{"id":656168,"date":"2026-05-07T19:51:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T19:51:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/656168\/"},"modified":"2026-05-07T19:51:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T19:51:27","slug":"starting-5-knicks-survive-spurs-shine-a-look-at-tonights-game-2s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/656168\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting 5: Knicks survive, Spurs shine & a look at tonight’s Game 2s"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

Knicks grab 2-0 lead over Sixers in a game with 25 lead changes, Spurs tie series with dominating win over Wolves on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Twenty-five lead changes \u2026<\/p>\n

Two storied rivals \u2026<\/p>\n

One elite closer.<\/p>\n

In a back-and-forth duel vs. Philly, Jalen Brunson did what he does best to put New York up 2-0.<\/p>\n

\"Jalen<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

Knicks Close: After dominant stretch, New York shows versatility in late win over Philly<\/p>\n

Captain Clutch: Another chapter of big-moment buckets \u2013 how Brunson keeps doing it<\/p>\n

Spurs Answer: Wemby & San Antonio overwhelm Minnesota to even series<\/p>\n

Lakers at Thunder: Inside Chet\u2019s rise as OKC eyes a 2-0 series lead vs. LeBron\u2019s Lakers<\/p>\n

Cavs at Pistons: Detroit\u2019s defense looks to maintain home court, Cavs aim to bounce back<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST \u2026 \u23f0<\/p>\n

\"Scores<\/p>\n

The Conference Semifinals bring two more Game 2s tonight on Prime as the Pistons and Thunder each look to go up 2-0 at home:<\/p>\n

Playoff Hub: Catch the latest news, analysis and stories from every series in one spot<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Playoff<\/p>\n

1. KNICKS TAKE BACK-AND-FORTH BATTLE VS. SIXERS FOR 2-0 LEAD<\/p>\n

\"Karl-Anthony<\/p>\n

Last week: A 29-point win and a 51-point win.<\/p>\n

This week: A 39-point win.<\/p>\n

Wednesday: A six-point win.<\/p>\n

New York\u2019s dominant offense was in a different kind of matchup in Game 2 against Philly, and still found a way to win.<\/p>\n

Knicks 108, Sixers 102: Jalen Brunson (26 pts, 6 ast) led four Knicks starters in double figures to battle through the most lead changes in a Playoff clash in over a decade, inching away from Tyrese Maxey (26 pts, 6 ast) and Philly in the final moments for a 2-0 series edge.<\/p>\n

Without Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) and Mitchell Robinson (illness), the two longtime rivals played to razor-thin margins all night \u2014 with neither team taking a lead larger than 7 points. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Reeled In: After New York became the first team to win three straight Playoff games by 25+ points and trailing by three with 6:56 left, one of the league\u2019s elite clutch teams held Philly to 4-19 4th Q shooting and closed on a 9-3 run to win by six
\nNo Escape: The 25 lead changes in Game 2 rank as the most in a postseason game since 2015, when the Spurs and Clippers produced 31 lead changes in Game 7 of the First Round
\n\u201cJust us executing \u2026 finding a way to get a gritty win,\u201d Karl-Anthony Towns (20 pts, 10 reb, 7 ast) said. \u201cSomething that, for better or for worse, hasn\u2019t been in our cards the last four games. But this showed a lot about our locker room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Karl-Anthony<\/p>\n

Despite their recent dominant point differentials, the Knicks cut their teeth in close games this season.<\/p>\n

Comfy In Crunch Time: New York owned the East\u2019s 3rd-best win percentage (61.8%) in clutch games this season, going 21-13
\n\u201cIt\u2019s about trying to figure out a way to get a stop,\u201d coach Mike Brown said of a tight Game 2. \u201cThat\u2019s what you can control more than the ball going in, and I thought our guys did a decent job of that.\u201d
\nNo Let Up: With Towns and backup Ariel Hukporti in foul trouble early, the Knicks went smaller \u2014 and got big nights from OG Anunoby (24 pts, 4 stls) and Mikal Bridges (18 pts, 9-13 from field)<\/p>\n

Defensive stops were a focal point for Philly, too, as it tried to take its second Game 2 on the road of these Playoffs.<\/p>\n

While the Sixers didn\u2019t limit their opponent to 100 points or less as they did in their four First Round wins, they shrank the Knicks\u2019 three-game, 39.7-point win margin to just six
\nRising Up: The Sixers got 17+ from VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr and Paul George \u2014 whose hot start paced an early Philly lead \u2014 and got a late spark from Dom Barlow off the bench, as they mixed looks against the Knicks\u2019 high-powered offense
\n\u201cWe played good enough defense to win that game, especially in the 4th\u2026 holding them to 19 [points],\u201d coach Nick Nurse said\u2026 \u201cAnd we played great offense, we just didn\u2019t shot-make.\u201d<\/p>\n

Up Next: The series shifts to Philadelphia, where the Sixers will look to get on the board in Game 3 on Friday (7 ET, Prime).<\/p>\n

2. CLUTCH BRUNSON MET MOMENT AGAIN IN BACK & FORTH GAME 2<\/p>\n

\"Jalen<\/p>\n

Up four with 3:46 left.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Clutch\u201d had just hit his second straight jumper for a 103-99 lead.<\/p>\n

Jalen Brunson, last year\u2019s Kia Clutch Player of the Year, was in his element late in Game 2 against Philly.<\/p>\n

And lucky for him, the game\u2019s previous 44 minutes were just as close.<\/p>\n

Winning Time: Brunson\u2019s 26 points tied for the game-high, including three of New York\u2019s six points in clutch time, where the Knicks were finally able to separate, 6-0
\nCreating Space: That second Brunson J with under 4 to go put the Knicks up 103-99, giving New York its first lead larger than 3. Brunson then hit two free throws to match the night\u2019s largest lead, 107-100
\nRemaining Threats: Only two players still in the championship hunt have scored more total clutch points in these Playoffs than Brunson\u2019s 12, across three opportunities
\nAlways Closing: That lines up with his late-game dependability all year, after logging the 8th-most total clutch points of any player in the regular season (116)<\/p>\n

\"Jalen<\/p>\n

So how does he do it \u2013\u00a0particularly at the end of a Playoff game with 25 lead changes?<\/p>\n

\u201cMost importantly, just staying poised, staying composed,\u201d Brunson said postgame. \u201cJust figuring out one play at a time, one step at a time, and not looking too far ahead.\u201d
\nGreat Late: Since joining the Knicks in 2022-23, Brunson owns more 10+ point 4th quarters in the postseason than any other player (18)
\nMeeting The Moment: Brunson is just the seventh player in NBA history to average 25+ points and 5+ assists through his first 75 career Playoff games, right on track Wednesday with 26 and six
\n\u201cI feel like every single game\u2019s gonna be like it was tonight,\u201d Tyrese Maxey said of the matchup. \u201cIt\u2019s gonna come down to who makes plays at the end of the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. SPURS SURGE PAST WOLVES, EVEN SERIES AT 1-1<\/p>\n

\"Victor<\/p>\n

Victor Wembanyama left Game 1 of the West Semis as a history-maker, as his 12 blocks set a single-game Playoff record.<\/p>\n

But after shooting 5-of-17 in Minnesota\u2019s 104-102 win, Wembanyama wasn\u2019t interested in records \u2013 only responsibility.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a lot on me,\u201d said Wemby postgame. \u201cIf I had been better, and the offensive leaders had been better, it would have been different.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Game 2, it was different.<\/p>\n

Spurs 133, Wolves 95: After being held to 11 points in Monday\u2019s loss, Wemby (19 pts, 15 reb, 2 blk) had 14 by halftime \u2013 along with 9 boards \u2013 as the Spurs used a 2nd-quarter tsunami<\/a> to roll past Anthony Edwards (12 pts) and the Wolves, evening the series at 1-1.<\/p>\n

As for the other offensive leaders? Stephon Castle (21 pts, 4 ast, 6-10 FG) and De\u2019Aaron Fox (16 pts, 5-10 FG) combined for 37, as seven Spurs scored in double figures for the team\u2019s most points in a Playoff game since 1983. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Victor<\/p>\n

\u201cI think there was some good and some bad,\u201d said Wemby on the Game 1 loss. \u201cBut the bad was not going to what we know.\u201d<\/p>\n

When San Antonio commits to what it knows best \u2013 Wemby working the paint and its athletes attacking in space \u2013 it can flip games quickly.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s exactly what happened in Game 2.<\/p>\n

Settling: San Antonio shot 10-of-36 (27.8%) from deep in Game 1 \u2013 its most 3-point attempts since April 12 and its lowest percentage since March 13
\nAttacking: Last night, eight of their nine 1st-quarter field goals were in the paint, opening the outside for a Fox 3 before the horn
\nBlazing: Then, the floodgates opened, as San Antonio erupted for a 35-18 2nd quarter, using seven different scorers while Castle (8 pts), Wemby (7) and Fox (5) combined to outscore Minnesota on their own
\nDominating: Suddenly, the Spurs had a 59-35 halftime lead, with 17 of their 21 field goals coming from the paint and more dunks (8) than 3s (4)<\/p>\n

\"Stephon<\/p>\n

Chain Reaction: San Antonio finished with 58 points in the paint compared to Minnesota\u2019s 36, while outscoring the Wolves 29-5 in fastbreak points.<\/p>\n

Once the Spurs controlled the inside, the outside opened, as they hit 12 3s in the 2nd half to seal their 3rd-largest Playoff win in franchise history.<\/p>\n

And it all started with getting back to what they know.<\/p>\n

\u201cIntensity to start the game,\u201d said Wemby on the difference between Games 1 and 2
\n\u201cIt\u2019s just that simple?\u201d replied ESPN\u2019s Jorge Sedano
\n\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

Up Next: Tied 1-1, the series shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Friday (9:30 ET, Prime).<\/p>\n

4. ON PRIME: CHET FUELS THUNDER INTO GAME 2 VS. LAKERS<\/p>\n

\"LeBron<\/p>\n

Of all the players to put on a Thunder uniform, only two have recorded 24+ points, 12+ boards and 3+ blocks in a Playoff game:<\/p>\n

Kevin Durant and Chet Holmgren.<\/p>\n

In Game 1 of the West Semis, with Jalen Williams out (hamstring) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander held under 20 points for the first time all season, it was Holmgren who delivered for OKC<\/a> \u2013 his latest statement in a season full of growth.<\/p>\n

Tonight on Prime (9:30 ET), Chet and the reigning champs host LeBron James\u2019 Lakers in Game 2, with OKC aiming to go up 2-0. | Jeff Zillgitt\u2019s Three Things To Watch<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Chet<\/p>\n

Wired Right: The No. 2 pick in the 2022 Draft, Holmgren entered the league as a tantalizing 7-foot prospect with rare two-way ability. But he had room to grow, both physically \u2014 at 195 lbs. \u2014 and in experience, after just one year of college as a 19-year-old.<\/p>\n

But from Day 1, his mentality never needed maturing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first day he walked in the doors, you could just tell how much he cares about the game, and his game,\u201d said SGA. \u201cHe really wants to maximize his potential <\/a>\u2026
\n\u201cAnd that\u2019s all it comes down to \u2013 a guy that wants to be the best version of himself gives himself the best chance to get there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Holmgren\u2019s relentless pursuit has turned potential into production \u2013 especially in the biggest moments, from last year\u2019s title run to this year\u2019s Playoffs.<\/p>\n

Championship Momentum: After leading the 2025 Finals in rebounds, blocks and plus-minus, Holmgren followed it with an offensive leap this season, posting career highs in points (17.1), FG% (55.7%) and offensive boards (1.9) and rebounds (8.9)
\nAll-Around Impact: That two-way growth earned him his first All-Star nod \u2013 and translated to wins, with OKC going 21-5 this season when he posts a double-double
\nPlayoff Proven: Since 2025, the Thunder are 8-2 in Playoff games when Chet scores 20+ and 14-2 when he records multiple blocks. When he does both? OKC is unbeaten (5-0)
\n\u201cThere\u2019s no amount of basketball he can\u2019t handle,\u201d said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. \u201cHe cares about it and wants to improve \u2013 and where has he improved? Everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Chet<\/p>\n

Even scarier? Chet\u2019s still climbing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe version of Chet today \u2026 that\u2019s the worst version of Chet we\u2019re gonna get,\u201d said SGA last week. \u201cChet\u2019s a guy who gets better every day, every year \u2013 and we\u2019re seeing that unfold through our eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, OKC eyes a 2-0 series lead, but LeBron and the Lakers stand in their way, with a knack for bouncing back.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles is 20-11 following losses this season, and James \u2013 one of the game\u2019s sharpest problem-solvers \u2013 has often found answers in this spot, owning a 14-10 record in Game 2s after dropping Game 1.<\/p>\n

5. ALSO ON PRIME: PISTONS LOOK TO PROTECT HOME COURT VS. CAVS<\/p>\n

\"Donovan<\/p>\n

One game stood between the Pistons and an early end to their 60-win season. Down 3-1 to the Magic in the First Round, Orlando had three chances to eliminate them.<\/p>\n

One by one, those chances disappeared.<\/p>\n

Tonight (7 ET, Prime), Detroit carries a 1-0 series lead into Game 2 against the Cavaliers, looking to retain home-court advantage. | Shaun Powell\u2019s Three Things to Watch<\/a><\/p>\n

Back From The Brink: The Pistons have now won four straight games by an average of 13.2 points since trailing 3-1
\n\u201cWe were pushed to the limit,\u201d said Cade Cunningham. \u201cAnd it got us back to playing the basketball that we knew we were capable of.\u201d<\/p>\n

Their calling card \u2013 defense \u2013 has fueled a league-best 102.5 DefRtg in these Playoffs, with Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson leading the way.<\/p>\n

On Both Ends: Duren posted an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double in Game 1, and a game-high +17 plus-minus to hold off Cleveland
\nMatchup Nightmare: Thompson has limited opponents to 38.4% shooting while piling up 17 steals and 17 blocks this postseason<\/p>\n

\"Max<\/p>\n

With Thompson everywhere and Duren anchoring the inside, Detroit\u2019s defense has overwhelmed opponents at a rare pace.<\/p>\n

Motor City Masterclass: Detroit has tallied 69 blocks and 65 steals in the Playoffs \u2013 the first team to record 65+ in both categories through its first eight games since the 1993 Rockets
\n\u201cThat\u2019s just how the Pistons are going to win,\u201d Thompson said earlier this spring. \u201cIt\u2019s defense first \u2013 that\u2019s what makes the Pistons the Pistons. That\u2019s what the team is built off of.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cavaliers, though, can steal home court with a win tonight before heading back to Cleveland.<\/p>\n

The Key? It may be their offense. The Cavs averaged 120 ppg in their four wins vs. Toronto, but were held to 101 in Game 1 vs. Detroit
\n\u201cIt\u2019s attention to detail. We\u2019ve got to be sharp, and we just weren\u2019t,\u201d said Donovan Mitchell. \u201cSo many things that we can control \u2026 we\u2019ll clean that up and move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Want to share\u00a0Starting\u00a05\u00a0with a friend?\u00a0Send them this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shape the Starting 5.\u00a0\u00a0Email us here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t have the NBA App? Download it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Knicks grab 2-0 lead over Sixers in a game with 25 lead changes, Spurs tie series with dominating…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":656169,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[574],"tags":[64,63,726,85,8019],"class_list":["post-656168","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-basketball","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-basketball","tag-sports","tag-starting-5"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/656168","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=656168"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/656168\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/656169"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=656168"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=656168"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=656168"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}