Deadspin | Chris Paddack, opposing Cardinals, tries again for first Marlins win Apr 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Chris Paddack (33) warms up during batting practice against the Milwaukee Brewers at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images JJ Wetherholt, off to a solid start to his rookie season, and the St. Louis Cardinals will look to bounce back on Tuesday after dropping the opener of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins. The 23-year-old second baseman, who went 0-for-3 in a 5-3 loss on Monday, is hitting .228 with three homers, 11 RBIs, four steals and a .730 OPS in 22 games. The Cardinals’ first-round pick, seventh overall, in 2024, Wetherholt mostly played shortstop in the minor leagues but moved to second base because the Cardinals have a Gold Glove winner at his position, Masyn Winn. Still, Wetherholt has above-average tools in terms of his speed, arm, power and hitting, and he has earned the trust of Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. “He’s been very steady, regardless of what the night before looked like,” Marmol said. “Positive or negative, he’s the same guy every day.” On Tuesday, Wetherholt will try to support Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (2-2, 6.98 ERA). May, a 28-year-old right-hander, is 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA in four career starts against Miami. The Cardinals signed as a free agent May in December, giving him a one-year, .5 million contract. St. Louis is 2-2 when starting May, but that includes wins in his past two appearances, when he allowed just four runs, three earned, in 12 innings. His first two outings for his new club were forgettable, as he permitted 13 runs on 17 hits in 7 1/3 innings. Miami will counter with right-hander Chris Paddack (0-3, 5.59 ERA). Paddack is 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in three career starts against St. Louis, but he has only totaled 13 2/3 innings in those games. He hasn’t faced the Cardinals since 2021. Last season, Paddack pitched for the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers, posting a 5-12 record and a 5.35 ERA, and he is off to another slow start. As Miami’s only starting pitcher with an ERA over 4.50, he could be in danger of losing his spot in the rotation unless he can turn things around. Miami’s top two prospects, minor league left-handers Thomas White and Robby Snelling, are only a phone call away. In the meantime, Paddack on Tuesday will try to stop Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, who is on a 15-game hitting streak, two shy of his career high of 17 set as a rookie in 2023. Despite Walker’s hit, walk and two runs on Monday, the Marlins prevailed to end the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak. Miami manager Clayton McCullough praised shortstop Otto Lopez and designated hitter Liam Hicks following the game. Lopez hit a go-ahead double in the sixth inning and scored twice, and Hicks finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs. “Otto continues to come through,” McCullough said. “Liam continues to come through. We’re getting offensive contributions from a lot of guys.” Lopez has a .945 OPS, and Hicks’ OPS is .929. Second baseman Xavier Edwards also is doing well, posting a .905 OPS. “X driving the ball the other way is a very good sign,” McCullough said of Edwards. “He’s giving us a high level of professional at-bats.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chris #Paddack #opposing #Cardinals #Marlins #win

Deadspin | Chris Paddack, opposing Cardinals, tries again for first Marlins win
Deadspin | Chris Paddack, opposing Cardinals, tries again for first Marlins win Apr 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Chris Paddack (33) warms up during batting practice against the Milwaukee Brewers at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images JJ Wetherholt, off to a solid start to his rookie season, and the St. Louis Cardinals will look to bounce back on Tuesday after dropping the opener of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins. The 23-year-old second baseman, who went 0-for-3 in a 5-3 loss on Monday, is hitting .228 with three homers, 11 RBIs, four steals and a .730 OPS in 22 games. The Cardinals’ first-round pick, seventh overall, in 2024, Wetherholt mostly played shortstop in the minor leagues but moved to second base because the Cardinals have a Gold Glove winner at his position, Masyn Winn. Still, Wetherholt has above-average tools in terms of his speed, arm, power and hitting, and he has earned the trust of Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. “He’s been very steady, regardless of what the night before looked like,” Marmol said. “Positive or negative, he’s the same guy every day.” On Tuesday, Wetherholt will try to support Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (2-2, 6.98 ERA). May, a 28-year-old right-hander, is 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA in four career starts against Miami. The Cardinals signed as a free agent May in December, giving him a one-year, .5 million contract. St. Louis is 2-2 when starting May, but that includes wins in his past two appearances, when he allowed just four runs, three earned, in 12 innings. His first two outings for his new club were forgettable, as he permitted 13 runs on 17 hits in 7 1/3 innings. Miami will counter with right-hander Chris Paddack (0-3, 5.59 ERA). Paddack is 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in three career starts against St. Louis, but he has only totaled 13 2/3 innings in those games. He hasn’t faced the Cardinals since 2021. Last season, Paddack pitched for the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers, posting a 5-12 record and a 5.35 ERA, and he is off to another slow start. As Miami’s only starting pitcher with an ERA over 4.50, he could be in danger of losing his spot in the rotation unless he can turn things around. Miami’s top two prospects, minor league left-handers Thomas White and Robby Snelling, are only a phone call away. In the meantime, Paddack on Tuesday will try to stop Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, who is on a 15-game hitting streak, two shy of his career high of 17 set as a rookie in 2023. Despite Walker’s hit, walk and two runs on Monday, the Marlins prevailed to end the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak. Miami manager Clayton McCullough praised shortstop Otto Lopez and designated hitter Liam Hicks following the game. Lopez hit a go-ahead double in the sixth inning and scored twice, and Hicks finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs. “Otto continues to come through,” McCullough said. “Liam continues to come through. We’re getting offensive contributions from a lot of guys.” Lopez has a .945 OPS, and Hicks’ OPS is .929. Second baseman Xavier Edwards also is doing well, posting a .905 OPS. “X driving the ball the other way is a very good sign,” McCullough said of Edwards. “He’s giving us a high level of professional at-bats.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chris #Paddack #opposing #Cardinals #Marlins #winApr 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Chris Paddack (33) warms up during batting practice against the Milwaukee Brewers at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

JJ Wetherholt, off to a solid start to his rookie season, and the St. Louis Cardinals will look to bounce back on Tuesday after dropping the opener of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.

The 23-year-old second baseman, who went 0-for-3 in a 5-3 loss on Monday, is hitting .228 with three homers, 11 RBIs, four steals and a .730 OPS in 22 games.

The Cardinals’ first-round pick, seventh overall, in 2024, Wetherholt mostly played shortstop in the minor leagues but moved to second base because the Cardinals have a Gold Glove winner at his position, Masyn Winn.

Still, Wetherholt has above-average tools in terms of his speed, arm, power and hitting, and he has earned the trust of Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol.

“He’s been very steady, regardless of what the night before looked like,” Marmol said. “Positive or negative, he’s the same guy every day.”

On Tuesday, Wetherholt will try to support Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (2-2, 6.98 ERA).

May, a 28-year-old right-hander, is 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA in four career starts against Miami.

The Cardinals signed as a free agent May in December, giving him a one-year, $12.5 million contract. St. Louis is 2-2 when starting May, but that includes wins in his past two appearances, when he allowed just four runs, three earned, in 12 innings. His first two outings for his new club were forgettable, as he permitted 13 runs on 17 hits in 7 1/3 innings.


Miami will counter with right-hander Chris Paddack (0-3, 5.59 ERA). Paddack is 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in three career starts against St. Louis, but he has only totaled 13 2/3 innings in those games. He hasn’t faced the Cardinals since 2021.

Last season, Paddack pitched for the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers, posting a 5-12 record and a 5.35 ERA, and he is off to another slow start.

As Miami’s only starting pitcher with an ERA over 4.50, he could be in danger of losing his spot in the rotation unless he can turn things around. Miami’s top two prospects, minor league left-handers Thomas White and Robby Snelling, are only a phone call away.

In the meantime, Paddack on Tuesday will try to stop Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, who is on a 15-game hitting streak, two shy of his career high of 17 set as a rookie in 2023.

Despite Walker’s hit, walk and two runs on Monday, the Marlins prevailed to end the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak.

Miami manager Clayton McCullough praised shortstop Otto Lopez and designated hitter Liam Hicks following the game. Lopez hit a go-ahead double in the sixth inning and scored twice, and Hicks finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

“Otto continues to come through,” McCullough said. “Liam continues to come through. We’re getting offensive contributions from a lot of guys.”

Lopez has a .945 OPS, and Hicks’ OPS is .929. Second baseman Xavier Edwards also is doing well, posting a .905 OPS.

“X driving the ball the other way is a very good sign,” McCullough said of Edwards. “He’s giving us a high level of professional at-bats.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Chris #Paddack #opposing #Cardinals #Marlins #win

Sports news

Apr 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Chris Paddack (33) warms up during batting practice against the Milwaukee Brewers at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

JJ Wetherholt, off to a solid start to his rookie season, and the St. Louis Cardinals will look to bounce back on Tuesday after dropping the opener of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.

The 23-year-old second baseman, who went 0-for-3 in a 5-3 loss on Monday, is hitting .228 with three homers, 11 RBIs, four steals and a .730 OPS in 22 games.

The Cardinals’ first-round pick, seventh overall, in 2024, Wetherholt mostly played shortstop in the minor leagues but moved to second base because the Cardinals have a Gold Glove winner at his position, Masyn Winn.

Still, Wetherholt has above-average tools in terms of his speed, arm, power and hitting, and he has earned the trust of Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol.

“He’s been very steady, regardless of what the night before looked like,” Marmol said. “Positive or negative, he’s the same guy every day.”

On Tuesday, Wetherholt will try to support Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (2-2, 6.98 ERA).

May, a 28-year-old right-hander, is 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA in four career starts against Miami.

The Cardinals signed as a free agent May in December, giving him a one-year, $12.5 million contract. St. Louis is 2-2 when starting May, but that includes wins in his past two appearances, when he allowed just four runs, three earned, in 12 innings. His first two outings for his new club were forgettable, as he permitted 13 runs on 17 hits in 7 1/3 innings.

Miami will counter with right-hander Chris Paddack (0-3, 5.59 ERA). Paddack is 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in three career starts against St. Louis, but he has only totaled 13 2/3 innings in those games. He hasn’t faced the Cardinals since 2021.

Last season, Paddack pitched for the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers, posting a 5-12 record and a 5.35 ERA, and he is off to another slow start.

As Miami’s only starting pitcher with an ERA over 4.50, he could be in danger of losing his spot in the rotation unless he can turn things around. Miami’s top two prospects, minor league left-handers Thomas White and Robby Snelling, are only a phone call away.

In the meantime, Paddack on Tuesday will try to stop Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, who is on a 15-game hitting streak, two shy of his career high of 17 set as a rookie in 2023.

Despite Walker’s hit, walk and two runs on Monday, the Marlins prevailed to end the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak.

Miami manager Clayton McCullough praised shortstop Otto Lopez and designated hitter Liam Hicks following the game. Lopez hit a go-ahead double in the sixth inning and scored twice, and Hicks finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

“Otto continues to come through,” McCullough said. “Liam continues to come through. We’re getting offensive contributions from a lot of guys.”

Lopez has a .945 OPS, and Hicks’ OPS is .929. Second baseman Xavier Edwards also is doing well, posting a .905 OPS.

“X driving the ball the other way is a very good sign,” McCullough said of Edwards. “He’s giving us a high level of professional at-bats.”

–Field Level Media

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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

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