Updated

Updated · Bleacher Report · Jun 7

Ben Stiller Backs Fan's 100,000 Brunson-Chant Pledge as Knicks Chase 1st Title Since 1973

Updated

Updated · Bleacher Report · Jun 7

Ben Stiller Backs Fan's 100,000 Brunson-Chant Pledge as Knicks Chase 1st Title Since 1973

Q: Can Wembanyama lead the Spurs to a historic comeback after losing two games at home?

It is possible, but highly unlikely. The Spurs are in a historically brutal spot after dropping the first two NBA Finals games at home to the Knicks. No team in Finals history has come back from an 0-2 deficit after losing both opening games on its own floor. More broadly, teams that take a 2-0 Finals lead have usually finished the job, and San Antonio now must win at Madison Square Garden just to keep the series from becoming nearly impossible at 3-0. Wembanyama is talented enough to change a game, but the evidence so far shows how hard this matchup has been. He scored 29 in Game 2, yet New York has still limited him to 40.5% shooting and forced 10 turnovers across two games. His late turnover and missed potential winner in Game 2 underlined the issue the Spurs have faced: stretches of brilliance, but not enough poise and execution in the biggest possessions. The larger problem is that this has not been only about Wembanyama. The Knicks have been steadier, deeper and sharper late in games. Jalen Brunson has delivered in key moments, Karl-Anthony Towns has been a major two-way factor, and New York’s defense has disrupted San Antonio’s rhythm by protecting the paint and forcing tougher perimeter decisions. For the Spurs to make this historic comeback, Wembanyama would need to be dominant, but San Antonio also must clean up turnovers, move the ball better and win Game 3 on the road. That is a very narrow path against a Knicks team that has looked like the more complete club.

1 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Jun 7

A Knicks fan vowed outside Madison Square Garden to say Jalen Brunson's name 100,000 times Sunday in hopes of pushing New York toward a Game 3 win in the NBA Finals.
Ben Stiller amplified the stunt by reacting to a video shared by The Athletic's Sam Amick, adding celebrity support to the fan-driven rally around Brunson.
The timing lands with New York up 2-0 after Friday's Game 2 at San Antonio's Frost Bank Center, where Stiller was in the crowd.
Game 3 tips off Monday night in New York, with the Knicks now one win from moving within reach of their first NBA championship since 1973.