NBA Finals Game 5: Knicks Aim to Finish Series After Record Comeback
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NEW YORK — Two days after erasing a 29-point hole to win Game 4, the New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden tonight needing one more victory to secure the NBA championship against the San Antonio Spurs.
Head coach Mike Brown cautioned that Wednesday’s dramatic finish cannot distract his players from the task ahead. “You win two, three, four, five games in a row, there’s a tendency to relax a little bit,” Brown said, adding that the staff spent the past 48 hours highlighting the errors that allowed San Antonio to build its early lead.
The Spurs have opened each game with force, holding first-quarter advantages of 8, 9, 11 and 19 points. Guard Josh Hart said New York must counter that trend: “We’ve got to make sure we come in focused with great attention to detail and take things a possession at a time.”
Containing Wembanyama
New York has tried to wear down rookie center Victor Wembanyama by pulling him away from the rim. According to The Athletic, a veer action has forced the 7-foot-4 standout to guard Jalen Brunson on 27.9 partial possessions over the first four games, prompting constant defensive rotations by San Antonio.
Dynasty Talk on Hold
While some fans are already pondering a long-term Knicks powerhouse, the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy advises enjoying the current run. He notes the roster lacks a transcendent superstar typically required for sustained dominance and is older than 17 other NBA teams. Dunleavy suggests the youthful Spurs could be a stronger dynasty prospect.
Spurs Receive Frontcourt Boost
San Antonio head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed backup center Luke Kornet has been cleared to play tonight after missing Game 4 with an illness. “He’s been sick, but he’s getting better, and he’ll be available,” Johnson told reporters before the game.
Tipoff for Game 5 is set for 8:30 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden.
Source: Hoops Rumors
