NBA Finals news: Mike Brown hails Jalen Brunson after New York Knicks take Game 1 against San Antonio Spurs
Jalen Brunson scored 30 points as the New York Knicks claimed a 105-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, June 4, with coach Mike Brown praising his star guard's ability to deliver in the biggest moments.
The Knicks stole home-court advantage with a composed road performance, receiving key contributions from Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby alongside Brunson's game-high scoring output.
While Victor Wembanyama finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds for San Antonio, the Spurs superstar admitted his performance fell below expectations despite the impressive box score.
Brown praises Brunson's big-game mentality
Brunson once again proved the difference-maker for New York, overcoming an inefficient shooting night to lead all scorers with 30 points.
The Knicks guard finished 12-for-31 from the field and 2-for-9 from beyond the arc, but consistently found answers when his team needed them most.
"He's a gamer, man," Knicks coach Mike Brown said, quoted on ESPN. "In the biggest moments, he shows up.
“That's what MVPs are supposed to do."
Towns added 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Anunoby chipped in with 17 points as New York secured a valuable road victory to open the series.
"I think we know what we have to do," Brunson said. "I think we're a pretty together group."
Wembanyama shoulders responsibility
Wembanyama's final stat line suggested another dominant outing, but the French star was quick to point the finger at himself after the defeat.
The Spurs centre recorded 26 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks, though he struggled for efficiency throughout the contest, shooting 6-for-21 from the field and 2-for-9 from three-point range.
"I was bad tonight," Wembanyama said. "It's not more complicated than that."
Julian Champagnie and Stephon Castle offered support with 16 and 17 points respectively, while Dylan Harper added 16 points off the bench.
However, San Antonio received limited offensive production from Devin Vassell and De'Aaron Fox, who combined for just 16 points.
The victory hands New York an early 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals and wrestles home-court advantage away from San Antonio.
With Game 2 approaching, the pressure now shifts to the Spurs to respond before the series heads to Madison Square Garden.
