×
Deadspin | Marlins avoid sweep vs. Yankees thanks to 8th-inning surge  Apr 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Graham Pauley (21) runs the bases after hitting a two RBI double against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images   Pinch hitter Graham Pauley lined a go-ahead two-run double with the bases loaded against Jake Bird to spark a four-run eighth inning and the Miami Marlins hung on for a 7-6 victory over the host New York Yankees after a lengthy rain delay Sunday.  The Marlins chipped away at an early 4-1 deficit following a pregame delay of three hours and 35 minutes and took their first lead in the eighth.  Bird (1-1) replaced Fernando Cruz after Jakob Marsee drew a one-out walk. After Bird walked Otto Lopez and hit pinch hitter Griffin Conine on the left foot, Pauley batted for Connor Norby.  Pauley gave the Marlins a 5-4 lead when he lined a sweeper down the right field line.  Xavier Edwards, who drove in three runs, followed with a two-run single off Ryan Yarbrough for a three-run lead.  New York’s Ben Rice hit a three-run homer in the first off opener Pete Fairbanks. Aaron Judge scored in the third when Lopez dropped a throw at second from Norby on a grounder by Rice.  After throwing 13 1/3 scoreless innings in his first two starts, New York’s Max Fried allowed three runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings. Fried struck out four and walked three.   Lopez hit an RBI single off Fried as the Marlins took a lead in the first inning for the third straight game.   Edwards hit a run-scoring double in the fourth and Marsee scored in the sixth on a throwing error by shortstop Jose Caballero, trimming it to 4-3.  Fairbanks allowed three runs on three hits in a 27-pitch first inning. He served as the opener Sunday so he can leave the team and join his wife, who is expecting a child on Monday.  After Fairbanks exited and Andrew Nardi pitched the second, Chris Paddack allowed one unearned run on three hits in 4 2/3 innings. Paddack struck out four and walked four.  John King (1-0) notched the last out of the seventh and Calvin Faucher stranded a runner in the eighth. Anthony Bender allowed a two-run double to Jazz Chisholm Jr. before fanning pinch hitter J.C. Escarra to secure his first save.  The Marlins allowed nine more walks and issued 30 walks in the three-game series.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Marlins #avoid #sweep #Yankees #8thinning #surge

Deadspin | Marlins avoid sweep vs. Yankees thanks to 8th-inning surge
Deadspin | Marlins avoid sweep vs. Yankees thanks to 8th-inning surge  Apr 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Graham Pauley (21) runs the bases after hitting a two RBI double against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images   Pinch hitter Graham Pauley lined a go-ahead two-run double with the bases loaded against Jake Bird to spark a four-run eighth inning and the Miami Marlins hung on for a 7-6 victory over the host New York Yankees after a lengthy rain delay Sunday.  The Marlins chipped away at an early 4-1 deficit following a pregame delay of three hours and 35 minutes and took their first lead in the eighth.  Bird (1-1) replaced Fernando Cruz after Jakob Marsee drew a one-out walk. After Bird walked Otto Lopez and hit pinch hitter Griffin Conine on the left foot, Pauley batted for Connor Norby.  Pauley gave the Marlins a 5-4 lead when he lined a sweeper down the right field line.  Xavier Edwards, who drove in three runs, followed with a two-run single off Ryan Yarbrough for a three-run lead.  New York’s Ben Rice hit a three-run homer in the first off opener Pete Fairbanks. Aaron Judge scored in the third when Lopez dropped a throw at second from Norby on a grounder by Rice.  After throwing 13 1/3 scoreless innings in his first two starts, New York’s Max Fried allowed three runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings. Fried struck out four and walked three.   Lopez hit an RBI single off Fried as the Marlins took a lead in the first inning for the third straight game.   Edwards hit a run-scoring double in the fourth and Marsee scored in the sixth on a throwing error by shortstop Jose Caballero, trimming it to 4-3.  Fairbanks allowed three runs on three hits in a 27-pitch first inning. He served as the opener Sunday so he can leave the team and join his wife, who is expecting a child on Monday.  After Fairbanks exited and Andrew Nardi pitched the second, Chris Paddack allowed one unearned run on three hits in 4 2/3 innings. Paddack struck out four and walked four.  John King (1-0) notched the last out of the seventh and Calvin Faucher stranded a runner in the eighth. Anthony Bender allowed a two-run double to Jazz Chisholm Jr. before fanning pinch hitter J.C. Escarra to secure his first save.  The Marlins allowed nine more walks and issued 30 walks in the three-game series.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Marlins #avoid #sweep #Yankees #8thinning #surgeApr 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Graham Pauley (21) runs the bases after hitting a two RBI double against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Pinch hitter Graham Pauley lined a go-ahead two-run double with the bases loaded against Jake Bird to spark a four-run eighth inning and the Miami Marlins hung on for a 7-6 victory over the host New York Yankees after a lengthy rain delay Sunday.

The Marlins chipped away at an early 4-1 deficit following a pregame delay of three hours and 35 minutes and took their first lead in the eighth.

Bird (1-1) replaced Fernando Cruz after Jakob Marsee drew a one-out walk. After Bird walked Otto Lopez and hit pinch hitter Griffin Conine on the left foot, Pauley batted for Connor Norby.

Pauley gave the Marlins a 5-4 lead when he lined a sweeper down the right field line.

Xavier Edwards, who drove in three runs, followed with a two-run single off Ryan Yarbrough for a three-run lead.

New York’s Ben Rice hit a three-run homer in the first off opener Pete Fairbanks. Aaron Judge scored in the third when Lopez dropped a throw at second from Norby on a grounder by Rice.


After throwing 13 1/3 scoreless innings in his first two starts, New York’s Max Fried allowed three runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings. Fried struck out four and walked three.

Lopez hit an RBI single off Fried as the Marlins took a lead in the first inning for the third straight game.

Edwards hit a run-scoring double in the fourth and Marsee scored in the sixth on a throwing error by shortstop Jose Caballero, trimming it to 4-3.

Fairbanks allowed three runs on three hits in a 27-pitch first inning. He served as the opener Sunday so he can leave the team and join his wife, who is expecting a child on Monday.

After Fairbanks exited and Andrew Nardi pitched the second, Chris Paddack allowed one unearned run on three hits in 4 2/3 innings. Paddack struck out four and walked four.

John King (1-0) notched the last out of the seventh and Calvin Faucher stranded a runner in the eighth. Anthony Bender allowed a two-run double to Jazz Chisholm Jr. before fanning pinch hitter J.C. Escarra to secure his first save.

The Marlins allowed nine more walks and issued 30 walks in the three-game series.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Marlins #avoid #sweep #Yankees #8thinning #surge

Apr 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Graham Pauley (21) runs the bases after hitting a two RBI double against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Pinch hitter Graham Pauley lined a go-ahead two-run double with the bases loaded against Jake Bird to spark a four-run eighth inning and the Miami Marlins hung on for a 7-6 victory over the host New York Yankees after a lengthy rain delay Sunday.

The Marlins chipped away at an early 4-1 deficit following a pregame delay of three hours and 35 minutes and took their first lead in the eighth.

Bird (1-1) replaced Fernando Cruz after Jakob Marsee drew a one-out walk. After Bird walked Otto Lopez and hit pinch hitter Griffin Conine on the left foot, Pauley batted for Connor Norby.

Pauley gave the Marlins a 5-4 lead when he lined a sweeper down the right field line.

Xavier Edwards, who drove in three runs, followed with a two-run single off Ryan Yarbrough for a three-run lead.

New York’s Ben Rice hit a three-run homer in the first off opener Pete Fairbanks. Aaron Judge scored in the third when Lopez dropped a throw at second from Norby on a grounder by Rice.

After throwing 13 1/3 scoreless innings in his first two starts, New York’s Max Fried allowed three runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings. Fried struck out four and walked three.

Lopez hit an RBI single off Fried as the Marlins took a lead in the first inning for the third straight game.

Edwards hit a run-scoring double in the fourth and Marsee scored in the sixth on a throwing error by shortstop Jose Caballero, trimming it to 4-3.

Fairbanks allowed three runs on three hits in a 27-pitch first inning. He served as the opener Sunday so he can leave the team and join his wife, who is expecting a child on Monday.

After Fairbanks exited and Andrew Nardi pitched the second, Chris Paddack allowed one unearned run on three hits in 4 2/3 innings. Paddack struck out four and walked four.

John King (1-0) notched the last out of the seventh and Calvin Faucher stranded a runner in the eighth. Anthony Bender allowed a two-run double to Jazz Chisholm Jr. before fanning pinch hitter J.C. Escarra to secure his first save.

The Marlins allowed nine more walks and issued 30 walks in the three-game series.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Marlins #avoid #sweep #Yankees #8thinning #surge

Previous post

I just wanted to come here and help: Ashley Westwood on becoming Kerala Blasters coach <div id="content-body-70815663" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Kerala Blasters is going through a nightmare. It is lying 13th among the 14 teams of the ongoing season of the Indian Super League, with five losses and a draw.</p><p>So, Ashley Westwood has a task on his hands. The Englishman, who has a lot of experience in Indian football, has taken over as the new coach, in place of the Spaniard David Catala.</p><p>He admits it is a big challenge. “I have to get some morale back, some confidence, some team spirit, and to obviously try and improve performances,” Westwood, who had guided Bengaluru FC to the I-League title in the club’s first season, told <i>Sportstar</i>. “I have had a few chats with the players and the support staff.”</p><p>Westwood, a former England youth international who played for Bradford City in the English Premier League, said he accepted the job from the Blasters management because he wanted to help the team. “I know Indian football quite well. I just wanted to come here and help. They reached out to me after the match against Punjab FC.”</p><p>The offer came to Westwood, who has also worked with ATK and RoundGlass Punjab, at the right time – he had left his coaching job with the Hong Kong national team. “Seven weeks, roughly, and seven games, so it fitted well for me at the minute,” he reasoned. “And I am happy to be with Blasters at Kochi, which is a fantastic city.”</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/india-vs-hong-kong-jln-stadium-crowd-atmosphere-tifo-kochi-diary-poznan-latest-news/article70814852.ece" target="_blank">‘When fans rejoice, the JLN trembles’ — the Kochi crowd roars as India exorcises its hoodoo</a></b></p><p>He recalled how he spoiled the Blasters’ chances once while he was with ATK. “We had a very poor team at ATK, and we ended up drawing with Kerala Blasters, which probably cost them the playoffs,” he said. “My old friend David James was their coach.”</p><p>Westwood said Blasters was one ISL club he would have been keen about at any rate. “Because of the fan base,” he said. “As a coach, you always want to go to clubs with fans. And Kerala Blasters arguably have the most fans in India.”</p><p>Westwood, a product of the famous Manchester United Academy where he worked with the coaching great Alex Ferguson, believes there is plenty of talent in Indian football, but a lot needs to be done.</p><p>“Infrastructure, of course, is always very important,” he said. “When you go to European places, you will find millions of football fields everywhere,” he said. “There are nice facilities to train at. You need to encourage young players to stick at their career. And you have to train the kids from an early age.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 02, 2026</p></div> #wanted #Ashley #Westwood #Kerala #Blasters #coach

Next post

KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders hopes to get its act together against Punjab Kings <div id="content-body-70826756" itemprop="articleBody"><p>It’s that time of the year when  <i>Kalbaisakhi, </i>the sudden nor’westers, turn calm evenings into spectacles of wind and thunder. With thundershowers in the forecast on Monday, Kolkata Knight Riders will keep a wary eye on the skies as it prepares for a must-win Indian Premier League clash against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens.</p><p>After two successive defeats, the season already hangs in a delicate balance, and KKR can scarcely afford further turbulence, on the field or above it. Much like the brooding clouds looming over the venue on the eve of the contest, KKR’s immediate future appears uncertain, if not ominous.</p><p>Though Cameron Green spent considerable time bowling at the nets earlier this week, concerns linger over a unit that has struggled to make early inroads in the absence of a dependable strike spearhead. The inability to strike in the PowerPlay has repeatedly allowed opponents to seize control.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/7ghe0m/article70826918.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/01aEden.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/7ghe0m/article70826918.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/01aEden.jpg" alt="The Eden Gardens was under covers on the match eve due to rain and the forecasts predict more showers on Monday." title="The Eden Gardens was under covers on the match eve due to rain and the forecasts predict more showers on Monday." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> The Eden Gardens was under covers on the match eve due to rain and the forecasts predict more showers on Monday. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> The Eden Gardens was under covers on the match eve due to rain and the forecasts predict more showers on Monday. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak </p></div><p>Yet, belief within the dressing room remains intact. “(This situation) presents opportunities for the other guys. We are still excited about the bowling group we’ve got,” said KKR bowling coach Tim Southee. “They may be a bit inexperienced, but they’ve got a tremendous amount of skill.”</p><p>The larger issue lies in a muddled strategy. Despite boasting three top New Zealand internationals – Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra – KKR has struggled to maximise its resources. With the lower order lacking firepower, Sunil Narine and Anukul Roy have been shuffled across positions, preventing the side from settling into a clear batting structure.</p><p>While KKR has faltered, Punjab Kings has looked settled under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership. Cooper Connolly has impressed at No. 3 with 108 runs in two matches, Shreyas has anchored the middle overs, while Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh have provided solid starts, giving the side a balance KKR is still searching for.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 05, 2026</p></div> #KKR #PBKS #IPL #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #hopes #act #Punjab #Kings

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

Post Comment