sports
Knicks Win Game 2 of NBA Finals 105-104 Despite Brunson Shooting Struggles
New York held off San Antonio in Game 2 after the Spurs erased a late double-digit lead. Jalen Brunson finished 19-for-56 from the field across the first two games but scored the decisive points in the final minutes of both contests.
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The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday night at Frost Bank Center. Jalen Brunson shot 19-for-56 from the field and 4-for-17 from three-point range over the first two games while committing eight turnovers.
He still delivered the go-ahead points in the final two minutes of both contests, becoming the first player since at least 1971 to accomplish that feat.
Antonio repeatedly blitzed Brunson on screens and collapsed on him in the paint. Spurs players also picked him up full court and made physical contact away from the ball, tactics largely permitted by the officials. De’Aaron Fox said the Spurs aimed to make shots difficult for Brunson.
“We’re just trying to make it difficult on him,” Fox said. ” Brunson still converted a jumper to tie the score and a free throw after stealing a Victor Wembanyama pass to give New York its final lead.
The Spurs mounted a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter after Brunson missed three consecutive shots. New York regained the lead with under two minutes remaining. Karl-Anthony Towns credited Brunson’s finishing ability. “I see Captain Clutch doing what he’s always been doing since I got here,” Towns said.
Brunson said the Spurs are expected to increase their physicality in Game 3 on Monday and that the Knicks must match that intensity for a full 48 minutes. >"Knowing them, there’s going to be another level.
