Samwise NBA Newsletter
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Knicks Survive Spurs' Furious Rally to Win Game 2, Take 2-0 NBA Finals Lead
The New York Knicks survived a dramatic fourth-quarter scare to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday, taking a 2-0 series lead. Karl-Anthony Towns posted 21 points, 13 rebounds and four assists, while Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 20. San Antonio erased a 14-point deficit to tie the game in the final minutes, but Victor Wembanyama committed a costly turnover and then missed a game-winning jumper at the buzzer to end the comeback. Brunson drew a foul on Wembanyama and sank the go-ahead free throw with 13 seconds remaining. “I threw that one away. I messed up,” Wembanyama said.
Knicks' 13-Game Postseason Win Streak is Now Second-Longest in NBA Playoff History
With their 105-104 Game 2 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the New York Knicks extended their postseason winning streak to 13 consecutive games — now the second-longest in NBA playoff history, according to Yahoo Sports. Only the 2017 Golden State Warriors, who won a record 15 straight on their way to a championship, have exceeded the streak. Over the 13-game run, New York has outscored opponents by 273 points — the best such margin in NBA playoff history — and has won four games by 30 or more points. Their 2-0 Finals lead puts them within two wins of the franchise's first NBA championship since 1973.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated
Karl-Anthony Towns Tops NBA Finals MVP Ladder After Dominant Two-Game Opening
Karl-Anthony Towns has taken over the NBA Finals MVP ladder following the New York Knicks' 2-0 series lead over San Antonio. The Knicks center posted 21 points, 13 rebounds and four assists in Game 2 after contributing 18 points and 12 rebounds in Game 1. According to NBA.com, Towns became the first Knick to record a 20-point double-double in a Finals road game since Dave DeBusschere in 1973. Charles Barkley endorsed Towns as the frontrunner, saying: “The MVP of the Finals is going to be Karl-Anthony Towns. He has played two of the best games I have ever seen a big man play.”
Sources: NBA.com
Wembanyama's Costly Turnover and Missed Buzzer Jumper Seal Spurs' Game 2 Loss
Victor Wembanyama's two costly late-game mistakes doomed the San Antonio Spurs in their 105-104 Game 2 NBA Finals loss to the New York Knicks on Friday. With the game tied in the closing seconds, Wembanyama grabbed a defensive rebound but threw an errant outlet pass to Stephon Castle, who was not anticipating the ball, surrendering possession. Jalen Brunson then drew a foul on Wembanyama and sank the go-ahead free throw. On San Antonio's final possession, Wembanyama received the ball and missed a game-winning jumper at the buzzer. “I need to have more poise, more control over the game,” he said. “I threw that one away. I messed up.”
Sources: Sports Illustrated, NBA.com
Knicks Host Spurs at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 With President Trump Attending
The New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, with New York holding a 2-0 series lead. The Knicks have issued a notice to fans requesting they arrive at least two hours before tipoff and bring as little as possible to the arena, citing enhanced security measures for the expected attendance of President Donald Trump. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN. San Antonio enters as a 2-point underdog. ESPN will also feature an alternate presentation with Pat McAfee calling the game alongside Quentin Richardson and Kendrick Perkins.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Miami Heat Submit Formal Trade Package to Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Miami Heat have submitted a formal trade package to the Milwaukee Bucks for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to Yahoo Sports. Miami's reported offer includes Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and two future first-round picks. Antetokounmpo has identified the Heat as the only franchise he would sign a long-term contract extension with if traded, though he has raised questions about what Miami's roster would look like following the deal, per HoopsHype. The Bucks' ownership wants a resolution before the June 23 NBA Draft, as multiple teams remain in pursuit of the superstar.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, HoopsHype
Mitchell Robinson Competing in NBA Finals With Broken Right Pinkie Finger
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is competing in the NBA Finals while managing a broken right pinkie finger, with Sports Illustrated's injury tracker updated Sunday ahead of Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. Robinson suffered a fracture of his fifth metacarpal prior to the series under circumstances that remain unclear; the team confirmed the injury did not occur during a game or practice. Robinson underwent surgery before returning to the lineup for Game 1, posting two points and six rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench. He is expected to remain on New York's injury report for the remainder of the NBA Finals series.
Sources: Sports Illustrated, NBA.com
NBA Finals 2026
NBA Finals
(1) New York Knicks vs. (1) San Antonio Spurs
Knicks lead series 2–0
Game 1: Knicks 105, Spurs 95 — June 3
Game 2: Knicks 105, Spurs 104 — June 5
Game 3: Mon. June 8, 8:30 p.m. ET at MSG
Game 4: Wed. June 10, 8:30 p.m. ET at MSG
Series Leaders (Through Game 2)
KAT (NYK): 19.5 pts, 12.5 reb, 4.0 ast
Brunson (NYK): 25.0 pts, 4.5 reb, 5.5 ast
Wembanyama (SAS): 26.0 pts, 12.0 reb
Broadcast
ABC · ESPN · 8:30 p.m. ET
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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