The New York Knicks escaped San Antonio with a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals following an exciting 105-104 win on Friday night over Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.
This one was harder to get than previous victories, as the Spurs began surging towards a thrilling comeback in the fourth quarter behind big shots from De’Aaron Fox and Wembanyama. However, their attempt failed due to a turnover on a bad pass and a missed shot in the final stages of the game.
Throughout the first half, the Spurs’ young phenom Wembanyama didn’t appear as dominant as in previous playoff games, largely because the Knicks’ big men kept him away from the basket.
In the second quarter, Mitchell Robinson and Wemby were shoving each other, prompting the referee to issue Robinson a technical foul. Wemby didn’t receive a foul for his part in the exchange.
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Following the game, the NBA officially rescinded Robinson’s technical, so that’s no longer against him for the remainder of the NBA Finals.
A video that surfaced on X shows the highlight, which includes ABC and ESPN NBA commentator Richard Jefferson suggesting that the referees didn’t call it properly, especially after Wemby shoved Robinson first.
Robinson and Towns’ defense on Wemby has been crucial for the Knicks in their two playoff games. In particular, Robinson came up big on the defensive end in the fourth quarter.
Wemby had a chance to win the game for the Knicks with 7.5 seconds remaining, attempting a jump shot before the buzzer that would’ve sent San Antonio into a frenzy. Robinson contested the shot, and it missed, giving the Knicks a 2-0 lead.
New York’s head coach, Mike Brown, praised the Knicks’ backup big man following the game for his effort against the 7-foot-4 Spurs star.
“What I’m proud about more than anything else is Mitch defended him the right away. Wemby’s iconic. If he makes the shot, he makes the shot. You’re not blocking his shot, but you make him work,” he told reporters.
The Knicks’ center drew concerns when reports emerged before the NBA Finals that he had a broken right pinky finger (fifth metacarpal) and needed surgery. So far, he’s been effective for his team as they continue their impressive playoff run.
Robinson finished Game 2 with seven points, three rebounds, a steal, and a block, as well as that impactful defensive effort against Wemby to secure the win.
In the first round of the playoffs, referees ejected him and the Atlanta Hawks’ Dyson Daniels for an on-court scuffle that halted the game for several moments.
The Spurs play the Knicks at New York City’s Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.
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