Coming off a tough Game 1 loss in this NBA Finals, the Spurs looked to even the series in Game 2 versus the New York Knicks. The Spurs started hot, outscoring the Knicks 34-25 in the first quarter. However, their offense turned ice cold. They had their worst statistical shooting quarter of the season, and got outscored 31-18 by New York. Facing a four-point deficit, the Spurs came out flat in the third quarter and got outscored again. This time, they were outscored 28-23 and faced a nine-point deficit heading into the final frame. In the early part of the fourth quarter, the Knicks managed to build a 14-point lead with over five minutes remaining. The Spurs countered with a 14-0 run and tied a game that was slipping away.
The last couple of minutes were back-and-forth buckets, but with one minute remaining, Victor Wembanyama took the lead with an and-one layup. The Spurs were now up by two, but Jalen Brunson countered with a tough midrange jumper over Devin Vassell. After the Spurs’ timeout, Wemby missed a midrange jumper, and the Knicks called timeout. Brunson missed a jumper on the other end, and Wemby got the rebound. Unfortunately, Wemby took a dribble and threw the ball to Stephon Castle, whose back was turned. Brunson got the steal and was fouled by Wemby. After splitting the free throws, the Spurs had one last chance to cement their comeback. The final play was a De’Aaron Fox and Wemby pick and pop, which resulted in a missed midrange jumper. The Spurs ultimately lost 105-104, and now face a 0-2 deficit for the first time since 2018.
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Victor Wembanyama led the way with 29 points (11-21 FG), nine rebounds, four blocks, two steals, and two assists. After a lackluster Game 1, Wemby struggled in the first half of Game 2. After halftime, he dropped 12 points in the third and had key buckets in the fourth. The key was aggression and not settling for contested jumpshots. As for several times this season, youth and inexperience would leak out. It unfortunately happened late in the game for Wemby. That turnover, immediate foul, and missed game-winner will haunt him unless he and the Spurs can find a way to win this series.
Downhill jam! Wemby catches the dump off pass from Keldon Johnson, and he jumps in for a one-handed slam!
Not in his house. Wemby rejects Jose Alvarado’s layup into the stands!
AREA 51 ALERT. Another drive, another dump off pass to Wemby for a slam dunk!
Too much space! Wemby knocks down the three-ball from the wing!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 20 points (8-12 FG), five assists, three rebounds, one steal, and a block. After a forgettable Game 1, Fox bounced back in Game 2. He shot 66% from the field and got others involved with his playmaking. His 20 points are also the most he’s scored in a playoff game since Game 6 vs Minnesota (May 15th). Hopefully, this lights a fire for his next two performances in New York.
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D3’AARON! Fox drains the rainbow three in the first quarter!
AND-ONE! Fox drives into the paint and finishes through contact for the and-one!
Dylan Harper dropped 15 points (6-12 FG), six rebounds, three assists, and a steal. It has been said multiple times during this postseason, but Dylan is playing like a seasoned veteran. The way he finds a way into the paint with his handles and finishing ability has to make Spurs fans excited for what’s in store for his career. He was also huge during the 14-0 run. He already became the youngest player in NBA history with double-digit points in a Finals game, and he just broke the record for most points scored in a single postseason by a rookie.
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NASTY! Dylan crosses over Landry Shamet and detonates at the rim with a two-handed slam!
Reverse, reverse! Dylan drives in from the corner and finishes with a reverse layup!
Stephon Castle dropped 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, and a steal. Steph was tremendous on defense, especially when guarding Brunson. However, he was struggling on the offensive end. He shot 35% from the field and had some key turnovers. During the 14-0 run, Steph was on the bench. Presumably, he looked hurt before he was subbed out, but came back in late to guard Brunson. The 21-year-old will have to stay poised on both ends in a loud Madison Square Garden crowd.
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ST3PH! Castle knocks down the corner trey early in the second quarter!
What a move! Steph fakes out Brunson and steps in for the easy layup!
Devin Vassell dropped 14 points (3-7 3PT, 3-3 FT), nine rebounds, five assists, and a block. Dev had a nice bounce-back game by shooting 42% from three-point land. He had the same amount of rebounds as Wemby and got into his playmaking bag. Dev has played like a playoff riser this entire postseason, and he will look to provide the x-factor cushion for Games 3 and 4.
D3V! Dev gets the Spurs on the board first with an open three from the top of the key!
AND-ONE! Dev knocks down the three while getting fouled for the four-point play!
Here’s another look at the miraculous 14-0 run late in the fourth. The momentum was all on the Spurs’ side.
For the first time in franchise history, the Spurs face a 0-2 deficit in the Finals. Even though the way this team fumbled at the end, you have to be encouraged by the way they battled back after being down 14 with around five minutes left. They looked dead in the water, they were getting outplayed, and still they managed to take a two-point lead with under a minute left. Even though it looks bleak, this series is not over yet. Even though it is not an elimination game, Game 3 is a do-or-die game for this young team. On Monday night, Spurs fans will see what this team is made of.
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Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs have their work cut out for them as they travel on the road to Madison Square Garden, down 0-2. Game 3 is this Monday at 7:30 P.M. (CST) on ABC.
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