Knicks Fall to Spurs in Disappointing Conclusion to 2025 Campaign
In a disappointing conclusion to their 2025 campaign, the New York Knicks were unable to hold onto significant leads, ultimately falling 134-132 to the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. The loss highlighted several critical issues for the team, particularly their inability to maintain composure when it mattered most.
Game Highlights
Right from the outset, rookie Mohamed Diawara looked to make an impact, hitting two three-pointers within the first few minutes and helping the Knicks to an early 10-3 advantage. However, the Spurs quickly regained their footing, executing an 11-0 run that forced the Knicks to call two timeouts. Despite the early setback, Knicks fans had reason to cheer as New York’s long-range shooting was blistering. They finished the first quarter with 45 points, the highest score in any opening period this season and matching last season’s total of 14 games scoring 40-plus points in the first quarter.
While the Knicks initially seemed in control, their lead dwindled due to turnovers, allowing the Spurs to cut their deficit to four points late in the second quarter. The Knicks responded with a flurry of scoring, racking up 14 unanswered points to surge ahead 71-52. However, they faltered in the final minutes before halftime, failing to score for nearly three minutes, which allowed the Spurs to close the gap to 73-63 as they outscored the Knicks 9-0 to end the half.
Key Performers
Jalen Brunson was pivotal for the Knicks in the first half, scoring 13 points amidst a collective effort where eight different players registered three-pointers. However, they faced a formidable opponent in Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who dominated with 22 points in the first half, effectively orchestrating his team’s late run.
In the third quarter, the Knicks initially regained a comfortable lead after Miles McBride‘s contributions, but the Spurs surged back, tying the game 91-91, with a significant energy boost coming from Keldon Johnson’s floater, giving the Spurs their first lead in the game. A big finish to the quarter saw the Knicks rally back, led by Brunson, who scored during an 11-0 run that reestablished a nine-point advantage going into the final period.
Fourth Quarter Drama
Tragedy struck for the Spurs early in the fourth when Wembanyama, having already logged 31 points, injured his right knee and was sidelined for the remainder of the game, leaving fans and teammates concerned. Despite his exit, the Spurs remained resilient, with Julian Champagnie leading the charge. He secured crucial three-pointers to claw back into the game, ultimately tying the score at 116-116 before hitting another layup to take the lead. Champagnie concluded with an impressive 36 points, including record-breaking shooting from beyond the arc.
As the Knicks battled to overcome a narrow deficit late in the game, they found themselves struggling against foul trouble and defensive lapses, which allowed the Spurs to extend their lead at the free-throw line. McBride managed to sink three free throws to narrow the gap, but an ensuing jump-ball gifted the Spurs two points and sealed the Knicks’ fate. The loss was particularly painful given that they had previously been undefeated when leading at the end of three quarters.
Statistical Overview
In total, the Knicks managed 22 made three-pointers on 52 attempts, a strong showing on the stat sheet that was undermined by their defensive weaknesses, allowing 41 points in the final quarter. Additionally, the Knicks were out-rebounded 48-40 and committed 30 fouls compared to the Spurs’ 17.
Brunson led the Knicks with a total of 29 points, while Towns added 20. Yet, contributions from the bench players, McBride and Clarkson, with a combined 41 points, were essential as star players like OG Anunoby struggled to make an impact.
With this loss, the Knicks, now holding a 23-10 record, will look to bounce back as they host the Atlanta Hawks to kick off the new year on Friday.
