The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, May 20, 2026, to take a 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals [1].
This victory is significant because the Knicks stole home-court advantage from the Spurs in the opening game of the championship series. It marks a critical step for a franchise that has not won a championship since 1973 [2].
The game took place at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas [1]. New York faced a steep climb after falling behind by 22 points [3]. However, the Knicks rallied to secure the win, though reporting on the final score varies. Some outlets reported a final score of 105-95 [1], while others cited a 115-93 victory in overtime [3].
Jalen Brunson led the effort for New York, scoring 30 points [1]. He was particularly dominant in the final period, accounting for 13 of those points in the fourth quarter [1]. His performance allowed the Knicks to outpace the Spurs and their star player, Victor Wembanyama [1].
Following the game, Brunson emphasized the need for continued focus as the series progresses. "We can't just be satisfied," Brunson said [2].
The road win puts New York in a commanding position as the series shifts. By overcoming a double-digit deficit on the road, the Knicks have established psychological momentum against the San Antonio defense [3].
“The Knicks rallied from a 22-point deficit to steal Game 1.”
Winning Game 1 on the road is statistically a major advantage in the NBA Finals. By neutralizing Victor Wembanyama's impact and overcoming a significant deficit, the Knicks have demonstrated a level of resilience and clutch scoring that puts immense pressure on the Spurs to respond in the remaining home games.
