The Knicks entered Frost Bank Center as underdogs and left with a convincing 105-95 victory over the Spurs. While many expected a high-scoring contest led by San Antonio’s star players, New York controlled the game with defense, rebounding, and second-half execution.

Here’s a closer look at the key performances and moments that shaped the outcome.

New York Delivers an Impressive Road Win

The Knicks won by 10 points after entering the matchup with strong momentum, having won 11 consecutive games and coming off an extended rest period following their sweep of Cleveland.

Their defensive preparation was evident throughout the night, particularly against Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio’s perimeter attack. New York stayed disciplined, forced mistakes, and took advantage of key opportunities in transition.

Spurs’ Shooting Struggles Prove Costly

One of the biggest factors in the game was San Antonio’s shooting from beyond the arc. The Spurs connected on just 11 of their 43 three-point attempts, making it difficult to generate consistent offense.

Despite entering the game as one of the league’s highest-scoring teams, the Spurs were unable to find their rhythm. Their cold shooting allowed New York to control the pace and prevent any significant scoring runs.

Wembanyama Fills the Stat Sheet

Victor Wembanyama finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks. While those numbers appear strong on paper, his efficiency was affected by a difficult shooting night.

Much of his scoring came at the free-throw line, where he converted 12 of 13 attempts. However, he shot just 6-for-21 from the field and committed six turnovers, several of which led directly to Knicks points.

New York’s ability to limit his impact in key moments played a major role in the final result.

Fox Struggles Against Knicks Defense

De’Aaron Fox had one of his toughest performances of the postseason, finishing with seven points on 3-for-13 shooting.

The Knicks consistently targeted him in pick-and-roll situations and forced him into foul trouble early. As the game progressed, San Antonio struggled to generate offense through its usual primary creator.

The second half highlighted those issues, with New York outscoring the Spurs 57-40 over the final two quarters.

Brunson Finds Other Ways to Score

Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 30 points despite an off night from three-point range.

Rather than relying on outside shooting, Brunson attacked the basket, scored in the paint, and converted his opportunities at the free-throw line. Although his efficiency fluctuated throughout the game, his ability to create offense remained critical to New York’s success.

Josh Hart’s Impact Goes Beyond Scoring

Josh Hart scored only three points, but his overall contribution was enormous.

Hart finished with 15 rebounds, six assists, four steals, and a game-best plus-minus rating. His energy on the glass helped the Knicks create second-chance opportunities and maintain control during several key stretches.

While his scoring numbers were modest, his influence could be felt across every area of the game.

Looking Ahead to Game 2

San Antonio is expected to respond with a stronger performance in Game 2. Improved shooting from the perimeter and a bounce-back effort from Fox would significantly change the outlook of the series.

At the same time, the Knicks have already demonstrated that they can win in San Antonio by relying on defense, rebounding, and disciplined execution.

Game 2 will reveal whether the Spurs can make the necessary adjustments or if New York can continue to build momentum in the series.