The New York Knicks have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals after a dramatic 105-104 win in Game 2, sealed by a costly late turnover from Victor Wembanyama. The win also makes it thirteen straight for the Knicks.
Watch every game of the 2026 NBA Finals LIVE with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 >
“You can make a mistake, but you can’t make an error,” said panellist Kenny Smith, reflecting on one of the most puzzling plays of the series.
Wembanyama, who had helped spark a 14-0 Spurs run and looked more assertive offensively, committed a decisive turnover in the closing moments, throwing the ball backwards under pressure and handing the Knicks a final opportunity at the line.
“What a turnaround in that sequence!” Mike Breen said.
“Wemb tried to outlet that pass, Castle never saw it coming, hits him right in the back,” Tim Legler said.
“I also think they weren’t totally clear if they wanted a time-out or wanted to push it. It looked like there was some uncertainty there,” Richard Jefferson added.
“These are the passes we saw from Wemby in the first half, not aggressive, not sure of himself. Huge turnover,” Jefferson said.
Kenny Smith also pointed to late-game execution.
“Victor Wembanyama did a great job inserting himself back into the game, but honestly, I thought it was poor clock management even down in the stretch. One, when you get that rebound, Wembanyama throws it away. Bad management. Secondly, 7.5 seconds, you have to give yourself to get a tip-in, or a foul for free throws,” Smith said.
Shaquille O’Neal also weighed in on the Spurs’ late-game decision-making.
“We all talk about how young they are, but I think in the last minute, they showed their youth,” O’Neal said.
On the other side, praise continued for Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been instrumental in New York’s early series lead.
Towns finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists, shooting a blistering 8-12 from the field, and is now two games away from his first ever NBA championship.
“Let me tell you something, he has been criticised in Minnesota, he’s been criticised in New York, but let me tell you something, Karl-Anthony Towns is winning the Finals MVP,” Barkley said.
“He has played some of the best games I have ever seen a big-man play. He was great in Game 1, he was great in Game 2. That man has earned his flowers.”
“There is not a single person who thought he would outplay Victor Wembanyama, but he is outplaying him.”
Mikal Bridges also delivered a crucial two-way performance, entering the fourth quarter with a near-perfect shooting night and providing steady scoring support as Brunson carried the late offence.
During the post-match press conference, Wembanyama, who finished with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks, reflected on the final crucial play, describing it as “blurry”.
“I’m still very blurry, and that’s the whole problem,” he said.
“I need to have more poise, more control over the game. I’m not going to go through the whole possessions, but that’s the general image.”
On the final possession, Wembanyama had a chance to seal the game but missed a mid-range attempt.
“Of course I liked the shot, but I feel like in this moment you need to shoot to score. And uh, in moments like this, it’s like results matter more than process.”
Now heading to New York with Madison Square Garden set for Games 3 and 4, the Knicks are just two wins away from a sweep and their first championship in 53 years.
Follow all the action in our live blog below! Can’t see the blog? CLICK HERE