Spurs Face Elimination in Game 5 Down 3-1 as Knicks Chase First Title in 53 Years
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Jun 13
Spurs Face Elimination in Game 5 Down 3-1 as Knicks Chase First Title in 53 Years
3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Jun 13
Summary
Game 5 in San Antonio is a win-or-go-home spot for the Spurs, who trail 3-1 despite being outscored by only eight points across the first four Finals games.
A 29-point Game 4 collapse put them here: San Antonio dominated the paint early, then managed just four paint points after halftime as New York, led by Jalen Brunson, drove its comeback.
Victor Wembanyama's flagrant on Karl-Anthony Towns also appeared to make him more tentative, and the young Spurs now must show the resilience that carried them through earlier playoff road wins.
The Knicks, meanwhile, are trying to avoid any letdown with a 3-1 lead, leaning on the same formula Towns described—touching the paint, moving the ball and forcing the defense to break.
Saturday's emotional and tactical test may decide whether the series returns to New York for Game 6 or ends with the Knicks completing a historic run.