Brunson’s tweaked – Jalen Brunson returned after a brief spell in the locker room with a tweaked right knee, helping the Knicks stabilize in Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, June 3. The early shift in momentum came as Victor Wembanyama played with intensity, whi
Game 1 of the NBA Finals tipped off Wednesday, June 3, and it didn’t take long for one detail to loom over everything: Jalen Brunson’s right knee.
Brunson’s knee was tweaked during the game when Spurs forward Harrison Barnes bumped into Brunson’s right knee. which was planted on the court. Brunson then spent a brief spell in the locker room before returning. When he came back. the impact was immediate—he made four of his first seven attempts in the second quarter after returning. and it helped New York’s offense settle in the period.
For the Knicks, the stakes are enormous. New York is trying to win its first title in 53 seasons. The Spurs, meanwhile, are 12 years removed from their last Larry O’Brien trophy. With those long waits in the background, even small questions about availability take on weight.
The concern isn’t only what happens in the next few minutes—it’s what happens if Brunson’s issue lingers. If Brunson is eventually impacted by the knee. that would push pressure onto Karl-Anthony Towns to become New York’s primary offensive catalyst. especially in late. close moments when the game tightens. During the time Brunson was in the locker room, the New York offense sputtered.
San Antonio came into Game 1 four days removed from a physical seven-game series against the defending champions. The Spurs are also a young team, and this is the first time they’re playing for stakes this high. That showed early: the Spurs looked too rushed through their sets, seemingly amped up by the moment. As the first quarter wore on, San Antonio settled and leaned on defense, generating turnovers that turned into easier offense.
Then there was Victor Wembanyama.
From early in Game 1, it was clear Wembanyama intended to set the tone for San Antonio. Whether he was handling the ball and bringing it up the floor or setting screens in offensive actions. he was active—trying to lead by example. He made two of his first four shots and finished the first quarter with 5 points. At 22 years old. it was a modest stat line—but the way his energy seemed to carry over was unmistakable. since San Antonio tends to feed off it.
The Knicks’ decision to start Towns guarding Wembanyama added another layer to the matchup. New York opted for Karl-Anthony Towns—rather than second-team All-Defensive forward OG Anunoby—to be the opening defensive look against the Spurs star. Towns is prone to spells of foul trouble, but his size and strength also fit the task. He showed he could match Wembanyama’s intensity without committing undisciplined mistakes.
Brunson’s return. even after a knee bump. gave New York a clear offensive lift. while San Antonio’s physical edge and defensive settling turned the early chaos into something more structured. In the first stretch of this Finals matchup. the themes were already visible: Knicks’ title hope running through their captain’s health. and Spurs’ momentum repeatedly sparked by Wembanyama’s decision to play first and explain later.
Knicks Spurs NBA Finals Jalen Brunson Victor Wembanyama Harrison Barnes Karl-Anthony Towns OG Anunoby Game 1 analysis