De’Aaron Fox scored nine points in the first quarter of Game 2 after totaling only seven points in all of Game 1, as the San Antonio Spurs battled the New York Knicks down 56-52 at halftime.
De’Aaron Fox didn’t just start Game 2 for the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night—he started climbing out of the hole he dug in the championship opener.
In Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, Fox managed seven points in 38 minutes, with five assists, four rebounds, and a steal. His shooting line was 3-of-13 from the field, including 0-of-4 from beyond the arc.
Game 2 looked different from the first minutes. In the first quarter alone, Fox poured in nine points on 4-of-5 shooting, outscoring what he produced in the entire previous game.
The Spurs had reason to chase that kind of response. When the teams returned for the second half, San Antonio was still facing a fight. The Spurs held a 56-52 deficit at halftime despite boasting a 12-point lead to start Game 2. New York’s comeback included multiple scoring runs that flipped the momentum before the horn.
Fox wasn’t the only Spurs player pushing for traction. Two San Antonio scorers reached double figures so far, and Fox was leading the way with 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists. His field goal shooting at that stage was 5-of-9, including 1-of-1 from downtown.
Devin Vassell added 11 points and three assists for the Spurs. Julian Champagnie finished the first half with eight points and three rebounds, while Victor Wembanyama contributed seven points and five rebounds.
There’s a clear rhythm to what the first half showed: Fox’s shooting surge came early, but the scoreboard still told the story of a Knicks team that refused to stay down. The next 24 minutes will determine whether the response turns into separation—or just a brief swing of the series.
After Game 2, the Spurs will head out on the road for Games 3 and 4. San Antonio faces the Knicks on June 8 at 8:30 p.m. ET and again on June 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
De'Aaron Fox Spurs Knicks 2026 NBA Finals Game 2 Game 1 Devin Vassell Julian Champagnie Victor Wembanyama
So Fox went off for 9 in the first quarter… but why were the Spurs down at halftime then? Defense must’ve been asleep.
I don’t even watch finals but this says he only had 7 points in all of Game 1?? That sounds like a stat glitch or something. Either way Spurs need to stop letting the Knicks run.
If he’s 5-of-9 and still down 56-52 that just proves it’s rigged / refs or whatever. Like one player can’t carry if they’re calling phantom fouls… I swear.
They were up 12 at the start and still only 52 at the half, that’s wild. Also Wemby only 7 points?? I figured he’d have like 20 by now. Game 3/4 on the road is gonna be a mess.