The New York Knicks upset the San Antonio Spurs 105‑95 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Saturday, seizing home‑court advantage in the series. French rookie Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 26 points , but the Knicks’ late 11‑point surge proved decisive. Both teams now face a pivotal moment as the Knicks ride a 12‑game winning streak and the Spurs look to answer the early loss.

Victor Wembanyama’s 26‑point debut under relentless Knicks defense

Victor Wembanyama scored 26 points in his first Finals appearance, but his shooting efficiency suffered, converting just 6 of 21 attempts, according to the game recap. The Knicks, anchored by Karl‑Anthony Towns and a disciplined perimeter unit, forced Wembanyama into contested looks, with several shots rattling off the backboard. Commissioner Adam Silver praised Wembanyama’s impact and maturity, noting he has already exceeded early expectations despite the shooting woes.

Knicks cap a 12‑game winning streak with a decisive 11‑point run

New York’s decisive moment arrived in the final minutes when the Knicks scored the last 11 points of the game , overturning a Spurs lead and clinching the road victory. The win extends the Knicks’ remarkable 12‑game streak that began in April , underscoring their momentum heading into the series. Coach Mitch Johnson highlighted the team’s resilience, emphasizing that the defensive pressure applied to Wembanyama was a team effort.

Spurs’ history of losing home‑court advantage but rallying later

The Spurs are no strangers to early setbacks in the playoffs; they have previously surrendered home‑court advantage in earlier rounds only to rebound and win the series. This pattern fuels optimism among San Antonio fans, who recall the 2022 comeback against the Denver Nuggets. Dylan Harper, a Spurs teammate, expressed confidence that Wembanyama’s poise will translate into a series‑level adjustment.

Open question: Can Wembanyama improve his shooting efficiency in Game 2?

The most immediate uncertainty revolves around whether Wembanyama can adjust his shot selection against the Knicks’ pressure defense. While he remained calm after the loss, the stark contrast between his 26 points and 6‑of‑21 shooting suggests a technical hurdle that San Antonio must solve quickly.

What Game 2 will look like: Spurs aim to even the series

Game 2 will shift back to San Antonio, giving the Spurs a chance to leverage their home crowd and re‑establish momentum. Coach Mitch Johnson expects Wembanyama to take accountability for the shooting night and use the experience as a learning curve. Meanwhile, the Knicks will look to sustain the defensive intensity that forced the late run, aiming to extend their winning streak further into the series.