The New York Knicks were white-hot entering the NBA Finals, while the San Antonio Spurs slew the defending champions. It was an epic series we were expecting, and it looks like an epic series we will get — as the Knicks earned home court advantage with the 105-95 Game 1 victory in San Antonio.
Fittingly, it was the Brunson Burner who burned scorching orange and blue, providing Brunson Barrage after Brunson Barrage. The Knicks captain finished with 30 points, three rebounds, and two assists. He was unguardable in the second half, which is made more impressive after a first-half trip to the locker room.
Both defenses were stifling, which isn’t surprising, as the Spurs and Knicks were two of the best defenses all season long. New York shot 41% from the field on Wednesday while San Antonio shot only 36%. Both teams were under 32% from downtown.
New York has now won 12 straight playoff games and is on the quest for its third straight sweep — and first championship since 1973. San Antonio will look to get the split on Friday.
With the matchup set, DraftKings Sportsbook has listed opening odds for Game 2 of this series, which takes place Friday, June 5, at 8:30 p.m. ET.
The Spurs enter as 5.5-point favorites with -218 moneyline odds. The Knicks are +180 underdogs, with the game total set at 214.5 combined points.
