The Knicks are on the verge of winning another trophy this season, as they’re two wins away from winning this year’s NBA Finals. They’re now up 2-0 against the Spurs, and the NBA 2026 odds have swung in their favour, as the next two games of this best-of-seven series are to be played at Madison Square Garden.
After a Jalen Brunson masterclass in Game 1, the Knicks outlasted the Spurs in a 105-104 thriller in Game 2, stretching their playoff winning streak to 13 games, as they have yet to lose since going down 2-1 against the Hawks in the first round. Game 2 was heartbreaking for San Antonio, and they have a few days to recoup and try to make this a competitive playoff series.
Elsewhere, the Lakers face a major dilemma ahead of free agency, as they could lose at least one of their star players.
Here are some of the latest NBA 2026 updates, courtesy of SBOTOP.
Knicks come up clutch in Game 2
In Game 1, when the Spurs led 95-94 with less than two minutes left, New York held San Antonio scoreless, and Jalen Brunson made some big shots en route to finishing with 30 points.
Game 2 went down to the wire again, and the Knicks won by the finest of margins. After Victor Wembanyama made a defensive stop on Jalen Brunson at 104-all, the Frenchman inexplicably turned the ball over and fouled Brunson, who made one free throw to give New York the lead. During the next possession, Wembanyama missed the jumper that would’ve won the game for San Antonio.
It was a balanced effort for the Knicks, who had five scorers in double digits. Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists on 8-for-12 shooting from the field in 34 minutes. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson had 20 points apiece, while OG Anunoby and Landry Shamet added 17 and 13 points.
The Knicks are now just the third team to win the first two games of a Finals on the road, joining the 1993 Bulls and 1995 Rockets, who won titles. Their 13-game winning streak is the second-longest unbeaten run by any team in NBA playoff history.
Tough lesson learned for the Spurs
Game 2 was a tough pill to swallow for Victor Wembanyama, as he was so close to winning his first NBA Finals game. Many believe he shouldn’t have passed to Stephon Castle (who wasn’t looking) after stopping Jalen Brunson from scoring, and he should’ve attacked the rim instead of pulling up for the final shot.
Wembanyama was the Spurs’ top scorer with 29 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and four blocks on 11-for-21 shooting in 41 minutes. However, the eye test shows that he still has more to give, as he has yet to dominate in this series.
De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, and Stephon Castle contributed 20, 15, 14, and 14 points in the losing effort. Meanwhile, the Spurs will need more from Julian Champagnie, their WCF Game 7 hero, as he only had eight points and four rebounds.
Of the 37 teams to go up 2-0 in the NBA Finals, 32 have gone on to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy, so the Spurs are backed against the wall. Head coach Mitch Johnson must play whatever ace he has left up his sleeve, especially since San Antonio blew double-digit leads in the opening two games, with no thanks to their lacklustre offence.
Lakers face major free agency dilemma
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick are keen to run it back with the same group following their second-round exit this year, but they’re in danger of losing two of their star players. Austin Reaves and LeBron James will be unrestricted free agents, and both will certainly garner suitors from rival teams.
Due to their financial constraints, the Lakers might only give one of them a lucrative new deal. According to reports, the Purple and Gold will likely prioritize Reaves over James in such a scenario, citing the latter’s advancing age.
James has yet to confirm whether he’ll play his 24th NBA campaign next season, but the 41-year-old forward has shown he can still play at a high level. This year, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals on 51.5-per cent shooting in 60 regular-season appearances.
If James stays with the Lakers, he’ll have to take a pay cut to accommodate Reaves. However, he would only make such a sacrifice if he believes that doing so would boost his chances of winning his fifth NBA title.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE BASKETBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
