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Bayern Munich fans apologise after photographers injured at Real Madrid game  Bayern Munich supporters have apologised after several photographers were injured when fans stormed over barriers at the end of Wednesday’s home Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.With scores level in the tie, Bayern’s Luis Diaz and Michael Olise both scored late in the match to send the German champions through to the final four of the competition.A group of fans from the Bayern ultras section climbed over barriers while celebrating, trampling pitch-side photographers.Writing on social media, Reuters photographer Kai Pfaffenbach posted a picture of himself lying on the ground accompanied by a medical report saying he was “unconscious” after being overrun by fans at the end of the match. “But one question: how could this have happened at a football match?” wrote Kai Pfaffenbach.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                Kai Pfaffenbach/Instagram
                            

                            “But one question: how could this have happened at a football match?” wrote Kai Pfaffenbach.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                Kai Pfaffenbach/Instagram
                                                    “For those asking, I’m fine. A few bruises but no fractures or brain damage,” Pfaffenbach said alongside a series of photos.“But one question: how could this have happened at a football match?”Another photographer suffered a head laceration and another needed medical attention for back and shoulder injuries.One of the injured photographers told AFP that fans had already climbed a barrier and were waiting “for several minutes” before advancing into the pitch-side photographer’s area.“If security staff had reacted and implemented the security measures, if they had intervened beforehand and protected us, or sent them back, then this could certainly have been avoided.”ALSO READ | Kompany lauds ‘total togetherness’ after Champions League comeback winBayern Munich has been in contact with the injured photographers, as well as with the supporters, who have apologised for the incident.Bayern supporter organisation Club Nr. 12 told AFP the group “regret the injuries sustained by the media representatives” during the match.“To our knowledge, an exchange has already taken place between FC Bayern Munich and at least some of the fans involved, in which they expressed their deep regret for the accidental injuries and apologised.“We believe this is the right approach and therefore welcome this action and the swift communication. We wish all those affected a speedy recovery.”Earlier in the competition, Bayern’s southern stand made headlines for repeated use of pyrotechnics and was partially closed by governing body UEFA.UEFA told AFP subsidiary SID on Thursday the organisation was aware of the incident but did not indicate yet whether an investigation would be launched.Published on Apr 16, 2026  #Bayern #Munich #fans #apologise #photographers #injured #Real #Madrid #game

Bayern Munich fans apologise after photographers injured at Real Madrid game

Bayern Munich supporters have apologised after several photographers were injured when fans stormed over barriers at the end of Wednesday’s home Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

With scores level in the tie, Bayern’s Luis Diaz and Michael Olise both scored late in the match to send the German champions through to the final four of the competition.

A group of fans from the Bayern ultras section climbed over barriers while celebrating, trampling pitch-side photographers.

Writing on social media, Reuters photographer Kai Pfaffenbach posted a picture of himself lying on the ground accompanied by a medical report saying he was “unconscious” after being overrun by fans at the end of the match.

Bayern Munich fans apologise after photographers injured at Real Madrid game  Bayern Munich supporters have apologised after several photographers were injured when fans stormed over barriers at the end of Wednesday’s home Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.With scores level in the tie, Bayern’s Luis Diaz and Michael Olise both scored late in the match to send the German champions through to the final four of the competition.A group of fans from the Bayern ultras section climbed over barriers while celebrating, trampling pitch-side photographers.Writing on social media, Reuters photographer Kai Pfaffenbach posted a picture of himself lying on the ground accompanied by a medical report saying he was “unconscious” after being overrun by fans at the end of the match. “But one question: how could this have happened at a football match?” wrote Kai Pfaffenbach.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                Kai Pfaffenbach/Instagram
                            

                            “But one question: how could this have happened at a football match?” wrote Kai Pfaffenbach.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                Kai Pfaffenbach/Instagram
                                                    “For those asking, I’m fine. A few bruises but no fractures or brain damage,” Pfaffenbach said alongside a series of photos.“But one question: how could this have happened at a football match?”Another photographer suffered a head laceration and another needed medical attention for back and shoulder injuries.One of the injured photographers told AFP that fans had already climbed a barrier and were waiting “for several minutes” before advancing into the pitch-side photographer’s area.“If security staff had reacted and implemented the security measures, if they had intervened beforehand and protected us, or sent them back, then this could certainly have been avoided.”ALSO READ | Kompany lauds ‘total togetherness’ after Champions League comeback winBayern Munich has been in contact with the injured photographers, as well as with the supporters, who have apologised for the incident.Bayern supporter organisation Club Nr. 12 told AFP the group “regret the injuries sustained by the media representatives” during the match.“To our knowledge, an exchange has already taken place between FC Bayern Munich and at least some of the fans involved, in which they expressed their deep regret for the accidental injuries and apologised.“We believe this is the right approach and therefore welcome this action and the swift communication. We wish all those affected a speedy recovery.”Earlier in the competition, Bayern’s southern stand made headlines for repeated use of pyrotechnics and was partially closed by governing body UEFA.UEFA told AFP subsidiary SID on Thursday the organisation was aware of the incident but did not indicate yet whether an investigation would be launched.Published on Apr 16, 2026  #Bayern #Munich #fans #apologise #photographers #injured #Real #Madrid #game

“But one question: how could this have happened at a football match?” wrote Kai Pfaffenbach. | Photo Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach/Instagram

lightbox-info

“But one question: how could this have happened at a football match?” wrote Kai Pfaffenbach. | Photo Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach/Instagram

“For those asking, I’m fine. A few bruises but no fractures or brain damage,” Pfaffenbach said alongside a series of photos.

“But one question: how could this have happened at a football match?”

Another photographer suffered a head laceration and another needed medical attention for back and shoulder injuries.

One of the injured photographers told AFP that fans had already climbed a barrier and were waiting “for several minutes” before advancing into the pitch-side photographer’s area.

“If security staff had reacted and implemented the security measures, if they had intervened beforehand and protected us, or sent them back, then this could certainly have been avoided.”

ALSO READ | Kompany lauds ‘total togetherness’ after Champions League comeback win

Bayern Munich has been in contact with the injured photographers, as well as with the supporters, who have apologised for the incident.

Bayern supporter organisation Club Nr. 12 told AFP the group “regret the injuries sustained by the media representatives” during the match.

“To our knowledge, an exchange has already taken place between FC Bayern Munich and at least some of the fans involved, in which they expressed their deep regret for the accidental injuries and apologised.

“We believe this is the right approach and therefore welcome this action and the swift communication. We wish all those affected a speedy recovery.”

Earlier in the competition, Bayern’s southern stand made headlines for repeated use of pyrotechnics and was partially closed by governing body UEFA.

UEFA told AFP subsidiary SID on Thursday the organisation was aware of the incident but did not indicate yet whether an investigation would be launched.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Bayern #Munich #fans #apologise #photographers #injured #Real #Madrid #game

Bayern Munich supporters have apologised after several photographers were injured when fans stormed over barriers at the end of Wednesday’s home Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

With scores level in the tie, Bayern’s Luis Diaz and Michael Olise both scored late in the match to send the German champions through to the final four of the competition.

A group of fans from the Bayern ultras section climbed over barriers while celebrating, trampling pitch-side photographers.

Writing on social media, Reuters photographer Kai Pfaffenbach posted a picture of himself lying on the ground accompanied by a medical report saying he was “unconscious” after being overrun by fans at the end of the match.

“But one question: how could this have happened at a football match?” wrote Kai Pfaffenbach.
| Photo Credit:
Kai Pfaffenbach/Instagram

lightbox-info

“But one question: how could this have happened at a football match?” wrote Kai Pfaffenbach.
| Photo Credit:
Kai Pfaffenbach/Instagram

“For those asking, I’m fine. A few bruises but no fractures or brain damage,” Pfaffenbach said alongside a series of photos.

“But one question: how could this have happened at a football match?”

Another photographer suffered a head laceration and another needed medical attention for back and shoulder injuries.

One of the injured photographers told AFP that fans had already climbed a barrier and were waiting “for several minutes” before advancing into the pitch-side photographer’s area.

“If security staff had reacted and implemented the security measures, if they had intervened beforehand and protected us, or sent them back, then this could certainly have been avoided.”

ALSO READ | Kompany lauds ‘total togetherness’ after Champions League comeback win

Bayern Munich has been in contact with the injured photographers, as well as with the supporters, who have apologised for the incident.

Bayern supporter organisation Club Nr. 12 told AFP the group “regret the injuries sustained by the media representatives” during the match.

“To our knowledge, an exchange has already taken place between FC Bayern Munich and at least some of the fans involved, in which they expressed their deep regret for the accidental injuries and apologised.

“We believe this is the right approach and therefore welcome this action and the swift communication. We wish all those affected a speedy recovery.”

Earlier in the competition, Bayern’s southern stand made headlines for repeated use of pyrotechnics and was partially closed by governing body UEFA.

UEFA told AFP subsidiary SID on Thursday the organisation was aware of the incident but did not indicate yet whether an investigation would be launched.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

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Deadspin | Luther Davis to plead guilty in $20M fraud case for impersonating NFL players <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/4196448.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/4196448.jpg" alt="NCAA Football: SEC Championship-Alabama vs Florida" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Dec 5, 2009; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Luther Davis (96) celebrates after defeating the Florida Gators 32-13 in the 2009 SEC championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Luther Davis, a member of Alabama’s 2009 national championship team, is expected to plead guilty in a $20 million case in which he is facing multiple fraud charges for reportedly impersonating NFL players, per The Guardian and court documents acquired by AL.com.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Charges were filed in federal court against Davis on March 19 in Atlanta, but had not come to light until The Guardian’s report on Wednesday. Among the charges against Davis are two felonies for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Per the court documents, Davis worked with a partner, CJ Evins, to obtain 13 loans in the names of current and former NFL players, including Michael Penix Jr., David Njoku and Xavier McKinney, the latter who was part of then-Alabama coach Nick Saban’s 2017 signing class. The fraudulent loans obtained totaled more than $19,845,000, according to the documents.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Davis and Evins, according to the documents, “executed a scheme to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in loans from multiple lenders … by impersonating football players and falsely claiming those players were seeking multi-million dollar loans.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>Davis is alleged to have worn a “durag-style head covering” to impersonate Penix and used online photos of players to carry out the impersonations. He and Evins also used wigs, makeup and fake IDs to disguise themselves during “virtual loan closings” in the names of players who had not consented.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>According to federal prosecutors involved in the case, “Beginning no later than in or around May 2023 and continuing through in or about October 2024, the defendant, Luther Davis, and CJ Evins, executed a scheme to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in loans from multiple lenders, including, but not limited to, Aliya Sports and All Pro Capital Funding, by impersonating professional football players and falsely claiming those players were seeking multi-million dollar Loans.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Davis, who owns a sports management company in Georgia, was part of Saban’s first signing class at Alabama in 2007. The West Monroe, La., native is a former U.S. Army All-American who played 45 games on the defensive line over four seasons with the Crimson Tide. </p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>A few years after leaving the school, Davis was viewed as a “runner” for advisers and agents looking to pay SEC recruits, Yahoo Sports reported in 2013. Former Alabama five-star offensive lineman D.J. Fluker was among those recruits.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Luther #Davis #plead #guilty #20M #fraud #case #impersonating #NFL #players

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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