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Deadspin | Clippers, Trail Blazers duke it out for No. 8 seed Mar 31, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) shoots the ball against LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Jockeying for positioning in the Western Conference play-in round hits the home stretch on Friday when the Portland Trail Blazers welcome the Los Angeles Clippers for a crucial showdown. Los Angeles (41-39) heads into its final two games of the regular season with a one-game lead over Portland (40-40) for eighth place in the West. The Clippers overtook the Blazers thanks to Portland’s back-to-back losses at Denver and San Antonio on Monday and Wednesday. However, Los Angeles was unable to take a critical two-game lead, falling Wednesday against NBA-leading and reigning league champion Oklahoma City 128-110. The Clippers won two straight heading into Wednesday’s contest, routing Sacramento and Dallas to rebound from losses to Portland and San Antonio. Los Angeles coach Tyronn Lue said revisiting the 114-104 setback against the Blazers on March 31 is vital ahead of Friday’s rematch. “Understanding how they beat us last time (is essential),” Lue said. “They were really physical. I thought they came in with the mindset that that was a big game for them, so we’ve got to come in with the same mindset on Friday from the start — not easing into the game. We’ve got to be physical from the start.” Blazers coach Tiago Splitter expressed a similar sentiment Wednesday, calling Friday the team’s “most important game.” Replicating its effort from the last encounter will be key, beginning with the physicality Lue referenced. Portland dominated the glass during the meeting in Inglewood, Calif., outrebounding Los Angeles 48-30. Deni Avdija’s 11 boards led the Blazers, while Toumani Camara grabbed four of his seven rebounds on the offensive glass in a contest that saw Portland with a 32-14 advantage for second-chance points. Camara, a 2024-25 All-Defensive Team honoree, is again a catalyst for the Blazers on that side of the ball. He comes into Friday’s game a week removed from drawing his 100th offensive foul of the season, setting a single-season NBA record. Camara has also been a contributor to the Portland offense in recent outings, scoring 17-plus points in each of the last five contests. His 13.5 points per game supplement team-leaders Avdija’s 24 points per game and 16.3 from veteran guard Jrue Holiday. Holiday scored 30 points in Portland’s March 31 win at Los Angeles. “Come out and keep fighting. Execute the best as possible,” Holiday told reporters about the team’s focus heading into the final two games. “Just do what we’ve been doing. We know how important each game is.” The Clippers come into Portland with Kawhi Leonard setting the pace at 28 points per game. Darius Garland, averaging 20.4 points per game since his trade to Los Angeles from Cleveland, missed Wednesday’s contest with a toe injury. Another key midseason addition, Bennedict Mathurin, will look to get back on track after scoring just 10 or fewer in four of the last five outings. Mathurin was held to four points in the last encounter with the Blazers. “Everybody here is on the same page,” Mathurin said. “It’s one game (to potentially determine the No. 8 seed). So, we’ve got to go out there and play as hard as we can.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Clippers #Trail #Blazers #duke #seed

Deadspin | Clippers, Trail Blazers duke it out for No. 8 seed
Deadspin | Clippers, Trail Blazers duke it out for No. 8 seed Mar 31, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) shoots the ball against LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Jockeying for positioning in the Western Conference play-in round hits the home stretch on Friday when the Portland Trail Blazers welcome the Los Angeles Clippers for a crucial showdown. Los Angeles (41-39) heads into its final two games of the regular season with a one-game lead over Portland (40-40) for eighth place in the West. The Clippers overtook the Blazers thanks to Portland’s back-to-back losses at Denver and San Antonio on Monday and Wednesday. However, Los Angeles was unable to take a critical two-game lead, falling Wednesday against NBA-leading and reigning league champion Oklahoma City 128-110. The Clippers won two straight heading into Wednesday’s contest, routing Sacramento and Dallas to rebound from losses to Portland and San Antonio. Los Angeles coach Tyronn Lue said revisiting the 114-104 setback against the Blazers on March 31 is vital ahead of Friday’s rematch. “Understanding how they beat us last time (is essential),” Lue said. “They were really physical. I thought they came in with the mindset that that was a big game for them, so we’ve got to come in with the same mindset on Friday from the start — not easing into the game. We’ve got to be physical from the start.” Blazers coach Tiago Splitter expressed a similar sentiment Wednesday, calling Friday the team’s “most important game.” Replicating its effort from the last encounter will be key, beginning with the physicality Lue referenced. Portland dominated the glass during the meeting in Inglewood, Calif., outrebounding Los Angeles 48-30. Deni Avdija’s 11 boards led the Blazers, while Toumani Camara grabbed four of his seven rebounds on the offensive glass in a contest that saw Portland with a 32-14 advantage for second-chance points. Camara, a 2024-25 All-Defensive Team honoree, is again a catalyst for the Blazers on that side of the ball. He comes into Friday’s game a week removed from drawing his 100th offensive foul of the season, setting a single-season NBA record. Camara has also been a contributor to the Portland offense in recent outings, scoring 17-plus points in each of the last five contests. His 13.5 points per game supplement team-leaders Avdija’s 24 points per game and 16.3 from veteran guard Jrue Holiday. Holiday scored 30 points in Portland’s March 31 win at Los Angeles. “Come out and keep fighting. Execute the best as possible,” Holiday told reporters about the team’s focus heading into the final two games. “Just do what we’ve been doing. We know how important each game is.” The Clippers come into Portland with Kawhi Leonard setting the pace at 28 points per game. Darius Garland, averaging 20.4 points per game since his trade to Los Angeles from Cleveland, missed Wednesday’s contest with a toe injury. Another key midseason addition, Bennedict Mathurin, will look to get back on track after scoring just 10 or fewer in four of the last five outings. Mathurin was held to four points in the last encounter with the Blazers. “Everybody here is on the same page,” Mathurin said. “It’s one game (to potentially determine the No. 8 seed). So, we’ve got to go out there and play as hard as we can.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Clippers #Trail #Blazers #duke #seedMar 31, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) shoots the ball against LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jockeying for positioning in the Western Conference play-in round hits the home stretch on Friday when the Portland Trail Blazers welcome the Los Angeles Clippers for a crucial showdown.

Los Angeles (41-39) heads into its final two games of the regular season with a one-game lead over Portland (40-40) for eighth place in the West. The Clippers overtook the Blazers thanks to Portland’s back-to-back losses at Denver and San Antonio on Monday and Wednesday.

However, Los Angeles was unable to take a critical two-game lead, falling Wednesday against NBA-leading and reigning league champion Oklahoma City 128-110.

The Clippers won two straight heading into Wednesday’s contest, routing Sacramento and Dallas to rebound from losses to Portland and San Antonio. Los Angeles coach Tyronn Lue said revisiting the 114-104 setback against the Blazers on March 31 is vital ahead of Friday’s rematch.

“Understanding how they beat us last time (is essential),” Lue said. “They were really physical. I thought they came in with the mindset that that was a big game for them, so we’ve got to come in with the same mindset on Friday from the start — not easing into the game. We’ve got to be physical from the start.”

Blazers coach Tiago Splitter expressed a similar sentiment Wednesday, calling Friday the team’s “most important game.” Replicating its effort from the last encounter will be key, beginning with the physicality Lue referenced.

Portland dominated the glass during the meeting in Inglewood, Calif., outrebounding Los Angeles 48-30. Deni Avdija’s 11 boards led the Blazers, while Toumani Camara grabbed four of his seven rebounds on the offensive glass in a contest that saw Portland with a 32-14 advantage for second-chance points.


Camara, a 2024-25 All-Defensive Team honoree, is again a catalyst for the Blazers on that side of the ball. He comes into Friday’s game a week removed from drawing his 100th offensive foul of the season, setting a single-season NBA record.

Camara has also been a contributor to the Portland offense in recent outings, scoring 17-plus points in each of the last five contests. His 13.5 points per game supplement team-leaders Avdija’s 24 points per game and 16.3 from veteran guard Jrue Holiday.

Holiday scored 30 points in Portland’s March 31 win at Los Angeles.

“Come out and keep fighting. Execute the best as possible,” Holiday told reporters about the team’s focus heading into the final two games. “Just do what we’ve been doing. We know how important each game is.”

The Clippers come into Portland with Kawhi Leonard setting the pace at 28 points per game. Darius Garland, averaging 20.4 points per game since his trade to Los Angeles from Cleveland, missed Wednesday’s contest with a toe injury.

Another key midseason addition, Bennedict Mathurin, will look to get back on track after scoring just 10 or fewer in four of the last five outings. Mathurin was held to four points in the last encounter with the Blazers.

“Everybody here is on the same page,” Mathurin said. “It’s one game (to potentially determine the No. 8 seed). So, we’ve got to go out there and play as hard as we can.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Clippers #Trail #Blazers #duke #seed

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Mar 31, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) shoots the ball against LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jockeying for positioning in the Western Conference play-in round hits the home stretch on Friday when the Portland Trail Blazers welcome the Los Angeles Clippers for a crucial showdown.

Los Angeles (41-39) heads into its final two games of the regular season with a one-game lead over Portland (40-40) for eighth place in the West. The Clippers overtook the Blazers thanks to Portland’s back-to-back losses at Denver and San Antonio on Monday and Wednesday.

However, Los Angeles was unable to take a critical two-game lead, falling Wednesday against NBA-leading and reigning league champion Oklahoma City 128-110.

The Clippers won two straight heading into Wednesday’s contest, routing Sacramento and Dallas to rebound from losses to Portland and San Antonio. Los Angeles coach Tyronn Lue said revisiting the 114-104 setback against the Blazers on March 31 is vital ahead of Friday’s rematch.

“Understanding how they beat us last time (is essential),” Lue said. “They were really physical. I thought they came in with the mindset that that was a big game for them, so we’ve got to come in with the same mindset on Friday from the start — not easing into the game. We’ve got to be physical from the start.”

Blazers coach Tiago Splitter expressed a similar sentiment Wednesday, calling Friday the team’s “most important game.” Replicating its effort from the last encounter will be key, beginning with the physicality Lue referenced.

Portland dominated the glass during the meeting in Inglewood, Calif., outrebounding Los Angeles 48-30. Deni Avdija’s 11 boards led the Blazers, while Toumani Camara grabbed four of his seven rebounds on the offensive glass in a contest that saw Portland with a 32-14 advantage for second-chance points.

Camara, a 2024-25 All-Defensive Team honoree, is again a catalyst for the Blazers on that side of the ball. He comes into Friday’s game a week removed from drawing his 100th offensive foul of the season, setting a single-season NBA record.

Camara has also been a contributor to the Portland offense in recent outings, scoring 17-plus points in each of the last five contests. His 13.5 points per game supplement team-leaders Avdija’s 24 points per game and 16.3 from veteran guard Jrue Holiday.

Holiday scored 30 points in Portland’s March 31 win at Los Angeles.

“Come out and keep fighting. Execute the best as possible,” Holiday told reporters about the team’s focus heading into the final two games. “Just do what we’ve been doing. We know how important each game is.”

The Clippers come into Portland with Kawhi Leonard setting the pace at 28 points per game. Darius Garland, averaging 20.4 points per game since his trade to Los Angeles from Cleveland, missed Wednesday’s contest with a toe injury.

Another key midseason addition, Bennedict Mathurin, will look to get back on track after scoring just 10 or fewer in four of the last five outings. Mathurin was held to four points in the last encounter with the Blazers.

“Everybody here is on the same page,” Mathurin said. “It’s one game (to potentially determine the No. 8 seed). So, we’ve got to go out there and play as hard as we can.”

–Field Level Media

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VIDEO | From Dhoni dreams to IPL reality: Mukul Choudhary finishes it for LSG <div id="content-body-70846363" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Mukul Choudhary’s rise from a M.S. Dhoni-inspired dreamer to a match-winner has been rapid, but not accidental. At Eden Gardens on Thursday, the 21-year-old powered Lucknow Super Giants to a <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-2026-kkr-vs-lsg-game-result-match-report-mukul-choudhary-unbeaten-50-lucknow-super-giants/article70843903.ece" target="_self">last-ball, three-wicket win</a> over Kolkata Knight Riders with a stunning, unbeaten 54 off 27 balls.</p><p>“I dedicate this to my father… I also always watch MS (Dhoni) sir, the way he finishes,” Mukul said, reflecting on the influence of Dhoni.</p><p>That composure is built on routine. “Everyday I hit around 100-150 sixes… for the last five-six months, I’ve been practising a lot,” he revealed. His confidence in high-pressure finishes isn’t new either. Recalling a domestic game, he said: “25 runs were needed from the last over and five runs from the last ball… I got picked from that innings.”</p><p>Against KKR, that belief resurfaced as he turned 128/7 into victory. “I never thought about the result, just wanted to take the match till the end… in the end it became clear that ‘yes I can do it’.”</p><p>A key part of that clarity is mental discipline. “When there are many things going around, I want to sit down peacefully for five seconds and take 2-3 deep breaths, just watch the ball and play the ball.”</p><p>Support from skipper Rishabh Pant has also been crucial. “Rishabh bhaiya told me that ‘don’t think so much, just do what you have been doing’.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 10, 2026</p></div> #VIDEO #Dhoni #dreams #IPL #reality #Mukul #Choudhary #finishes #LSG

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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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