Knicks seize early edge, Spurs shrug off Game 1 setback
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The San Antonio Spurs opened the NBA Finals as favorites, but a 104-98 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 1 has flipped the odds ahead of Friday night’s Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Despite the shift, Spurs guard Stephon Castle said the locker room remains upbeat. “We feel like we’re the better team,” Castle told reporters, noting San Antonio “didn’t play well and still had a chance to win.” The Spurs dropped the opener of their second-round series against Minnesota and trailed Oklahoma City 2-1 and 3-2 in the West finals before advancing, fueling the club’s confidence.
Rookie center Victor Wembanyama echoed that sentiment. “It’s almost like I have to play normal, not even good, in Game 2,” he said. “When we play bad, when I play bad, is when we shoot ourselves in the foot. This is why I’m not worried. We’re going to be so much better.”
Brunson’s finish, Wembanyama’s learning curve
Jared Weiss of The Athletic wrote that Knicks guard Jalen Brunson “knew how to close out the victory,” while Wembanyama “looked a little lost” in crunch time. Spurs teammate Dylan Harper expects the rookie to adapt quickly: “He never backs down from the moment. He always steps up and meets it.”
NBA reviews courtside incident
The league is investigating an episode late in Game 1 after Brunson complained to referee Scott Foster about two courtside spectators who allegedly directed profane, derogatory remarks at him, according to TNT’s Chris Haynes.
Rotations tighten
Both coaches trimmed their benches in the second half of Game 1, reducing 10-man units to nine. New York sat veteran guard Jordan Clarkson, while San Antonio left rookie forward Carter Bryant on the sideline.
Sochan stays ready
Forward Jeremy Sochan, traded from San Antonio to New York at midseason, has appeared in only five of the Knicks’ 15 playoff games—all in garbage time. “Not all 18 guys can play,” Sochan said before the series began. “You have to accept that part and not be a cancer to the team.”
Game 2 tips off Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET in New York.
Source: Hoops Rumors
