Jalen Brunson Nets Game-Winner as Villanova Knicks Take 2-0 Lead

The Villanova Knicks took a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals on Friday, June 5, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 on a Jalen Brunson free throw with 9.5 seconds to play.

New York led 97-83 with six minutes to play, then gave up a game-tying 14-0 run.

Brunson, who made just seven of 25 shots on the night, missed his second free throw, putting the Knicks in danger of losing on the final possession, but the Spurs failed to answer.

Even with the poor shooting night, Brunson put up 20 points, tied with fellow Villanova product Mikal Bridges for the second-most on the team.

The duo also tied with a team-high six assists; Bridges made eight of 13 shots, including four of six from beyond the arc, while Brunson picked up five steals. Bridges found Brunson for a layup with just under two minutes to play, giving the Knicks a critical three point lead.

Fellow Villanova product Josh Hart served as a facilitator, attempting just two shots but adding six rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.

New York will return to Madison Square Garden at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 8 with a chance to take a commanding lead in the best-of-seven series. The win marks New York’s 13th in a row as they continue a remarkable playoff run.