The New York Knicks secured a dramatic 105-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals, stealing home-court advantage and taking a 1-0 series lead. This win extended the Knicks' playoff winning streak to 12 games, marking their first Finals appearance since 1999 and reigniting hopes for their first championship since 1973. The Spurs, making their first Finals appearance since 2014, experienced their first-ever Game 1 loss in franchise history, having previously held a 6-0 record in Finals openers.

Jalen Brunson spearheaded the Knicks' comeback, overcoming an early right knee scare from a collision with Harrison Barnes. After a rough start, Brunson scored 13 of his game-high 30 points in the fourth quarter, orchestrating New York's familiar formula: fall behind, get within striking distance, and let Brunson close. Knicks coach Mike Brown lauded Brunson as an MVP candidate, emphasizing his ability to carry the team in crucial moments. The Knicks' resilience was evident as they rallied from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter (65-51), showcasing a collective mentality of trusting each other and continuously