NBA Finals: Knicks fend off Spurs rally for 2-0 series lead as Victor Wembanyama's late blunder helps seal New York win in thriller

The New York Knicks extended their 2-0 series lead in the NBA Finals with a 105-104 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2, marking their 13th straight playoff victory. The Knicks overcame a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit, with Victor Wembanyama’s late turnover on a botched pass to Stephon Castle setting up Jalen Brunson’s game-winning free throw with 9.5 seconds remaining. The Spurs, who entered the game as favorites after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, rallied from a 104-102 deficit in the final minutes. Wembanyama’s missed jumper at the buzzer sealed the Knicks’ victory, silencing the Frost Bank Center crowd. Despite the loss, the Spurs remained competitive, with Karl-Anthony Towns delivering 21 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists, dominating the second half. Wembanyama, who struggled in the first half with seven points, rebounded with 29 points and nine rebounds but was plagued by turnovers and defensive lapses. His fourth turnover of the game proved costly, directly leading to the Knicks’ winning play. Meanwhile, Towns and Mitchell Robinson stifled Wembanyama defensively, limiting his impact in key moments. The Knicks now head back to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4 with a chance to clinch their first NBA championship since 1973. The Spurs, stunned by the loss, will look to regroup after a series-opening defeat at home. The Knicks’ resilience and clutch performances have shifted momentum in their favor, setting the stage for a potential franchise-defining run.