Jalen Brunson Clutch Performance: Proves He’s an Elite Closer
You have to hand it to Jalen Brunson; he may be the best basketball closer in the league. In Game 1, Brunson scored thirteen points in the fourth quarter, including a personal 8–0 run where he scored all eight points to break open a tie game. For those not aware, Brunson has done this numerous times throughout his years with the New York Knicks.
Spurs Defense Shifts Without Wembanyama
As the San Antonio Spurs opened up their lead to thirteen points in the third quarter, I was impressed with their outstanding defense, particularly their ball pressure. Having Victor Wembanyama protecting the rim makes this happen. When Luke Kornet came in to rest Wembanyama, things quickly changed. This is no knock on Kornet because nobody matches Wembanyama’s defense at the rim. Suddenly, with Kornet on the floor, the ball pressure and defense weren’t nearly as good.
Spurs Offensive Issues and Late-Game Execution
I feel like a broken record saying this, but the Spurs need to consistently get Wembanyama the ball throughout the game. Wembanyama did take 21 shots, but a great deal of them were forced in the fourth quarter. The Spurs did what many teams that are inexperienced in playing big games do. After moving the ball and getting good shots earlier, with the pressure on late in the fourth quarter, they resorted to iso play. As teams gain experience, they don’t get rattled as easily as the Spurs did and instead continue moving the ball for good shots down the stretch.
Game 2 Observations
The key play of the game was the challenge by Mike Brown on OG Anunoby‘s corner three. If Brown didn’t have a challenge at that point in the game, San Antonio wins the game. The play was an obvious foul the officials missed. Officiating these games is quite difficult because of the physicality of the game. Every play could be called a foul, and the officials are in a tough position.
Victor Wembanyama missing the game’s last shot was a surprise. He is so good you expected him to make that shot. You don’t realize he’s only 22 years old. Something to think about: how did LeBron James do the first time his team was in the Finals? By the way, he was 22 years old also.
Karl-Anthony Towns has more than held his own against Victor Wembanyama and, in fact, schooled Wembanyama last night in the first half. Towns had 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. This compared to Wembanyama’s 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Series Observation: Knicks Experience vs Spurs Youth
You have to admire the Knicks’ resilience in this series. Last night, the Spurs came back from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter, and it looked like the Knicks’ offense couldn’t score. Somehow, they figured it out though. The Knicks in this series are the experienced team, and the Spurs are the upstart with talent. We know how this often turns out.