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Deadspin | Andrew Benintendi hits tiebreaking 3-run HR as White Sox down Diamondbacks  Apr 23, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas (6) hits against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images   Andrew Benintendi hit a three-run homer with one out in the ninth to lift the Chicago White Sox to a 4-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Thursday afternoon.  Chase Meidroth walked off Paul Sewald (0-3) to open the ninth and took second on a sacrifice bunt before pinch-hitter Edgar Quero walked, bringing up Benintendi. His 410-foot homer landed near the pool area in right-center.  The White Sox had eight homers while winning two of three in the series and have 15 homers in the last five games.   White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami was 1 for 5 with a single, ending his five-game home run streak. He struck out three times, the last on a 99 mph fastball from Juan Morillo to end the seventh.  Arizona first baseman Ildemaro Vargas extended his season-opening hitting streak to 18 games, a franchise record. It is the longest active streak in the majors and the second-longest such streak since 2012, after Pablo Sandoval’s 20-gamer in 2012.   Vargas has a 21-game hitting streak dating to 2025.  Colson Montgomery had three hits and Meidorth had two hits for the White Sox, who had 10 hits, nine singles until Benintendi’s homer. They have won four of six.  Seranthony Dominguez struck out two in a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save in seven chances.    Ketel Marte had two of Arizona’s eight hits. Geraldo Perdomo extended his hitting streak to seven games.  The Diamondbacks lost their first series since being swept at the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season.  Grant Taylor (1-0) gave up two hits and struck out three after relieving Davis Martin with one out in the seventh. Taylor struck out pinch-hitter Jose Fernandez on a 100 mph fastball with runners on second and third to end the seventh.  Martin gave up one run and six hits in 6 1/3 innings, his fourth straight quality start. He struck out a season high seven and walked one.  Arizona starter Michael Soroka gave up one run on seven hits, all singles, in five innings. He had six strikeouts and walked one.  Marte singled and scored on Adrian Del Castillo’s double for a 1-0 lead in the first.  The White Sox tied it at 1-1 in the third on Miguel Vargas’ one-out single.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Andrew #Benintendi #hits #tiebreaking #3run #White #Sox #Diamondbacks

Deadspin | Andrew Benintendi hits tiebreaking 3-run HR as White Sox down Diamondbacks
Deadspin | Andrew Benintendi hits tiebreaking 3-run HR as White Sox down Diamondbacks  Apr 23, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas (6) hits against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images   Andrew Benintendi hit a three-run homer with one out in the ninth to lift the Chicago White Sox to a 4-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Thursday afternoon.  Chase Meidroth walked off Paul Sewald (0-3) to open the ninth and took second on a sacrifice bunt before pinch-hitter Edgar Quero walked, bringing up Benintendi. His 410-foot homer landed near the pool area in right-center.  The White Sox had eight homers while winning two of three in the series and have 15 homers in the last five games.   White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami was 1 for 5 with a single, ending his five-game home run streak. He struck out three times, the last on a 99 mph fastball from Juan Morillo to end the seventh.  Arizona first baseman Ildemaro Vargas extended his season-opening hitting streak to 18 games, a franchise record. It is the longest active streak in the majors and the second-longest such streak since 2012, after Pablo Sandoval’s 20-gamer in 2012.   Vargas has a 21-game hitting streak dating to 2025.  Colson Montgomery had three hits and Meidorth had two hits for the White Sox, who had 10 hits, nine singles until Benintendi’s homer. They have won four of six.  Seranthony Dominguez struck out two in a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save in seven chances.    Ketel Marte had two of Arizona’s eight hits. Geraldo Perdomo extended his hitting streak to seven games.  The Diamondbacks lost their first series since being swept at the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season.  Grant Taylor (1-0) gave up two hits and struck out three after relieving Davis Martin with one out in the seventh. Taylor struck out pinch-hitter Jose Fernandez on a 100 mph fastball with runners on second and third to end the seventh.  Martin gave up one run and six hits in 6 1/3 innings, his fourth straight quality start. He struck out a season high seven and walked one.  Arizona starter Michael Soroka gave up one run on seven hits, all singles, in five innings. He had six strikeouts and walked one.  Marte singled and scored on Adrian Del Castillo’s double for a 1-0 lead in the first.  The White Sox tied it at 1-1 in the third on Miguel Vargas’ one-out single.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Andrew #Benintendi #hits #tiebreaking #3run #White #Sox #DiamondbacksApr 23, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas (6) hits against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Andrew Benintendi hit a three-run homer with one out in the ninth to lift the Chicago White Sox to a 4-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Thursday afternoon.

Chase Meidroth walked off Paul Sewald (0-3) to open the ninth and took second on a sacrifice bunt before pinch-hitter Edgar Quero walked, bringing up Benintendi. His 410-foot homer landed near the pool area in right-center.

The White Sox had eight homers while winning two of three in the series and have 15 homers in the last five games.

White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami was 1 for 5 with a single, ending his five-game home run streak. He struck out three times, the last on a 99 mph fastball from Juan Morillo to end the seventh.

Arizona first baseman Ildemaro Vargas extended his season-opening hitting streak to 18 games, a franchise record. It is the longest active streak in the majors and the second-longest such streak since 2012, after Pablo Sandoval’s 20-gamer in 2012.

Vargas has a 21-game hitting streak dating to 2025.

Colson Montgomery had three hits and Meidorth had two hits for the White Sox, who had 10 hits, nine singles until Benintendi’s homer. They have won four of six.


Seranthony Dominguez struck out two in a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save in seven chances.

Ketel Marte had two of Arizona’s eight hits. Geraldo Perdomo extended his hitting streak to seven games.

The Diamondbacks lost their first series since being swept at the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season.

Grant Taylor (1-0) gave up two hits and struck out three after relieving Davis Martin with one out in the seventh. Taylor struck out pinch-hitter Jose Fernandez on a 100 mph fastball with runners on second and third to end the seventh.

Martin gave up one run and six hits in 6 1/3 innings, his fourth straight quality start. He struck out a season high seven and walked one.

Arizona starter Michael Soroka gave up one run on seven hits, all singles, in five innings. He had six strikeouts and walked one.

Marte singled and scored on Adrian Del Castillo’s double for a 1-0 lead in the first.

The White Sox tied it at 1-1 in the third on Miguel Vargas’ one-out single.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Andrew #Benintendi #hits #tiebreaking #3run #White #Sox #Diamondbacks

Apr 23, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas (6) hits against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Andrew Benintendi hit a three-run homer with one out in the ninth to lift the Chicago White Sox to a 4-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Thursday afternoon.

Chase Meidroth walked off Paul Sewald (0-3) to open the ninth and took second on a sacrifice bunt before pinch-hitter Edgar Quero walked, bringing up Benintendi. His 410-foot homer landed near the pool area in right-center.

The White Sox had eight homers while winning two of three in the series and have 15 homers in the last five games.

White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami was 1 for 5 with a single, ending his five-game home run streak. He struck out three times, the last on a 99 mph fastball from Juan Morillo to end the seventh.

Arizona first baseman Ildemaro Vargas extended his season-opening hitting streak to 18 games, a franchise record. It is the longest active streak in the majors and the second-longest such streak since 2012, after Pablo Sandoval’s 20-gamer in 2012.

Vargas has a 21-game hitting streak dating to 2025.

Colson Montgomery had three hits and Meidorth had two hits for the White Sox, who had 10 hits, nine singles until Benintendi’s homer. They have won four of six.

Seranthony Dominguez struck out two in a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save in seven chances.

Ketel Marte had two of Arizona’s eight hits. Geraldo Perdomo extended his hitting streak to seven games.

The Diamondbacks lost their first series since being swept at the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season.

Grant Taylor (1-0) gave up two hits and struck out three after relieving Davis Martin with one out in the seventh. Taylor struck out pinch-hitter Jose Fernandez on a 100 mph fastball with runners on second and third to end the seventh.

Martin gave up one run and six hits in 6 1/3 innings, his fourth straight quality start. He struck out a season high seven and walked one.

Arizona starter Michael Soroka gave up one run on seven hits, all singles, in five innings. He had six strikeouts and walked one.

Marte singled and scored on Adrian Del Castillo’s double for a 1-0 lead in the first.

The White Sox tied it at 1-1 in the third on Miguel Vargas’ one-out single.

–Field Level Media

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Avieon and A.J. Terrell celebrating as brother and Falcons was so cool <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Sometimes a pick just feels right, and that’s what happened on Friday when the Atlanta Falcons selected Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell. Not only did it meet a major need for the Falcons, not only was Avieon a steal at the spot he was taken — but the first hug he was able to give after hearing his name called was to his brother, and now teammate A.J. Terrell.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Michael Turner announced the pick and called it a “for the bloodline,” and my goodness is it ever. There is a very real chance both Terrell brother play on the field at the same time, with Avieon being a versatile enough defensive back that he could would outside across from his brother, or inside with the slot.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This was one of the most heartwarming moments of the draft, and you know the family is absolutely overjoyed to have the whole family together. Nobody is celebrating harder tonight than the Terrells, and rightfully so.</p></div> #Avieon #A.J #Terrell #celebrating #brother #Falcons #cool

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Deadspin | Padres score 5 in ninth to rally past Rockies <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-900/28794552.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28794552.jpg" alt="MLB: San Diego Padres at Colorado Rockies" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 23, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) celebrates in the dugout on a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Gavin Sheets’ three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning Thursday capped a five-run rally enabling the San Diego Padres to outslug the host Colorado Rockies 10-8 in Denver.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Sheets’ third homer of the year, all against Colorado pitching, scored Xander Bogaerts and pinch runner Bryce Johnson. It slapped a blown save on Victor Vodnik (0-2), who fanned Fernando Tatis Jr. as the potential tying run to end the eighth.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>But Vodnik gave up a leadoff walk to Jackson Merrill, followed by a single to Manny Machado. Bogaerts and Miguel Andujar then supplied RBI singles that preceded Sheets’ dramatic blast on his 30th birthday.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Ron Marinaccio (1-0) picked up his first MLB win in two years by pitching two innings in relief. Closer Mason Miller locked down his ninth save with a scoreless ninth, enabling him to tie Cla Meredith for the franchise record for consecutive scoreless innings with 33 2/3.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Wasted in the loss for the Rockies was Mickey Moniak’s second two-homer game of the year against San Diego. Moniak went 4-for-5 with three runs to lead a 14-hit attack.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>The Padres’ rally took starter Matt Waldron off the hook after he was roughed up for eight hits and six runs in five innings with three walks and three strikeouts. Colorado starter Ryan Feltner, who left after two innings with right triceps tightness, allowed two hits and a run with a walk and three strikeouts.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Moniak’s solo blast in the first started the scoring, but Andujar lined a two-run double in the second. The Rockies scored four two-out runs in their half of the inning, sandwiching RBI singles from Edouard Julien and Troy Johnston around TJ Rumfield’s two-run double.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Ramon Laureano’s run-scoring triple in the fourth got San Diego within 5-3, but Tyler Freeman’s squeeze bunt plated a run in Colorado’s half of the inning. Bogaerts belted a solo homer in the fifth, his fourth of the year, for a 6-4 deficit.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Moniak drilled his second homer in the sixth and Johnston tacked on his second RBI single in the seventh. Laureano singled home a run in the eighth to get the Padres within 8-5.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Laureano collected three of the Padres’ 13 hits and Andujar drove in three runs.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Padres #score #ninth #rally #Rockies

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.

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