Spurs Vs Knicks: Knicks end Spurs' 11-game winning streak with early surge
The spurs vs knicks matchup ended with New York snapping San Antonio's 11-game winning streak in a decisive 114-89 victory at Madison Square Garden, a result that halted the Spurs after an undefeated February and opened March with a loss.
Early swing: Castle lead evaporates as Brunson fuels 26-2 run
San Antonio opened the game looking in control, taking a 19-7 first-quarter lead on a Stephon Castle 3-pointer with 4: 56 remaining in the frame. The momentum flipped when Jalen Brunson scored New York's final 11 points of the first, hitting a 3 that gave the Knicks the lead as part of a 26-2 run. That run ended when Mikal Bridges finished with a fast-break dunk off a Victor Wembanyama miss, leaving New York ahead 33-21.
Spurs rally attempts, halves and shift into the third
San Antonio closed the first half by scoring the final five points to trim the Knicks' lead to 51-41. The Spurs began the third quarter down eight, and every time they tried to mount a comeback New York quickly answered with a basket to maintain a double-digit cushion.
Fourth-quarter exhaustion: road trip wear and decisive Shamet 3
Playing the fourth game of a five-game road trip, the Spurs appeared to run out of fuel in the fourth quarter. The Knicks opened the closing 12 minutes with a 17-6 run. A 3-pointer from Landry Shamet effectively put the game out of reach, giving New York a 104-82 lead with 3: 37 remaining. From that point Spurs coach Mitch Johnson pulled his starters and emptied the bench.
Stat lines and matchup notes: Bridges, Brunson, Wembanyama and more
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 was a surprise contributor off the bench with 14 points, knocking down 4-of-13 3-point tries. Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby each scored 12 points but struggled against Victor Wembanyama near the basket; Towns also grabbed 14 boards.
For San Antonio, Wembanyama had 25 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. Devin Vassell added 18 points and 7 rebounds, and Stephon Castle was the only other Spur to finish in double figures.
Shooting trends, standings and the immediate schedule
Three-point shooting had been a major asset for San Antonio during its 11-game streak, but the Spurs struggled from deep Sunday, making only 9 of 34 attempts (26%). Vassell was the only Spur to hit more than one 3, going 3-for-9. The win boosted the Knicks' record to 39-22, keeping them close to the Boston Celtics, who were 39-22 going into their Sunday night matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers, for the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference. New York has won four of its past five games and 14 of its past 18.
The Spurs finish their Eastern road trip Tuesday versus the 76ers and then begin a six-game homestand against the Detroit Pistons, whom they defeated last week, 114-103, in what was called arguably the most impressive win during their 11-game streak. The Knicks face the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday before matchups versus the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets later in the week.
