NBA Finals: Knicks survive Wembanyama, Spurs for 2-0 series lead

June 6 (UPI) -- New York Knicks players watched a 14-point fourth-quarter lead evaporate, but held onto their defensive intensity in the final seconds to beat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday in San Antonio.

Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns wrestled Victor Wembanyama for the majority of the 105-104 triumph. Wembanyama, who totaled just seven points in the first half, netted 22 in the second to spark the comeback, but missed a game-winning shot attempt at the final buzzer.

"The reason we won this game is because we gave ourselves a lead," Towns said on the ABC broadcast. "We played hard. We got ourselves a lead. Something we'd done so well in this playoffs, we've gotten leads and held the lead.

Today, the Spurs fought. They got themselves back into the game, with a chance to win. The grit, the resilience, New York City showed up. The fans showed up. The energy showed up. We found a way to get it done."

With the victory, the Knicks secured a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven-game series, which will head to New York on Monday for Game 3. They also extended their postgame winning streak to 13 consecutive games, including eight straight on the road.

Towns totaled 21 points and 13 rebounds. Knicks guards Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges scored 20 points apiece. Forward OG Anunoby chipped in 17 points for the Knicks.

The Spurs outshot the Knicks 47.4% to 41.6% and outscored the visitors 48-38 in the paint. The Knicks held a 55-52 advantage in rebounding and 29-22 edge in assists.

San Antonio sizzled early, outshooting New York 65% to 38.1% in the first quarter. They carried a 34-25 lead into the second. The Knicks, who trailed by as many as a dozen in the first half, took their first lead of the night with 3:39 remaining in the second quarter. They outscored the Spurs 31-18 in the frame and carried a 56-52 lead at halftime.