Spurs Vs Knicks: Knicks end Spurs' 11-game winning streak with 114-89 victory at Madison Square Garden
The spurs vs knicks matchup ended Sunday at Madison Square Garden when the New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 114-89, halting San Antonio’s 11-game winning streak. The result matters for positioning in the East: the win boosted New York’s record and kept them close to the conference's second spot.
Spurs opened aggressively; Stephon Castle 3-pointer gave early 19-7 edge
San Antonio, which had gone undefeated in February, appeared headed for a 12th consecutive win after taking a 19-7 lead in the first quarter on a Stephon Castle 3-pointer with 4: 56 remaining in the frame. The Spurs began March with a loss when that early control evaporated.
Momentum swing driven by Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges
New York’s turnaround began when Jalen Brunson scored the Knicks’ final 11 points of the first, finishing that stretch with a 3 that flipped the lead. Brunson’s burst was part of a 26-2 Knicks run that ended when Mikal Bridges threw down a fast-break dunk off a Victor Wembanyama miss to put New York up 33-21.
Third quarter resistance, then a decisive fourth-quarter push
San Antonio closed the first half by scoring the final five points to make it 51-41 and cut the deficit to eight to begin the third. Every time the Spurs tried to spark a rally, New York answered to maintain a double-digit margin. Playing the fourth game of a five-game road trip, the Spurs appeared to run out of fuel in the fourth quarter as the Knicks opened the period on a 17-6 run.
A Landry Shamet 3-pointer essentially put the game out of reach, giving New York a 104-82 lead with 3: 37 remaining, after which Spurs coach Mitch Johnson pulled his starters and emptied the bench.
Stat lines: Bridges, Brunson and Wembanyama highlighted
Mikal Bridges led the Knicks with 25 points, hitting 5-of-9 3-pointers and adding 5 rebounds and 5 steals. Jalen Brunson finished with 24 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Mohamed Diawara provided a surprise off the bench with 14 points, knocking down 4-of-13 3-point attempts.
