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Deadspin | Rory McIlroy’s Masters repeat scores CBS’ best ratings in 11 years Apr 12, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy holds the Masters championship trophy during the green jacket ceremony after the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Rory McIlroy’s sixth career major title — his second consecutive win at the Masters — earned a major ratings boost for CBS in the final round on Sunday afternoon. The fourth round averaged nearly 14 million viewers — 13,995,000, more precisely — the most to watch CBS for the final day from Augusta National since the network averaged 14 million in 2015 when Jordan Spieth captured his first major, Front Office Sports reported. Sunday’s final round was an 8% increase from April 2025 (12.71 million), when McIlroy completed a career grand slam. The Northern Irishman’s dramatic, emotional finish last year came in a playoff against England’s Justin Rose. The 2026 edition also came with tension, as McIlroy shared the top of the leaderboard after the first round, surged to a record six-shot lead after 36 holes but saw that erased as he and Cameron Young were tied for the lead after three rounds. Viewership numbers reflected that, as the third round averaged 8.1 million on CBS, a 14% increase from 7.6 million in 2025 and the largest number since Tiger Woods played the third round en route to his 2019 victory. As McIlroy lost and regained his lead on Sunday, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler charged from four strokes behind and finished one shot back of McIlroy, who joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Woods as the only consecutive champions in Masters history. The ratings followed on Sunday, peaking at slightly more than 20 million viewers — the largest at the Masters since 2013, when Adam Scott earned the green jacket and Woods tied for fourth. The peak viewership in 2025 was 19.54 million. The 2026 Masters was the first since Nielsen began compiling ratings figures exclusively through its Big Data+ Panel methodology. The expanded system, designed for a more holistic and accurate view of audience behaviors, generally results in higher overall ratings for live sports broadcasts compared to the old method, according to Front Office Sports. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rory #McIlroys #Masters #repeat #scores #CBS #ratings #years

Deadspin | Rory McIlroy’s Masters repeat scores CBS’ best ratings in 11 years
Deadspin | Rory McIlroy’s Masters repeat scores CBS’ best ratings in 11 years Apr 12, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy holds the Masters championship trophy during the green jacket ceremony after the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Rory McIlroy’s sixth career major title — his second consecutive win at the Masters — earned a major ratings boost for CBS in the final round on Sunday afternoon. The fourth round averaged nearly 14 million viewers — 13,995,000, more precisely — the most to watch CBS for the final day from Augusta National since the network averaged 14 million in 2015 when Jordan Spieth captured his first major, Front Office Sports reported. Sunday’s final round was an 8% increase from April 2025 (12.71 million), when McIlroy completed a career grand slam. The Northern Irishman’s dramatic, emotional finish last year came in a playoff against England’s Justin Rose. The 2026 edition also came with tension, as McIlroy shared the top of the leaderboard after the first round, surged to a record six-shot lead after 36 holes but saw that erased as he and Cameron Young were tied for the lead after three rounds. Viewership numbers reflected that, as the third round averaged 8.1 million on CBS, a 14% increase from 7.6 million in 2025 and the largest number since Tiger Woods played the third round en route to his 2019 victory. As McIlroy lost and regained his lead on Sunday, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler charged from four strokes behind and finished one shot back of McIlroy, who joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Woods as the only consecutive champions in Masters history. The ratings followed on Sunday, peaking at slightly more than 20 million viewers — the largest at the Masters since 2013, when Adam Scott earned the green jacket and Woods tied for fourth. The peak viewership in 2025 was 19.54 million. The 2026 Masters was the first since Nielsen began compiling ratings figures exclusively through its Big Data+ Panel methodology. The expanded system, designed for a more holistic and accurate view of audience behaviors, generally results in higher overall ratings for live sports broadcasts compared to the old method, according to Front Office Sports. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rory #McIlroys #Masters #repeat #scores #CBS #ratings #yearsApr 12, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy holds the Masters championship trophy during the green jacket ceremony after the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Rory McIlroy’s sixth career major title — his second consecutive win at the Masters — earned a major ratings boost for CBS in the final round on Sunday afternoon.

The fourth round averaged nearly 14 million viewers — 13,995,000, more precisely — the most to watch CBS for the final day from Augusta National since the network averaged 14 million in 2015 when Jordan Spieth captured his first major, Front Office Sports reported.

Sunday’s final round was an 8% increase from April 2025 (12.71 million), when McIlroy completed a career grand slam. The Northern Irishman’s dramatic, emotional finish last year came in a playoff against England’s Justin Rose.

The 2026 edition also came with tension, as McIlroy shared the top of the leaderboard after the first round, surged to a record six-shot lead after 36 holes but saw that erased as he and Cameron Young were tied for the lead after three rounds.


Viewership numbers reflected that, as the third round averaged 8.1 million on CBS, a 14% increase from 7.6 million in 2025 and the largest number since Tiger Woods played the third round en route to his 2019 victory.

As McIlroy lost and regained his lead on Sunday, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler charged from four strokes behind and finished one shot back of McIlroy, who joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Woods as the only consecutive champions in Masters history.

The ratings followed on Sunday, peaking at slightly more than 20 million viewers — the largest at the Masters since 2013, when Adam Scott earned the green jacket and Woods tied for fourth. The peak viewership in 2025 was 19.54 million.

The 2026 Masters was the first since Nielsen began compiling ratings figures exclusively through its Big Data+ Panel methodology. The expanded system, designed for a more holistic and accurate view of audience behaviors, generally results in higher overall ratings for live sports broadcasts compared to the old method, according to Front Office Sports.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rory #McIlroys #Masters #repeat #scores #CBS #ratings #years

Sports news

Apr 12, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy holds the Masters championship trophy during the green jacket ceremony after the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Rory McIlroy’s sixth career major title — his second consecutive win at the Masters — earned a major ratings boost for CBS in the final round on Sunday afternoon.

The fourth round averaged nearly 14 million viewers — 13,995,000, more precisely — the most to watch CBS for the final day from Augusta National since the network averaged 14 million in 2015 when Jordan Spieth captured his first major, Front Office Sports reported.

Sunday’s final round was an 8% increase from April 2025 (12.71 million), when McIlroy completed a career grand slam. The Northern Irishman’s dramatic, emotional finish last year came in a playoff against England’s Justin Rose.

The 2026 edition also came with tension, as McIlroy shared the top of the leaderboard after the first round, surged to a record six-shot lead after 36 holes but saw that erased as he and Cameron Young were tied for the lead after three rounds.

Viewership numbers reflected that, as the third round averaged 8.1 million on CBS, a 14% increase from 7.6 million in 2025 and the largest number since Tiger Woods played the third round en route to his 2019 victory.

As McIlroy lost and regained his lead on Sunday, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler charged from four strokes behind and finished one shot back of McIlroy, who joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Woods as the only consecutive champions in Masters history.

The ratings followed on Sunday, peaking at slightly more than 20 million viewers — the largest at the Masters since 2013, when Adam Scott earned the green jacket and Woods tied for fourth. The peak viewership in 2025 was 19.54 million.

The 2026 Masters was the first since Nielsen began compiling ratings figures exclusively through its Big Data+ Panel methodology. The expanded system, designed for a more holistic and accurate view of audience behaviors, generally results in higher overall ratings for live sports broadcasts compared to the old method, according to Front Office Sports.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Rory #McIlroys #Masters #repeat #scores #CBS #ratings #years

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FIFA World Cup 2026 — Infantino reassures Iran will play in the tournament <div id="content-body-70867577" itemprop="articleBody"><p>FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran will participate in the World Cup “for sure” despite its war with the United States of America (USA).</p><p>Speaking at <i>CNBC’s Invest in America Forum</i>, Infantino said it is important that Iran participates in the World Cup even though its participation has been in doubt since the USA and Israel launched airstrikes on the country.</p><p>“The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes,” Infantino said. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”</p><p>Infantino met with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, two weeks ago and said Wednesday he was impressed.</p><p>“I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well,” Infantino said. “And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now.”</p><p>Infantino acknowledged it’s not always possible to achieve the separation of sports and politics.</p><p>“OK we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said. “But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well we are doing that job.”</p><p>The USA will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.</p><p>Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage games in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.</p><p>The war has raised doubts about Iran’s participation in the World Cup. There have been conflicting public comments from Iranian government and football officials.</p><p>U.S. President Donald Trump discouraged the Iranian team from attending the tournament, citing safety concerns.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #FIFA #World #Cup #Infantino #reassures #Iran #play #tournament

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Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid — Kompany lauds ‘total togetherness’ of his boys after Champions League win <div id="content-body-70867622" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Bayern Munich showed ​mental strength and absolute belief to come from behind ⁠thrice before beating Real Madrid 4-3 to reach the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday, coach Vincent Kompany said.</p><p>Kompany, who was booked during the game ‌and will miss Bayern’s last-four first leg against holder Paris Saint-Germain, said the Bavarians, who are chasing ‌a treble of titles, had to dig deep to overcome ‌record ⁠15-time European champions Real 6-4 on aggregate in a ⁠classic tie.</p><p>“The boys were mentally strong today to recover from setbacks,” Kompany said. “The fans helped us as well. We stayed calm and always felt that our ​moment would come. The boys ‌deserved this win.</p><p>“What remains for me is the total togetherness that we showed. That’s what we take from the game. We showed absolute belief and will to fight our way ‌back into the game.”</p><p>“During the game our team has a ​lot of talent and experience to deal with these situations. After 35 seconds in this game to ⁠concede a goal, you then have to press the reset button. We stayed focused on our game,” Kompany said.</p><p>Host Bayern trailed 0-1 after 35 seconds when Arda Guler took advantage of a bad mistake by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and Real twice more took the lead to go into half-time 3-2 ahead.</p><p>Bayern, 2-1 winner of the first leg in Spain, kept its composure, however, and struck twice in the dying stages through Luis Diaz and Michael Olise ‌to snatch victory and advance to the last four.</p><p>The six-time European champion can ​potentially clinch the Bundesliga title this weekend, with a 12-point advantage and five matches remaining, before facing Bayer ⁠Leverkusen in the German Cup semifinals.</p><p>“It was a very emotional game,” ⁠said Kompany, in his second season at Bayern. “We had a lot of possession and always had the feeling we ‌could score. But Real Madrid remain Real Madrid. They have very quick players and are always a threat.”</p><p>Kompany became the ​11th coach to lead Bayern to the European Cup semifinals.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #Bayern #Munich #Real #Madrid #Kompany #lauds #total #togetherness #boys #Champions #League #win

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Deadspin | KOI, Surge post Round 1 sweeps at CDL Stage 4 Minor A backlit keyboard is part of the gear online video game streamer Jordan Woodruff uses in his Gilbert home. Jordan Woodruff The Vancouver Surge and Toronto KOI opened with sweeps, while the Riyadh Falcons and G2 Minnesota also prevailed in Round 1 of the Call of Duty League’s Stage 4 Minor on Friday to reach the quarterfinals. All 12 CDL teams are competing in the tournament, which will reward ,000 and 30 CDL points to the champion. The single-elimination bracket is seeded based on teams’ standing following the Stage 3 Major. All matches are best-of-five until the final on Sunday, which will be best-of-seven. Facing Cloud9 New York, Toronto rolled to victory with wins on Sake Hardpoint (250-176), Raid Search and Destroy (6-3) and Den Overload (4-3). Vancouver followed suit against the Miami Heretics, posting victories on Gridlock Hardpoint (250-234), Raid Search and Destroy (6-3) and Scar Overload (4-3). The Falcons had to work much harder against Carolina despite opening with a 250-174 victory on Hacienda Hardpoint. The Royal Ravens evened the match on Raid Search and Destroy (6-3) before the Falcons regained the lead on Gridlock Overload (4-3). Carolina again pulled even with a win on Sake Hardpoint (250-176) before Riyadh finally clinched the victory on Gridlock Search and Destroy (6-1). Facing the Boston Breach, G2 Minnesota opened with a 250-180 loss on Hacienda Hardpoint, then reeled off three consecutive victories to advance to the quarterfinals — 6-5 on Hacienda Search and Destroy, 4-1 on Gridlock Overload and 250-193 on Gridlock Hardpoint. The Saturday schedule (quarterfinals): –OpTic Texas vs. Riyadh Falcons –Paris Gentle Mates vs. Toronto KOI –FaZe Vegas vs. Vancouver Surge –Los Angeles Thieves vs. G2 Minnesota Call of Duty League’s Stage 4 Minor prize pool 1. ,000, 30 CDL points 2. No money, 20 CDL points 3-4. No money, 10 CDL points 5-8. No money, no CDL points 9-12. No money, no CDL points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Miami Heretics, Boston Breach –Field Level Media #Deadspin #KOI #Surge #post #sweeps #CDL #Stage #MinorA backlit keyboard is part of the gear online video game streamer Jordan Woodruff uses in his Gilbert home. Jordan Woodruff

The Vancouver Surge and Toronto KOI opened with sweeps, while the Riyadh Falcons and G2 Minnesota also prevailed in Round 1 of the Call of Duty League’s Stage 4 Minor on Friday to reach the quarterfinals.

All 12 CDL teams are competing in the tournament, which will reward $20,000 and 30 CDL points to the champion. The single-elimination bracket is seeded based on teams’ standing following the Stage 3 Major. All matches are best-of-five until the final on Sunday, which will be best-of-seven.

Facing Cloud9 New York, Toronto rolled to victory with wins on Sake Hardpoint (250-176), Raid Search and Destroy (6-3) and Den Overload (4-3).

Vancouver followed suit against the Miami Heretics, posting victories on Gridlock Hardpoint (250-234), Raid Search and Destroy (6-3) and Scar Overload (4-3).

The Falcons had to work much harder against Carolina despite opening with a 250-174 victory on Hacienda Hardpoint. The Royal Ravens evened the match on Raid Search and Destroy (6-3) before the Falcons regained the lead on Gridlock Overload (4-3). Carolina again pulled even with a win on Sake Hardpoint (250-176) before Riyadh finally clinched the victory on Gridlock Search and Destroy (6-1).

Facing the Boston Breach, G2 Minnesota opened with a 250-180 loss on Hacienda Hardpoint, then reeled off three consecutive victories to advance to the quarterfinals — 6-5 on Hacienda Search and Destroy, 4-1 on Gridlock Overload and 250-193 on Gridlock Hardpoint.

The Saturday schedule (quarterfinals):

–OpTic Texas vs. Riyadh Falcons


–Paris Gentle Mates vs. Toronto KOI

–FaZe Vegas vs. Vancouver Surge

–Los Angeles Thieves vs. G2 Minnesota

Call of Duty League’s Stage 4 Minor prize pool

1. $20,000, 30 CDL points

2. No money, 20 CDL points

3-4. No money, 10 CDL points

5-8. No money, no CDL points

9-12. No money, no CDL points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Miami Heretics, Boston Breach


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #KOI #Surge #post #sweeps #CDL #Stage #Minor">Deadspin | KOI, Surge post Round 1 sweeps at CDL Stage 4 Minor A backlit keyboard is part of the gear online video game streamer Jordan Woodruff uses in his Gilbert home. Jordan Woodruff The Vancouver Surge and Toronto KOI opened with sweeps, while the Riyadh Falcons and G2 Minnesota also prevailed in Round 1 of the Call of Duty League’s Stage 4 Minor on Friday to reach the quarterfinals. All 12 CDL teams are competing in the tournament, which will reward ,000 and 30 CDL points to the champion. The single-elimination bracket is seeded based on teams’ standing following the Stage 3 Major. All matches are best-of-five until the final on Sunday, which will be best-of-seven. Facing Cloud9 New York, Toronto rolled to victory with wins on Sake Hardpoint (250-176), Raid Search and Destroy (6-3) and Den Overload (4-3). Vancouver followed suit against the Miami Heretics, posting victories on Gridlock Hardpoint (250-234), Raid Search and Destroy (6-3) and Scar Overload (4-3). The Falcons had to work much harder against Carolina despite opening with a 250-174 victory on Hacienda Hardpoint. The Royal Ravens evened the match on Raid Search and Destroy (6-3) before the Falcons regained the lead on Gridlock Overload (4-3). Carolina again pulled even with a win on Sake Hardpoint (250-176) before Riyadh finally clinched the victory on Gridlock Search and Destroy (6-1). Facing the Boston Breach, G2 Minnesota opened with a 250-180 loss on Hacienda Hardpoint, then reeled off three consecutive victories to advance to the quarterfinals — 6-5 on Hacienda Search and Destroy, 4-1 on Gridlock Overload and 250-193 on Gridlock Hardpoint. The Saturday schedule (quarterfinals): –OpTic Texas vs. Riyadh Falcons –Paris Gentle Mates vs. Toronto KOI –FaZe Vegas vs. Vancouver Surge –Los Angeles Thieves vs. G2 Minnesota Call of Duty League’s Stage 4 Minor prize pool 1. ,000, 30 CDL points 2. No money, 20 CDL points 3-4. No money, 10 CDL points 5-8. No money, no CDL points 9-12. No money, no CDL points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Miami Heretics, Boston Breach –Field Level Media #Deadspin #KOI #Surge #post #sweeps #CDL #Stage #Minor

The New York Knicks are headed back to Madison Square Garden with the opportunity to bring home the franchise’s first championship in 53 years without leaving the city. The Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs, 105-104, in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals to become the third team in league history to win the first two games of the championship round on the road, joining the 1993 Chicago Bulls and 1995 Houston Rockets.

The Knicks have now won 13 straight playoff games, with 11 of those victories coming by double-figures. The Spurs were a 2-1 favorite in the betting markets entering the series, but the Knicks have out-classed a young San Antonio team on both ends to take complete control in the matchup so far.

The Knicks took a 97-83 lead with six minutes remaining on a driving dunk by OG Anunoby. From there, the Spurs went on a 14-0 run to tie the game. The end of the fourth quarter featured a wild sequence where Jalen Brunson missed a mid-range jump shot with 13 seconds left, Victor Wembanyama grabbed the rebound and tried to throw an outlet pass to teammate Stephon Castle. Only problem: Castle wasn’t looking for the ball, so it hit him in the back and resulted in a turnover. Brunson was fouled after the Knicks recovered the possession, and he split two free throws to give New York the lead. The Spurs had one last chance, but Wembanyama missed an attempt at the game-winning jumper at the buzzer:

For long stretches in this game, it felt like the Knicks had mastered basketball. After the Spurs ended the first quarter with a nine-point lead, New York roared back in the second quarter with what’s quickly becoming their signature blend of selfless ball-movement, skilled shooting, and tough defense. The Knicks have a true five-out offense, and the threat of their shooting is putting San Antonio’s defense in constant rotation. New York has immaculate spacing and an entire lineup that all dribble, pass, and shoot.

It all came together on this possession where all five players touched the ball before Mikal Bridges walked into an opener corner three, which he drilled.

The Knicks have so many weapons offensively that it would be easy to overlook their defense, but their dedication to the other end of the floor is what’s given them such a strong grip on this series. Victor Wembanyama looked like the best player in the world after leading the Spurs to a 7-game Western Conference Finals victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The Knicks are flustered Wembanyama through two games in the NBA Finals by pushing him out to the perimeter, getting into his dribble when he puts the ball on the floor, and making him defend out on the perimeter to pull him away from the paint.

The key for the Knicks on both ends has been Karl-Anthony Towns. He should be Finals MVP if the series ended today.

Towns’ defense has been questioned through his career. He’s completely turned it around defensively during this playoff run. Towns looks comfortable pressuring Wembanyama out on the perimeter defensively, and he has the strength to keep him away his spots around the elbow or inside the paint. He’s also an elite defensive rebounder who has been cleaning up on the glass and allowing New York to win the possession game. Offensively, Towns’ knockdown shooting ability means Wemby can’t hang around the rim. When he sees an opening, KAT is also consistently attacking off the dribble to put pressure on the rim and finish through Wembanyama and other Spurs defenders.

Jalen Brunson took the Knicks home with clutch shot-making down the stretch in Game 1, but for the most part San Antonio has done an excellent job defending him. It’s been the other Knicks who have picked Brunson up. New York’s offense felt way too dependent on Brunson to create everything in previous years. The Knicks no longer feels like a one-man show on offense, and it’s making them so much harder to defend.

Brunson has 50 points on 56 shots so far in this series. He’s still been emptying the clip when the Knicks really need a bucket, but it’s players like OG Anunoby, Bridges, Hart, and reserve guard Landry Shamet have kept the offense humming.

Wembanyama ended the game with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting. The late turnover looking for Castle at the end of Game 2 might haunt the Spurs for a long time.

The Knicks are now up 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals. Game 3 is Monday in Madison Square Garden. It’s going to be incredible. The series just keeps getting better and better.

#Knicks #broken #Spurs #NBA #Finals #Game #win">The Knicks have broken the Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals after Game 2 win The New York Knicks are headed back to Madison Square Garden with the opportunity to bring home the franchise’s first championship in 53 years without leaving the city. The Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs, 105-104, in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals to become the third team in league history to win the first two games of the championship round on the road, joining the 1993 Chicago Bulls and 1995 Houston Rockets.The Knicks have now won 13 straight playoff games, with 11 of those victories coming by double-figures. The Spurs were a 2-1 favorite in the betting markets entering the series, but the Knicks have out-classed a young San Antonio team on both ends to take complete control in the matchup so far.The Knicks took a 97-83 lead with six minutes remaining on a driving dunk by OG Anunoby. From there, the Spurs went on a 14-0 run to tie the game. The end of the fourth quarter featured a wild sequence where Jalen Brunson missed a mid-range jump shot with 13 seconds left, Victor Wembanyama grabbed the rebound and tried to throw an outlet pass to teammate Stephon Castle. Only problem: Castle wasn’t looking for the ball, so it hit him in the back and resulted in a turnover. Brunson was fouled after the Knicks recovered the possession, and he split two free throws to give New York the lead. The Spurs had one last chance, but Wembanyama missed an attempt at the game-winning jumper at the buzzer:For long stretches in this game, it felt like the Knicks had mastered basketball. After the Spurs ended the first quarter with a nine-point lead, New York roared back in the second quarter with what’s quickly becoming their signature blend of selfless ball-movement, skilled shooting, and tough defense. The Knicks have a true five-out offense, and the threat of their shooting is putting San Antonio’s defense in constant rotation. New York has immaculate spacing and an entire lineup that all dribble, pass, and shoot.It all came together on this possession where all five players touched the ball before Mikal Bridges walked into an opener corner three, which he drilled.The Knicks have so many weapons offensively that it would be easy to overlook their defense, but their dedication to the other end of the floor is what’s given them such a strong grip on this series. Victor Wembanyama looked like the best player in the world after leading the Spurs to a 7-game Western Conference Finals victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The Knicks are flustered Wembanyama through two games in the NBA Finals by pushing him out to the perimeter, getting into his dribble when he puts the ball on the floor, and making him defend out on the perimeter to pull him away from the paint.The key for the Knicks on both ends has been Karl-Anthony Towns. He should be Finals MVP if the series ended today.Towns’ defense has been questioned through his career. He’s completely turned it around defensively during this playoff run. Towns looks comfortable pressuring Wembanyama out on the perimeter defensively, and he has the strength to keep him away his spots around the elbow or inside the paint. He’s also an elite defensive rebounder who has been cleaning up on the glass and allowing New York to win the possession game. Offensively, Towns’ knockdown shooting ability means Wemby can’t hang around the rim. When he sees an opening, KAT is also consistently attacking off the dribble to put pressure on the rim and finish through Wembanyama and other Spurs defenders.Jalen Brunson took the Knicks home with clutch shot-making down the stretch in Game 1, but for the most part San Antonio has done an excellent job defending him. It’s been the other Knicks who have picked Brunson up. New York’s offense felt way too dependent on Brunson to create everything in previous years. The Knicks no longer feels like a one-man show on offense, and it’s making them so much harder to defend.Brunson has 50 points on 56 shots so far in this series. He’s still been emptying the clip when the Knicks really need a bucket, but it’s players like OG Anunoby, Bridges, Hart, and reserve guard Landry Shamet have kept the offense humming.Wembanyama ended the game with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting. The late turnover looking for Castle at the end of Game 2 might haunt the Spurs for a long time.The Knicks are now up 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals. Game 3 is Monday in Madison Square Garden. It’s going to be incredible. The series just keeps getting better and better. #Knicks #broken #Spurs #NBA #Finals #Game #win

The Spurs were a 2-1 favorite in the betting markets entering the series, but the Knicks have out-classed a young San Antonio team on both ends to take complete control in the matchup so far.

The Knicks took a 97-83 lead with six minutes remaining on a driving dunk by OG Anunoby. From there, the Spurs went on a 14-0 run to tie the game. The end of the fourth quarter featured a wild sequence where Jalen Brunson missed a mid-range jump shot with 13 seconds left, Victor Wembanyama grabbed the rebound and tried to throw an outlet pass to teammate Stephon Castle. Only problem: Castle wasn’t looking for the ball, so it hit him in the back and resulted in a turnover. Brunson was fouled after the Knicks recovered the possession, and he split two free throws to give New York the lead. The Spurs had one last chance, but Wembanyama missed an attempt at the game-winning jumper at the buzzer:

For long stretches in this game, it felt like the Knicks had mastered basketball. After the Spurs ended the first quarter with a nine-point lead, New York roared back in the second quarter with what’s quickly becoming their signature blend of selfless ball-movement, skilled shooting, and tough defense. The Knicks have a true five-out offense, and the threat of their shooting is putting San Antonio’s defense in constant rotation. New York has immaculate spacing and an entire lineup that all dribble, pass, and shoot.

It all came together on this possession where all five players touched the ball before Mikal Bridges walked into an opener corner three, which he drilled.

The Knicks have so many weapons offensively that it would be easy to overlook their defense, but their dedication to the other end of the floor is what’s given them such a strong grip on this series. Victor Wembanyama looked like the best player in the world after leading the Spurs to a 7-game Western Conference Finals victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The Knicks are flustered Wembanyama through two games in the NBA Finals by pushing him out to the perimeter, getting into his dribble when he puts the ball on the floor, and making him defend out on the perimeter to pull him away from the paint.

The key for the Knicks on both ends has been Karl-Anthony Towns. He should be Finals MVP if the series ended today.

Towns’ defense has been questioned through his career. He’s completely turned it around defensively during this playoff run. Towns looks comfortable pressuring Wembanyama out on the perimeter defensively, and he has the strength to keep him away his spots around the elbow or inside the paint. He’s also an elite defensive rebounder who has been cleaning up on the glass and allowing New York to win the possession game. Offensively, Towns’ knockdown shooting ability means Wemby can’t hang around the rim. When he sees an opening, KAT is also consistently attacking off the dribble to put pressure on the rim and finish through Wembanyama and other Spurs defenders.

Jalen Brunson took the Knicks home with clutch shot-making down the stretch in Game 1, but for the most part San Antonio has done an excellent job defending him. It’s been the other Knicks who have picked Brunson up. New York’s offense felt way too dependent on Brunson to create everything in previous years. The Knicks no longer feels like a one-man show on offense, and it’s making them so much harder to defend.

Brunson has 50 points on 56 shots so far in this series. He’s still been emptying the clip when the Knicks really need a bucket, but it’s players like OG Anunoby, Bridges, Hart, and reserve guard Landry Shamet have kept the offense humming.

Wembanyama ended the game with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting. The late turnover looking for Castle at the end of Game 2 might haunt the Spurs for a long time.

The Knicks are now up 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals. Game 3 is Monday in Madison Square Garden. It’s going to be incredible. The series just keeps getting better and better.

#Knicks #broken #Spurs #NBA #Finals #Game #win">The Knicks have broken the Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals after Game 2 win

The New York Knicks are headed back to Madison Square Garden with the opportunity to bring home the franchise’s first championship in 53 years without leaving the city. The Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs, 105-104, in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals to become the third team in league history to win the first two games of the championship round on the road, joining the 1993 Chicago Bulls and 1995 Houston Rockets.

The Knicks have now won 13 straight playoff games, with 11 of those victories coming by double-figures. The Spurs were a 2-1 favorite in the betting markets entering the series, but the Knicks have out-classed a young San Antonio team on both ends to take complete control in the matchup so far.

The Knicks took a 97-83 lead with six minutes remaining on a driving dunk by OG Anunoby. From there, the Spurs went on a 14-0 run to tie the game. The end of the fourth quarter featured a wild sequence where Jalen Brunson missed a mid-range jump shot with 13 seconds left, Victor Wembanyama grabbed the rebound and tried to throw an outlet pass to teammate Stephon Castle. Only problem: Castle wasn’t looking for the ball, so it hit him in the back and resulted in a turnover. Brunson was fouled after the Knicks recovered the possession, and he split two free throws to give New York the lead. The Spurs had one last chance, but Wembanyama missed an attempt at the game-winning jumper at the buzzer:

For long stretches in this game, it felt like the Knicks had mastered basketball. After the Spurs ended the first quarter with a nine-point lead, New York roared back in the second quarter with what’s quickly becoming their signature blend of selfless ball-movement, skilled shooting, and tough defense. The Knicks have a true five-out offense, and the threat of their shooting is putting San Antonio’s defense in constant rotation. New York has immaculate spacing and an entire lineup that all dribble, pass, and shoot.

It all came together on this possession where all five players touched the ball before Mikal Bridges walked into an opener corner three, which he drilled.

The Knicks have so many weapons offensively that it would be easy to overlook their defense, but their dedication to the other end of the floor is what’s given them such a strong grip on this series. Victor Wembanyama looked like the best player in the world after leading the Spurs to a 7-game Western Conference Finals victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The Knicks are flustered Wembanyama through two games in the NBA Finals by pushing him out to the perimeter, getting into his dribble when he puts the ball on the floor, and making him defend out on the perimeter to pull him away from the paint.

The key for the Knicks on both ends has been Karl-Anthony Towns. He should be Finals MVP if the series ended today.

Towns’ defense has been questioned through his career. He’s completely turned it around defensively during this playoff run. Towns looks comfortable pressuring Wembanyama out on the perimeter defensively, and he has the strength to keep him away his spots around the elbow or inside the paint. He’s also an elite defensive rebounder who has been cleaning up on the glass and allowing New York to win the possession game. Offensively, Towns’ knockdown shooting ability means Wemby can’t hang around the rim. When he sees an opening, KAT is also consistently attacking off the dribble to put pressure on the rim and finish through Wembanyama and other Spurs defenders.

Jalen Brunson took the Knicks home with clutch shot-making down the stretch in Game 1, but for the most part San Antonio has done an excellent job defending him. It’s been the other Knicks who have picked Brunson up. New York’s offense felt way too dependent on Brunson to create everything in previous years. The Knicks no longer feels like a one-man show on offense, and it’s making them so much harder to defend.

Brunson has 50 points on 56 shots so far in this series. He’s still been emptying the clip when the Knicks really need a bucket, but it’s players like OG Anunoby, Bridges, Hart, and reserve guard Landry Shamet have kept the offense humming.

Wembanyama ended the game with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting. The late turnover looking for Castle at the end of Game 2 might haunt the Spurs for a long time.

The Knicks are now up 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals. Game 3 is Monday in Madison Square Garden. It’s going to be incredible. The series just keeps getting better and better.

#Knicks #broken #Spurs #NBA #Finals #Game #win

San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama could barely remember the details of the late-game miscues that cost the Spurs in their agonizing 105-104 loss to the New York Knicks in game two of the NBA Finals on Friday.

The Spurs used a 14-0 scoring run to erase a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and briefly took a one-point lead before it all fell apart.

Wembanyama keyed the comeback, but two crucial misses — including a potential game-game winner — and an inexplicable turnover with a pass into teammate Stephon Castle’s back doomed the Spurs’ rally bid.

“I’m still very blurry,” he said of the plays. “That’s the whole problem. I need to have more poise, more control over the game.”

The score was knotted at 104-104 with 9.5 seconds left when Wembanyama threw the pass that Castle never saw coming.

“I was looking at him when he first got the rebound,” he said. “I just started to take off to try to give him some space to dribble up the court. I didn’t see him throw it to me.”

San Antonio still had a chance to win it, but Wembanyama’s final jump shot bounced off the rim.

He said he got the shot he was looking for on the inbounds play but couldn’t get it to drop.

“Of course I liked the shot,” he said. “I feel like in this moment you need to shoot to score.”

And Castle said there was no other player the Spurs would want to see taking that shot than Wemby.

“He’s made that shot a thousand times,” Castle said. “He has a game-winner with that shot this year.”

The Spurs now need an unprecedented comeback as the series shifts to New York for games three and four. No NBA team has lost the first two games of the Finals on their home floor and come back to lift the trophy.

“We needed to win that game,” Wembanyama said. “This game was ours. But at this point it’s done. Am I going to regret it? Yes, of course. Am I going to use that to fuel me and to fuel us next game? Absolutely.”

Published on Jun 06, 2026

#NBA #Finals #Game #Victor #Wembanyama #seeks #clarity #heartbreaking #Spurs #loss">NBA Finals, Game 2 — Victor Wembanyama seeks clarity after heartbreaking Spurs loss San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama could barely remember the details of the late-game miscues that cost the Spurs in their agonizing 105-104 loss to the New York Knicks in game two of the NBA Finals on Friday.The Spurs used a 14-0 scoring run to erase a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and briefly took a one-point lead before it all fell apart.Wembanyama keyed the comeback, but two crucial misses — including a potential game-game winner — and an inexplicable turnover with a pass into teammate Stephon Castle’s back doomed the Spurs’ rally bid.“I’m still very blurry,” he said of the plays. “That’s the whole problem. I need to have more poise, more control over the game.”The score was knotted at 104-104 with 9.5 seconds left when Wembanyama threw the pass that Castle never saw coming.“I was looking at him when he first got the rebound,” he said. “I just started to take off to try to give him some space to dribble up the court. I didn’t see him throw it to me.”San Antonio still had a chance to win it, but Wembanyama’s final jump shot bounced off the rim.He said he got the shot he was looking for on the inbounds play but couldn’t get it to drop.“Of course I liked the shot,” he said. “I feel like in this moment you need to shoot to score.”And Castle said there was no other player the Spurs would want to see taking that shot than Wemby.“He’s made that shot a thousand times,” Castle said. “He has a game-winner with that shot this year.”The Spurs now need an unprecedented comeback as the series shifts to New York for games three and four. No NBA team has lost the first two games of the Finals on their home floor and come back to lift the trophy.“We needed to win that game,” Wembanyama said. “This game was ours. But at this point it’s done. Am I going to regret it? Yes, of course. Am I going to use that to fuel me and to fuel us next game? Absolutely.”Published on Jun 06, 2026 #NBA #Finals #Game #Victor #Wembanyama #seeks #clarity #heartbreaking #Spurs #loss

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