NBA legend Magic Johnson claims that the San Antonio Spurs veered away from what made them successful so far this postseason in their Game 1 105-95 home loss against the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals.
After squandering a double-digit lead, the Spurs still had a narrow lead with 2:16 left in the fourth period. However, the hosts never scored from there, and Jalen Brunson took the game over with his late clutch baskets.
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“Jalen Brunson was too much to handle for the Spurs tonight, scoring 13 of his 30 points in the 4th quarter! It was a great coaching move by New York Knicks Head Coach Mike Brown to put Landry Shamet on the floor in the 4th quarter. His 3-point shooting ability gave Brunson more room to operate. Josh Hart played with heart tonight, leading both teams in rebounding with 15 boards, 4 big steals, and 6 assists!” Johnson posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“The Spurs just played too much isolation basketball in the 4th quarter, and it was a key reason they lost,” he added.
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Jun 3, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) attempts to steal the ball from New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) in the second half during game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
How the San Antonio Spurs collapsed down the stretch against the New York Knicks
After Victor Wembanyama hit his second free throw to make it a 95-94 lead with 2:16 remaining, the San Antonio Spurs couldn’t buy a bucket. Jalen Brunson gave the New York Knicks the lead for good with his corner three-pointer with 1:51 left, and De’Aaron Fox missed a pull-up jumper in the succeeding possession.
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Mikal Bridges drew a shooting foul with 1:11 remaining and hit his two free throws to make it 99-95. The Knicks then forced a Victor Wembanyama turnover, which turned into two more points for them after Brunson hit a tough fadeaway over Devin Vassell.
Wembanyama attempted a three-pointer to make it a one-possession game, but missed. OG Anunoby drew fouls and converted all four free throws to put the game beyond doubt and steal homecourt advantage for New York.