The NBA Finals have opened with a surprise twist, as Jalen Brunson’s New York Knicks have jumped out to an early 2-0 lead over a talented young San Antonio Spurs team led by 7-foot-5 phenom Victor Wembanyama.
So far, the biggest key to New York’s success has been its ability to make life miserable for Wembanyama. Karl-Anthony Towns has been especially effective defending the Spurs star, using his mobility to chase him around the perimeter and disrupt San Antonio’s offensive rhythm. In Game 1, Wembanyama still managed 26 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots, but he shot just 29 percent from the field and 22 percent from 3-point range in a 105-95 Knicks victory.
Wembanyama was much more efficient in Game 2, finishing with 29 points on 51 percent shooting while adding nine rebounds and four blocks. Even then, New York found a way to escape with a 105-104 win after Wembanyama missed a potential game-winning shot at the buzzer.
The Knicks’ depth inside has also made a difference. With veteran center Mitchell Robinson back in the lineup, New York has multiple big bodies to throw at Wembanyama, which has helped keep the Spurs from settling into any kind of offensive comfort zone.
At this point, New York’s run through the postseason has been relentless. The Knicks have not lost since April 23, when they dropped Game 1 of their opening-round series against the Hawks. They responded by winning that series 4-2, then swept the 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals before taking care of the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.
For a franchise with just two championships, both coming in the 1970s, this moment carries a special weight. The 1970 Knicks, led by Willis Reed, Walt Frazier and Dave DeBusschere, captured the title with a 4-1 victory over the Lakers. Reed, who was the league’s MVP that season, was named Finals MVP after powering New York through the postseason. Three years later, the Knicks were back on top, again defeating Los Angeles to win their second championship.
San Antonio, meanwhile, brings a far richer title history to the series, with five banners hanging in the rafters. The Spurs won championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014, building a model of consistency that became the envy of the league. Those early title teams were anchored by the twin towers of Tim Duncan and David Robinson, while Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili gave the Spurs the kind of guard play that helped define their dynasty. By 2014, a young Kawhi Leonard had emerged as the face of another championship run.
Now, the torch has been passed to Wembanyama, and the Spurs’ future remains bright. But through two games, it has been Brunson, Towns and a relentless Knicks defense that have controlled the Finals and put New York in prime position to chase another championship. If they do win, we will never hear the end of it from Stephen A. Smith.
