 minutes he sat, underscoring the Spurs’ need to better manage his workload in Game 2.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
Spurs Must Adjust as Game 2 of the NBA Finals Tips Off Friday Night in San Antonio
The San Antonio Spurs face a pivotal Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday night at Frost Bank Center (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC), trailing New York 1–0 after Wednesday’s 105–95 loss. San Antonio built a 14-point lead in the third quarter before the Knicks outscored them 51–28 over the final 18 minutes. Spurs players acknowledged the need to take better care of the ball and get Victor Wembanyama into more dangerous offensive positions rather than isolated on the perimeter. A second loss on Friday would put San Antonio at a significant disadvantage as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4 next week.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, NBA.com
2026 NBA Playoffs — Finals
Eastern Conference
Round 1 — Knicks def. Hawks 4–2
Semis — Knicks def. 76ers 4–0
ECF — Knicks def. Cavaliers 4–0
Western Conference
Round 1 — Spurs def. Trail Blazers 4–1
Semis — Spurs def. Timberwolves 4–2
WCF — Spurs def. Thunder 4–3
NBA Finals
New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs — Knicks lead 1–0
Game 2: Friday, June 5 — Frost Bank Center, San Antonio (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Game 3: Monday, June 8 — Madison Square Garden, New York
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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