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00:00Castle goes right at Hart, blocked by Hart, and the save to Bridges.
00:05And a foul on Champagny.
00:06The Knick defense has come out with force here to start the third.
00:15Again, Josh Hart doing a good job of taking the physicality from Castle.
00:21And then Castle, again, that little rhythm, having to sit out a lot of that second quarter,
00:26a lot of that first half.
00:28We've mentioned it.
00:29That's where that run kind of got going for the New York Knicks.
00:32He's got to settle himself in.
00:34Castle and Harper, each with three fouls for the Spurs.
00:40Hart into the hands of Brunson.
00:42Castle stays aggressive.
00:43Hart left open.
00:45Three-pointer way off rebound Bissell.
00:48Hart has struggled shooting threes in these playoffs.
00:50He's been so good for Mike Brown of the Knicks.
00:53But the three-point ball has not been able to fall.
00:57Wemby, he tries a three.
00:59That misses.
01:00Hart tracks down the rebound.
01:02He's got four of those tonight.
01:05Brunson pulls up three-pointer.
01:07Knocks it down.
01:08Timeout San Antonio.
01:10Knicks have opened up a ten-point lead.
01:12Brunson now at 13.
01:15And the Knicks fans celebrating here at San Antonio as we begin the third quarter.
01:21Jalen Brunson right here.
01:23He understands.
01:23He senses the moment right now.
01:25Knicks, great momentum going into halftime.
01:28Still has his foot on the accelerator.
01:35The NBA Finals are brought to you by Coors Light.
01:39Cold as the Rockies.
01:41Celebrate responsibly.
01:43And Christopher Nolan's new film, The Odyssey.
01:46July 17th.
01:48Bringing fans chances to win prizes throughout the NBA playoffs.
01:52Scan for your chance to win.
01:53The watch party outside Madison Square Garden.
01:55Doesn't look all that comfortable.
01:57But, boy, they're having a grand old time.
01:59And a backcourt violation.
02:01What the Spurs did to the Knicks in the first half.
02:04And Mike Brown is fired up with the defense.
02:07And that was all Mikael Bridges.
02:09There was nobody up.
02:10That was not a design pressure moment.
02:12Mikael Bridges ran from the frontcourt all the way up there to guard Fox.
02:17Put that pressure on him.
02:18It forces a turnover.
02:19That was 100% Mikael Bridges.
02:23Bridges has had an exceptional defensive playoffs.
02:25And some great shooting as well.
02:27Close to a five-second violation.
02:30Pounds hands it back.
02:32Still just the opening minutes of the third.
02:34Good defense from Castle.
02:36Brunson drives on Castle.
02:38Leans in.
02:38Finds Hart.
02:39Lost the ball.
02:39Picked up by Oemby.
02:42De'Aaron Fox, the crossover.
02:45Throws the foul.
02:46Count it and one.
02:49Fox now with 14 points.
02:51He leads the Spurs.
02:52And a chance for a three-point play.
02:55Again, just a transition play.
02:57Coming off the steal.
02:59Nick defense isn't set.
03:01And I like this.
03:02De'Aaron Fox starting to get a rhythm.
03:04Knocked down one-three already.
03:05And has an opportunity to go through the free throw line for another one.
03:09Four fouls on Josh Hart.
03:11So Landry Schammett will come in.
03:13Hart tonight does not score.
03:140 for 3.
03:16Five rebounds.
03:17Three assists.
03:17He had maybe the best three-point game in NBA Finals history in game one.
03:22Because of all the rebounds that he had.
03:2415 boards.
03:25Six assists.
03:26Four steals.
03:26But a quieter night tonight.
03:29Free throw's good.
03:30And now counting that free throw.
03:32That's just five points in transition for the Spurs.
03:35Off of nine mixed turnovers.
03:38Castle really putting some pressure.
03:40Good physical defense.
03:43Tony Brothers right there watching.
03:46Castle fights over the screen.
03:47Gets it to Schammett.
03:49Schammett corner to Bridges.
03:50Bridges have to shoot.
03:51Shot clock winding down.
03:52Hats to three.
03:53Bridges is four for four from long distance.
03:57Is anybody else starting to feel that offensive firepower that we saw in the Eastern Conference
04:02Finals and semis where it just feels like every shot that the Knicks shoot is going to go in?
04:06It's their defense, though, too, that has been superb tonight.
04:10Fox gab step.
04:13Bridges trying to harass him.
04:15Fox gets away.
04:16Gets to the foul line.
04:17Left open.
04:17And an offensive foul call.
04:20Wembenyama picks up his first.
04:24And this is a situation with Victor Wembenyama.
04:27He shouldn't have to chase the ball out to 35, 40 feet to set that screen.
04:31Darren Fox should be taking that action to him.
04:34As a result, he's got a much longer run to the paint.
04:37And none of that really got off the ground.
04:39That should be great action for them.
04:43Jampenny picks up on the switch.
04:45Spurs really playing physical on the perimeter.
04:50Brunson now gets into the offense.
04:52He's already five on the shot clock.
04:53Finds Shammott.
04:54Shammott out to Towns.
04:56Fakes drives.
04:57Back up top.
04:58Shammott's not going to get it off the time he does.
05:00Nope.
05:00They wave it off.
05:0124-second violation.
05:02That was a little too much.
05:04Yeah.
05:05They were at Carl Anthony Towns, I thought, had that shot.
05:07It's great, the extra pass.
05:09Too unselfish.
05:09Too unselfish.
05:13Did you ever have that problem?
05:14No.
05:15No, no, no.
05:15I never dribbled.
05:16For me, it's either catch or shoot or catch and drive.
05:19Castle to drive.
05:20And it'll be right there.
05:22Wembenyama with a thunderous slam.
05:26Got a couple of buckets.
05:27Hit a tough shot.
05:28And a jam there.
05:29It's back to eight.
05:30And it looks how the game started.
05:31Guard getting their feet in the paint, drawing the defense to the baseline.
05:35Victor Wembenyama had two of those baskets.
05:37Early, that's his first touch.
05:39Similarly.
05:41Campenny.
05:42Campenny's played some good defense in these playoffs.
05:45Castle goes to help.
05:46Runs and gets it away.
05:47Schammett wide open.
05:48And knocks down the three.
05:50Landry Schammett.
05:51His first three of the night.
05:53You can't leave Landry Schammett.
05:55The risk versus reward.
05:56He is the hottest man in the NBA playoffs.
05:59You can't leave him to try and get a steal.
06:0258% from three.
06:04Vassell, open three.
06:06Can't answer.
06:06Wembe's tip doesn't go.
06:08The second one is good.
06:09That second jump is always so impressive.
06:18And a foul called.
06:21Fox talking to Josh Chiven.
06:24And, Mike, I know you said that second jump, but it's a little bit easier when you're jumping from that
06:31height.
06:33He's down and up really quickly.
06:36And then here, you talked about legs.
06:38When he's not guarded in that moment and gets clear space, there's no way to stop him from elevating and
06:44finishing.
06:48Towns sees a screen, gets inside, banks it home.
06:52Carl Anthony Towns overpowering.
06:56Harper in the game.
07:00Castle, trying to throw a lob pass.
07:02Somehow, it gets to Wembe.
07:04Missed the shot.
07:05And a foul call.
07:07It's going to go against Carl Anthony Towns.
07:10That's going to be three on Towns.
07:13No way, he says.
07:15So, free throws from Wembe and Yama.
07:17It was an errant lob pass.
07:19Turned out well for the Spurs.
07:25You see right here, Carl Anthony Towns just trying to dislodge him, but just too much length for Wembe.
07:32Carl Anthony Towns giving ground.
07:34Got his weight up under him a little bit on that call and trying to finish.
07:38I'm not sure if I like that call.
07:39You don't like that?
07:40Because he's turning and going through Carl Anthony Towns.
07:43And so, at that point, what is Carl Anthony Towns to do?
07:45Yeah, he's giving ground the entire way.
07:49Hits the free throw.
07:50NBA Finals scheduled.
07:52All games on ABC.
07:54All games at 8.30 Eastern.
07:56Series shifting to New York.
07:58Monday will be Game 3.
08:00And then next Wednesday, Game 4 at Madison Square Garden.
08:04And that will be someplace that Nick fans have waited again 27 years.
08:10For the last Finals appearance.
08:12And right now for the Spurs, they're confused defensively.
08:15And we've seen this happen with Jalen Brunson repeatedly throughout the postseason.
08:19Trying to hit him with blitzes.
08:21They're coming from different angles, different locations.
08:24And the Knicks are doing a great job recognizing and reading.
08:27Bridges comes out of the back.
08:29Throws at the Towns.
08:30Fakes gets to the corner.
08:32Tied up.
08:33Good defense from Castle.
08:37Bridges lobs it in to Towns.
08:39Towns is held on the entry pass.
08:41They're going to count the basket.
08:42No, they're going to call an offensive foul.
08:46Towns called now.
08:47He's got four fouls with 6-0-1 remaining in the third.
08:50What a turnaround.
08:55Right here after he secures it and he makes this pass right here.
08:58He knows he's got Castle on him now.
09:00So he wants to work him into the post.
09:02You saw a clamp right there with his right arm.
09:07I don't know.
09:08I don't like that.
09:09No, I don't like that call at all because I think they thought he clamped a lot harder.
09:13But the Bonk Castle already had his arm up in Carl Anthony Towns' space.
09:18Harper fires away.
09:203-pointer won't go.
09:21And an OB fights for it.
09:22Keldon Johnson, a rebound and a putback.
09:24That's what he does best.
09:26And a big bucket for Johnson.
09:27It's back to an 8-point game.
09:29And this has to be a time for a run right now.
09:31I'm saying to tell you, Carl Anthony Towns, they haven't had an answer for.
09:34And now, you get an opportunity to get him off the floor.
09:38Is this what they go to?
09:40The hack of Mitchell Robinson right here.
09:46Johnson drives.
09:47Bank shot in and out.
09:49Rebound, Castle.
09:55There's Harper.
09:56Schammett guarding him.
09:56Johnson swings it.
09:57Castle lines up the three and nails the three-pointer.
10:02The lead cut to five with 5-08 remaining.
10:05And there's only two team fouls, so I don't think they can go to that strategy right now with Mitchell
10:09Robinson.
10:12Bridges gets away from Harper.
10:14Bridges kicks it out, Brunson.
10:16Brunson bounces, leans in.
10:18Bank shot way off the second shot.
10:20That misses.
10:21Fight for the rebound.
10:22Keldon Johnson once again.
10:24The Spurs with the response.
10:26Alley-oop to Wimby.
10:28Missed it.
10:29Schammett comes the other way.
10:32Frenetic pace right now.
10:33Brunson inside.
10:34Bridges turns, shoots, and scores.
10:37Mikel Bridges, 6 of 7 from the field.
10:39He's got 16 points.
10:42Boy, that's tough.
10:43Spurs have the momentum.
10:44You've got a situation for a lob for Wimby.
10:46You don't convert.
10:48And then you give up a wide-open jumper the other way.
10:50Four-point swing.
10:51Blocked by Robinson.
10:52On a capsule shot.
10:57Bridges back to Brunson.
10:58Brunson's only 4 of 16 from the field.
11:04Wimby guarding him.
11:05A little jab step.
11:06No reason to back up on a jab if you're Wimby.
11:09You can recover with your length.
11:11Close that space.
11:12Schammett finds some room.
11:14Can't hit.
11:15Rebound Vassell.
11:16That's a good point.
11:18That jab should do nothing to Wimby.
11:19If you jab, I'm moving forward.
11:21I want to force everybody into a drive.
11:24Bridges almost came off with a steal.
11:26Wimby-Nyama knocks down the three.
11:28He's got 10 points here in the third quarter.
11:31And it's a four-point game.
11:35Brunson to Ananobi.
11:36Dangerous pass.
11:38Ananobi drives.
11:39Layup is gone.
11:40What a tough layup.
11:43This has been one physical third quarter.
11:45You want to know why you get in the weight room?
11:47Right there.
11:48OG Ananobi.
11:49That's just raw strength.
11:50Ho-ho!
11:51What a sweet move from Castle.
11:54And the next call timeout.
11:56Back and forth they go.
11:57This third quarter, a bunch of haymakers.
12:04This is a heavyweight fight right here.
12:07Both teams blow after blow.
12:11OG Ananobi getting the finish.
12:13And then on the other end, drink this in with your eyes, ladies and gentlemen.
12:17Look at that.
12:18Hezzy right there by Castle with the finish.
12:33Congratulations to Paul Westhead, longtime NBA and WNBA head coach and assistant coach.
12:38The only coach in history to win both the NBA and WNBA championship.
12:41The recipient of the 2026 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award.
12:45The National Basketball Coaches Association announced that today.
12:49What a great coach.
12:51Former head coach of mine with the Denver Nuggets.
12:55Keldon Johnson with the steal.
12:57Spurs need Keldon Johnson.
12:58Anyways, he's the spirit of this team.
13:01Harper pulls back.
13:03Drives on Bridges.
13:04Gets into the paint.
13:05Finds Cornette.
13:06Wimby on the bench right now.
13:08Under three to play here in the third.
13:11Castle finds another spot.
13:13Can't get that one to fall.
13:14Schammett, tough rebound in traffic.
13:17Okay, no Brunson, no Carl Anthony Towns.
13:20Where does the offense come from if you're the New York Knicks?
13:24Schammett, Alvarado, McBride, Robinson.
13:27Only one starter out there for the Knicks.
13:29It's Bridges.
13:30Champagne, good defense.
13:32Deuce McBride off the bounce.
13:34Two punters up.
13:35That's good.
13:37And that's a tough shot because that possession was going nowhere.
13:40They had the ball pinned on the sideline.
13:42To your point, RJ, he's really the one guy that could probably go get his own shot if he has
13:47to.
13:47That's his first points of the night.
13:49Champagne, Alvarado closes on him.
13:52Schammett's guarding Castle.
13:53Castle off the bounce.
13:54Gets inside.
13:56Shot no good.
13:56Bridges the rebound.
13:58They are letting them play here in this third quarter.
14:01No question about it.
14:02And as they should, these are two of the best teams in the league right now.
14:06That both play the same type of physical basketball.
14:09Bridges knocks down another.
14:10Bridges is seven of eight from the field.
14:13Eight-point Nick Lee.
14:15Under two to play.
14:16Third quarter.
14:17That's your answer, RJ.
14:18What are they going to do?
14:19They're going to make two really difficult pull-up jumpers off the dribble.
14:24Keldon Johnson using the screen.
14:26Goes inside.
14:27Draws the foul.
14:29Mitchell Robinson looked like he bumped him.
14:32Johnson will shoot two.
14:34And this first possession out of sync completely.
14:36They had the ball pinned.
14:37You can't allow that dribble to the middle if you're Keldon Johnson.
14:40You're not going to get any help.
14:42Luke Cornett was there on the baseline if he needed it.
14:45That's an answer there for the Knicks.
14:47Because I'm sure Mike Brown's thinking the same thing.
14:48And this is a nice little hesitation.
14:50Look at that contest by Castle.
14:52But a better finish and concentration by Bridges.
14:55Second foul on Robinson.
14:57Johnson misses the free throw.
14:59Well, let's celebrate the NBA Finals with NBA 2K26 entering this locker code and my team
15:04to unlock an invincible Paul Pierce card.
15:08Redeem the truth and earn rewards by taking on a historic challenge group, recreating his
15:12legendary Finals performance.
15:15Paul Pierce, of course, in the 2008 champion Suffolk Johnson hits one of two.
15:21Spurs have missed seven free throws.
15:23Next, meanwhile, have missed four.
15:26Seven-point game.
15:28Minute and a half to play in the third.
15:34Bridges on the drive.
15:35Lost it.
15:36Got it back.
15:37Tries again.
15:38Gets into the paint.
15:39Same shot.
15:39Same result.
15:41Bridges red hot.
15:42He's got 20.
15:43He missed his first shot of the night.
15:45He's at eight in a row.
15:46And that's why you give up all those first-round picks for McHale Bridges.
15:51Lead back up to nine.
15:53Harper tied up.
15:54Dangerous pass, but Fox gets it.
15:58Johnson's going to try a three.
16:00Navarano the rebound.
16:02Under a minute to play.
16:08Mike Brown has used his bench all season long.
16:11Trusted them.
16:12And they've come up big for him here in the playoffs.
16:14Shabbat, quick release on the three.
16:16Robinson had a poked out of his hands.
16:18Still licked ball.
16:1914 on the shot clock.
16:20This has been a huge close to this quarter so far here for the Knicks.
16:24With your two best players on the bench,
16:25you come up with three buckets in four trips
16:29to help hold off the Spurs here
16:32as they try to wind down the third quarter.
16:35Bridges gets free.
16:36Up top, Robinson.
16:39Alley-up to Robinson.
16:40Oh, and a perfect pass from Bridges.
16:43And it's back to 11.
16:45And it's not just your two best players.
16:47They've got four starters over there on the bench right now
16:50for the New York Knicks.
16:51Josh Hart and OG Ananobi on top of the other two.
16:56Fox using the screen.
16:57Gets it back.
16:58Laman Yama fakes.
16:59Pulls up.
17:00Jump shot.
17:00Boy, he's finally got himself in a nice groove.
17:03He's got 12 points here in the period.
17:06But the Spurs still trail by nine.
17:10Shock clock turned off.
17:13Spurs do have a foul to give.
17:16Bridges kicks it out.
17:18Alvarado three-pointer.
17:19In and out.
17:20Rebound tipped.
17:21Alvarado's going to get another chance.
17:23That one misses.
17:24Robinson tipped.
17:24No goal.
17:25And the third quarter comes to an end.
17:30Knicks trying to go up 2-0 here in these finals.
17:34Spurs desperate to tie things up
17:35before the series heads to New York.
17:38Right now, Mike Brown and the Knicks leading by nine.
17:41This presentation of the NBA Finals on ABC
17:44will continue after this message
17:46and a word from our ABC stations.
17:51You know, Mitch, during one of those last timeouts,
17:53we could see you really getting into your guys.
17:55What were you telling them?
17:57Just, we got to fight.
17:58We're too passive and hesitate.
18:00And a lot of our mistakes are coming from being
18:03not convicted enough in our decisions.
18:05Down nine going into this fourth quarter.
18:07I know it's not all about Victor,
18:09but how much of what you need has to start with Gwen Vignano?
18:12Yeah, he's got to step up.
18:13I was making some plays, and we've got to keep playing.
18:16They've made a lot of shots.
18:17End o'clock, tough shots.
18:17Can't overreact.
18:19We just got to walk the game down.
18:20Thank you, Coach.
18:22All right, Lisa, you see the intensity in that huddle
18:25from Mitch Johnson, who has done such a spectacular job.
18:27Right now, this is a crucial quarter
18:29for the Spurs here in these Finals.
18:31They do not want to head to New York down 0-2.
18:33Right now, trailing by nine.
18:35Starts critical, and I just think Victor Wimanyama
18:37needs to square up on Mitchell Robinson
18:39and just shoot the basketball.
18:40You're not going to get by him off the dribble.
18:44Castle inside.
18:45Keldon Johnson, couple of fakes.
18:47Goes up, blocked by Robinson, and the rebound.
18:50Mitchell Robinson having an impact.
18:51He's played 12 minutes.
18:54And how about Mike Brown not subbing in the quarter
18:57to bring in another starter, staying with that same group?
19:01How good this bench has been to close out the third quarter.
19:04Leaves them out here at the start of the fourth.
19:06They already make a defensive play.
19:07McBride finds some room.
19:09High arcing shot.
19:10Can't get it.
19:11The tip won't go, but McBride has it.
19:13Bridges fires away.
19:16Alvarado comes racing in for the offensive rebound.
19:19Shabbat tries a three.
19:20Puts it in.
19:21Landry Shabbat delivers again.
19:23And it's a 12-point lead, largest of the game for the Knicks.
19:27And you give up two offensive rebounds right there.
19:29Long rebounds.
19:30They have to be secured right now.
19:33Every detail matters for the Spurs.
19:35Castle trying to answer.
19:36Steps back from Monyama, a three-pointer.
19:39Got it.
19:40Quimby knocks down another three.
19:43He's got 22 points.
19:45Remember, only seven at halftime.
19:46And the only thing he's doing different, Legs, is shooting the ball.
19:50He only had four field goal attempts in the first half.
19:52He's taking quality shots, and he's taking what the defense is giving him.
19:56Bridges.
19:58Bank shot.
19:59Can't get it.
19:59Ball tipped.
20:00Fox Robinson tips it again.
20:02Knocked out of his hands by Fox.
20:04Great second effort from both teams.
20:06Heldon Johnson drives.
20:08And Shammott thought he deflected it off Johnson's leg.
20:11They call it San Antonio ball.
20:14Mike Brown might want to start figuring out to get in some players soon.
20:20But you don't want to stretch the bench too far in this moment.
20:23Ram it down.
20:24He looks like he's got something going on.
20:26Slow to get up.
20:27Or he could have just been waiting.
20:29He's taking a break.
20:30To get that challenge pad, iPad out.
20:33Sherman, as we said, his shooting has been extraordinary.
20:3658% from three in the playoffs as Brunson and Towns come in.
20:41What a weapon off the bench.
20:43He played 33 minutes in game one.
20:46He's already played 25 minutes.
20:48This is a guy who had a non-guaranteed contract in training camp.
20:52And here he is.
20:53Such a huge piece in game two of the NBA Finals.
20:56A veteran has come through time and time again.
21:01The sell right back in.
21:03The castle for the slam.
21:04Oh, great play for the Spurs there.
21:08You're always susceptible to that.
21:09When you want to blitz that first corner pass,
21:12you're going to leave the inbounder open if he steps in.
21:16You've got to rotate from the weak side.
21:18Josh Hart back in the game.
21:19Hart with four fouls.
21:20Only played 13 minutes.
21:22Towns looking.
21:23Finds Hart to the basket.
21:24Blocked by Wendby.
21:25Oh, what a recovery.
21:27There comes Castle.
21:28Deflected by Brunson and a steal.
21:31Brunson fakes, drives.
21:33And decides not to shoot.
21:35A wise decision with Wendby Yama right there.
21:41Fox smothering Brunson and a foul.
21:44The two stare at each other.
21:47And Brunson doesn't say anything.
21:48He just stares.
21:50Bridges trying to push him away.
21:53Well, where are the technicals now?
21:54That's where we talk about the consistency.
21:56The consistency.
21:59At this point, what you want in such a huge game, just tell the guys, hey, knock it off.
22:04Forget the technicals.
22:05Just spread it out.
22:06Let's go play basketball.
22:07Couldn't agree, Mike.
22:08But when they start to set the tone that these extra pushes, these extra things are going to warrant technicals,
22:13you want to make sure it stays even.
22:15See, Rick Brunson, obviously Jalen's dad, he went down the other end.
22:19Tony Brothers told him to get back.
22:21Mike Brown not happy.
22:25Rick Brunson made it all the way down, basically in front of the Spurs bench.
22:30We are seeing finals tenacity here in game two.
22:37Still so much time remaining.
22:41Bridges sets the screen, gets it, kicks it out, Shannon, Shannon another three.
22:45Towns the rebound.
22:47Brunson's going to try a three-pointer.
22:49Off the mark and Vassell grabs it.
22:53That one wasn't close.
22:54Here comes Harper.
22:55Down the lane, lays it up and in.
22:59Five-point game.
23:02Playing fast.
23:03Critical right now for the Spurs.
23:05Get out on the open floor.
23:06Webby with a nice seal under the rim.
23:10Bridges guarded by one man Yama.
23:13Shoots over him.
23:14Shot no good.
23:16Rebound, Castle.
23:20Castle with Towns on him.
23:22Now we'll pull back.
23:24Alley up when Manama can't get it to fall.
23:31This is a rare statement, but I believe that there's too much physicality right now.
23:40Brunson guarded by Castle.
23:41There's not a lot of freedom of movement, that's for sure.
23:44And that's what I'm talking about.
23:45Just too much, too much banging, and then things can get carried away.
23:49Landry Schammett drills another three.
23:51And it's back to eight.
23:53Timeout San Antonio.
23:55Schammett's been sensational once again off the bench.
24:00Bench has stepped up in a big way for the Knicks, but this is all coming about because of the
24:06way you have to defend Jalen Brunson.
24:07He drags two to the side.
24:10Now just make the right read on the back end.
24:13The Knicks trying to hold off San Antonio.
24:19The NBA Finals are brought to you by Burger King.
24:23You rule.
24:26ABC Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Hurricanes and the Golden Knights as the series ships to
24:33Vegas.
24:34What a series that's been.
24:36Hurricanes tied the series one game apiece in the overtime.
24:39Thriller.
24:39Buck drop for Game 3 shortly after 8 Eastern.
24:42Sean McDonough and Ray Ferraro on the call.
24:45Sean McDonough was on fire last night.
24:47Oh, Charles Barkley was on fire.
24:49He was watching the game on his phone at dinner, screaming when they won.
24:54Still so much time remaining.
24:568-18 left.
24:57Knicks with an 8-point lead.
24:59They've led by as many as 12.
25:00Spurs had a 12-point lead in the first half.
25:04But Minyama, slow first half.
25:05He's come alive here.
25:06Fox kicks it out.
25:08Harper drives inside.
25:10Layup can't get it.
25:11But a foul.
25:13It's going to be Ananobi, his third.
25:16You want to know how strong Dylan Harper is?
25:19There aren't a lot of guys in this league with their off arm can dislodge OG Ananobi when he's sliding
25:24laterally.
25:25But that's exactly what Harper did to create the space and draw the foul.
25:28There's not a lot of people that can do it with their strong arm.
25:30Right here, look at this.
25:31And this isn't really anything overt.
25:33That's just a nudge with his shoulder.
25:35And he uses Ananobi's momentum against him.
25:38Great patience by the rookie.
25:39Well, the Spurs may have done fairly well with lefty guards off the bench.
25:44Manu Ananobi, who's in the building.
25:46And this kid's going to be a star.
25:48Harper again, the son of Ron.
25:50Magnificent young player.
25:53And there's the great Manu Ananobi.
25:55But can Harper grab a bat out of the air?
25:58That we don't know.
26:00That one rattles in.
26:03Harper now nine points.
26:06And Spurs have missed eight free throws.
26:09That's Brunson again.
26:10With Castle right with him every step of the way.
26:16Brunson up top.
26:17Mananobi.
26:17Mananobi drives.
26:18Looking.
26:19Gets it in the corner.
26:20Janet fires.
26:21Can't hit.
26:22Hart comes flying in and grabs the rebound but lost it.
26:24And then a loose ball foul on Hart.
26:27Hart is upset.
26:28That's number five on Josh Hart.
26:31Nick's looking to see if they should challenge.
26:34Was that his teammate's arm?
26:35No, that's Wimby.
26:37Yep.
26:37But it's kind of good.
26:39He's fouled both of them.
26:40He's got a handful right there.
26:41He's got two arms and almost a basketball as well.
26:45That's the right call.
26:46Absolutely.
26:47Hart now five fouls.
26:49Bridges comes in and Hart will sit down.
26:52San Antonio's offense is starting to hum a little bit right now.
26:55They're finding rhythm.
26:56Their big dilemma is going to be on the other end of the floor.
26:59They got burned.
27:00Playing Brunson single coverage in game one down the stretch.
27:03Now the double teams, the Knicks are starting to figure out as well.
27:10Bridges gets caught on a screen.
27:12Castle keeps his dribble alive.
27:13Leans in.
27:14Towns helping defense.
27:16Stolen by Ananobi.
27:18There's Brunson.
27:19Goes a champ.
27:19Penny.
27:20Layup is up and good.
27:21A floater from Jalen Brunson.
27:23It's been a struggle.
27:24He was just four of 17 from the field.
27:26But the Knicks back up nine.
27:28It doesn't matter what his record is or how many shots he's missed in the first three quarters.
27:32When it gets to that final fourth, that's when he shows up at his best.
27:36Lassell.
27:38And Ananobi mad at himself.
27:40Picks up his fourth foul.
27:42So Hart has five Ananobi in Towns, each with four.
27:45It's going to be a side out.
27:48Well, you've got to get every opportunity in the open floor against this team.
27:51The Spurs defense.
27:53And take a look at Jalen Brunson.
27:54RJ, you and I just both looked at each other because that looked like a simple shot.
27:58It did not come out of his hand.
28:00I don't think the way he wanted it to.
28:02That's a strange arc and a great finish by Brunson.
28:08Castle trying to draw some contact.
28:10Comes up short.
28:10Towns with the rebound.
28:13Castle's down.
28:16Towns kicks it out.
28:17Ananobi open three-pointer.
28:19In and out.
28:20Rebound tip.
28:21Bridges keeps it alive.
28:22McBride tries the three.
28:24It's good.
28:25Deuce McBride with the three-pointer.
28:27And the lead back up to 12.
28:29Timeout San Antonio.
28:30And the Knick fans going crazy here at the Frost Bank Center.
28:43Have an opportunity.
28:45And I think that all the greats, you know, the best of the best throughout history have seized every single
28:52one of those opportunities.
28:55But right now they are down by 12.
28:58This was the huddle.
28:59A very emotional and fired up.
29:01Victor Wimanyama.
29:02His team trailing by a dozen with 645 remaining here in the fourth.
29:06And we've seen this before from Wimby.
29:08And his team has responded to this type of energy.
29:12This type of leadership from the young player.
29:14The Spurs have showed great resiliency all season long.
29:17And especially here in these playoffs.
29:19Including, of course, that Game 7 victory in OKC in the Conference Finals on the road.
29:27Harper from Wimanyama.
29:29Castle's on the bench right now.
29:31Wimby's shot.
29:32Rolls off the rim.
29:33Brunson the rebound.
29:34And I think that was a foul on Wimby.
29:36But the way they've been calling it tonight, they're letting that physicality go.
29:40Brunson now picked up from Wimanyama.
29:44Cross-court McBride finds Towns.
29:488 on the 24.
29:50And Anobi drives on Wimby.
29:53He gets inside and throws it down.
29:55The force of O.G. Ananobi.
29:57Largest lead of the game for the Knicks.
30:00As Harper trying to answer.
30:02Can't get it, but a foul.
30:03With 559 remaining.
30:08And Harper a little shaken up.
30:11Boy, these two teams going toe-to-toe here in Game 2.
30:19And this is O.G. Ananobi right here now.
30:21It's a hard closeout by Wimanyama.
30:23But watch right here.
30:24That extra step.
30:26And the patience.
30:27He knows now.
30:28He flips that up there.
30:29Wimby's going to block it.
30:31There's one way to take it to the rim.
30:33If he's on your shoulder, it has to be an attempt to dunk this basketball.
30:36The emergence of the offensive game of O.G. Ananobi in the playoffs.
30:41So critical for the Knicks, who now lead by 14.
30:45Harper was grimacing as he went to the free-throw line.
30:48Harper nine points.
30:55Harper was shaken up on the play.
30:57Let's watch this.
30:58Stepped on the foot of O.G. Ananobi.
31:05It seems to be okay.
31:08And right now, San Antonio is continuing to take the ball out of Brunson's hands.
31:13But they haven't really solved that defensively.
31:16The Knicks are either getting good shots or they're running down rebounds as the Spurs scramble out of the double
31:22team.
31:22And I think you might need to play him a little bit more straight up here because the Knicks have
31:26solved this.
31:27And again, Castle on the bench right now.
31:29Vertical player.
31:31Landed awkwardly.
31:33Seemed to be okay.
31:34But he's on the bench.
31:38Brunson.
31:39Picked up by Wimby-Nyama.
31:41Crossover.
31:42Crossover.
31:43Leans in.
31:44Pass inside.
31:46Shot blocked by Champagny.
31:47Towns gets it back.
31:48And a 24-second violation.
31:50How about that defense?
31:55Here's what happened to Castle.
32:00Watch, he comes down.
32:02That left foot lands on Bridges' leg.
32:06The Aaron Fox back in.
32:08Fox steps back, tries a three-pointer.
32:10It's good!
32:11The Aaron Fox, a huge three-pointer.
32:13And now the Knicks call timeout with five and a half remaining.
32:1818 points for Fox.
32:21Well, Spurs finally get a stop.
32:24And now you have to have these type of answers once you do.
32:27Great job.
32:28The Aaron Fox gets to his step back.
32:30Spurs have plenty of time.
32:32Their defense is going to have to pick it up.
32:35Buckets brought to you by KFC.
32:38Now, once again, strength in numbers for the Knicks.
32:41Jalen Brunson hasn't shot well, but he has 15.
32:43And an OB made some big shots.
32:45Bridges has been brilliant offensively.
32:47And Towns having a strong game.
32:50Josh Hart on the bench with five fouls.
32:52Castle still on the bench for the Spurs.
32:54Played him straight up the last time.
32:56They just let him run a switch against one defender.
32:59I think that's the best way to approach this for the Spurs right now.
33:02Brunson the floater.
33:03Towns had it.
33:04Lost it.
33:05Knocked out of bounds.
33:06They say last touch by Harper.
33:08So the Knicks will inbound with four to shoot.
33:11There's such tough physical defense from San Antonio.
33:15Making every dribble hard.
33:20Brunson looking.
33:21Finds McBride.
33:23McBride's going to have to put it up.
33:24Throws it up.
33:25Shot no good.
33:26Rebound taken by Bissell.
33:28Under five to play.
33:29Okay, if you're the Spurs,
33:31you're going to have to keep getting either free throws to stop the clock
33:35or you're going to have to knock down some threes.
33:37Fox gets in there.
33:38Adjusts beautifully.
33:39It banks at home.
33:40Little Fox Fury here in the fourth quarter.
33:42It's a seven-point game.
33:43And that's why they stuck with Fox in the fourth quarter of game one.
33:47Mitch Johnson said at any time he can get it going.
33:50Bridges gets a good look.
33:52That one won't go down.
33:53Harper the rebound.
33:57De'Aaron Fox, a big-time scorer in this league for a lot of years.
34:01Up top to Wemby.
34:04Drives on Towns.
34:05Leans in.
34:06Towns plays him well.
34:07Spins.
34:08Layup.
34:08He banks it home.
34:10It's back to five.
34:12Another timeout for the next nine straight points for San Antonio.
34:15And this building has come alive.
34:27But we're talking about Wemby.
34:29It's the patience.
34:30You get in the paint.
34:32You got it.
34:32You look around.
34:33You see you're in a one-on-one situation.
34:35This is what the Spurs need from Wemby.
34:38To take his time to be aggressive.
34:40And that's what his teammates are telling him.
34:45Well, in game one, the Knicks came back from a 14-point deficit in the second half.
34:50Spurs trying to do the same thing.
34:51Knicks have led by 14 here in the fourth quarter.
34:54But nine straight points.
34:56And it's five.
34:58Brunson.
34:59Layup.
34:59Shot blocked.
35:00Champagne and Wemby right there.
35:02Fourth block for Wemby.
35:04Got numbers.
35:06Vassell.
35:06Three-pointer.
35:07It's good.
35:08Two-point game.
35:11What a turnaround for San Antonio.
35:14They've scored a dozen straight points.
35:20Bounds to Bridges.
35:24Just suffocating defense from the Spurs.
35:27Bridges gets it to Brunson.
35:28Shot clock already down to eight.
35:33Brunson a three-pointer.
35:35Short.
35:35Rumpanyama the rebound.
35:37Nick offense has gone flat.
35:39Their pressure is starting to bother them.
35:42Ball stolen by Bridges.
35:44Keeps it inbounds.
35:45Bridges drives.
35:46Goes inside.
35:47Kicks it out.
35:47Brunson.
35:48Wide open three-pointer.
35:49In and out.
35:51Champagne the rebound.
35:52Nothing will fall for the Knicks right now.
35:59Harper in the paint.
36:00Ties the game.
36:02Ties the game.
36:07And they're playing Jalen Brunson with one guy.
36:10The last five or six possessions staying home.
36:14Three-point shooters counting on their defenders to get it done.
36:17Shabbat.
36:18Nick's trying to end this drought.
36:20Fox pokes it away.
36:21Goes in the corner.
36:23Adonobi.
36:25Could he step out of bounds?
36:27Adonobi wanted a foul.
36:29It's Spurs ball.
36:31Mike Brown seeing if it should be a challenge.
36:33And they're going to challenge it.
36:4097 apiece.
36:42Bedlam here at the Spross Bank Center.
36:46Here's the play they're challenging.
36:55It's like a foul.
37:03Champagne looks like he hit him on the wrist.
37:04Here's Tony Brothers.
37:06At the review, there is contact to the arm on the shot.
37:09Therefore, this is a proximate foul.
37:11The ruling on the floor is overturned.
37:13The challenge is successful.
37:15New York will be on the line for three free throws.
37:19Now, Adonobi will shoot right away.
37:22Adonobi was looking at the Knick bench.
37:24Adonobi's been an excellent free throw shooter here in the postseason.
37:2986%.
37:30He's two for two tonight.
37:34It's always amazing hearing these critical games in an NBA Finals fighting for a championship.
37:40How critical free throws are.
37:49Knicks have not scored in three and a half minutes.
37:5214 straight points from San Antonio.
37:54And the Spurs right now offensively have been trusting De'Aaron Fox.
37:59He's been the guy they've been going to.
38:01His quickness has been a difference maker.
38:03And it's completely reversed from what we saw in the last game in the last couple of minutes.
38:10There you see what a run for San Antonio.
38:15Adonobi hits the first two.
38:17Playing with that desperation.
38:20Do not want to head to New York down 0-2.
38:24By the way, these are the first free throws of the second half for the Knicks.
38:29And that makes no sense.
38:30When you look at the physicality, that's what we were talking about.
38:32On both sides, a little bit more freedom of movement.
38:35There's a wrestling match on every single play.
38:38Watch free throws there from OG Adonobi.
38:40And the Knicks finally end that run.
38:44Back to a three-point lead with two and a half remaining.
38:48Fox splits the defense.
38:50Almost falls down.
38:51And the alley-oop to Rambanyama.
38:55I think De'Aaron Fox is not moving right right now.
38:58He looks like he's moving gingerly.
39:00Yep.
39:00A little bit of a grimace.
39:03On that breakdown happened because it couldn't contain Fox on the trap.
39:07Now you're compromised on the back end.
39:09Bridges.
39:10Bissell right on top of him.
39:12Adonobi looks to set the screen.
39:14Excellent defense from Bissell.
39:16Shot clock winding down.
39:17Somebody's going to have to shoot.
39:18Adonobi drives.
39:19Layup.
39:19Can't get it.
39:20Fight for the rebound.
39:21Knocked out of bounds.
39:23The last touch by Champagny.
39:24Boy, Champagny battles on the boards.
39:27Oh, they're guards.
39:28That's a great job because you've got Carl Anthony Towns down there,
39:31an elite rebounder, and had some position, but Champagny just fought,
39:36and he basically saved a putback.
39:39Castle was set to check back in.
39:43A delay of game warning called on San Antonio.
39:48That means nothing unless they get another, and then it's a technical.
39:51Bridges catches.
39:53Bridges inside.
39:53Brunson flips it up and in off the glass.
39:56And the Knicks back up by three, under two to play.
39:59Cannot happen.
39:59You cannot let the inbounder step in and get an uncontested layup in this situation.
40:05Fox brings it back up top to Champagny.
40:07Into the corner of her cell.
40:09Wemby wants it.
40:10Bridges pokes it away.
40:11Wemby gets it back.
40:12Step back.
40:13Three-pointer.
40:14Way off an air ball.
40:15And Josh Hart just inserted grabs the rebound.
40:18Ahead to Bridges.
40:20Brunson drives on Fox.
40:21Gets in.
40:22Layup.
40:22No good.
40:24The cell the other way.
40:27Harper drives.
40:28Layup block.
40:30And a goal turn.
40:35Great hustle, but it hit the backboard first.
40:37And it's back to a one-point game.
40:41And again, Dylan Harper does a good job of attacking before the Knick defense can get set.
40:47Carl Anthony Towns just a smidge late.
40:50That's the great call.
40:51But on the other side, Brunson's got to be frustrated.
40:55You see another angle of that goal 10.
40:58Bridges.
40:59Or excuse me.
40:59Brunson did a great job.
41:00He saw Wimby doesn't end the paint.
41:02The players on the review.
41:05The ball clearly hit the glass.
41:06Yeah, I didn't even know we were doing a review on that.
41:09Well, officials want to make sure it's such a critical call, and they're allowed to do
41:13that if the goaltender's called.
41:16That'll definitely be two points for San Antonio.
41:22Yeah, I mean, that's as clear as it gets right there.
41:26At the review, the ruling on the floor is confirmed.
41:28It's a goaltending violation.
41:29The clock will be reset to 125.
41:32You can understand them doing it because it's such an important basket.
41:36And obviously, the quick replay review.
41:39Here's what I want to know now.
41:41San Antonio has been playing Jalen Brunson with one defender for the last several minutes.
41:46Do they still have the nerve to do that here with what he did to them in game one down
41:51the stretch?
41:52Crucial.
41:53One minute, 25 seconds.
41:55Can the next take a 2-0 lead?
41:56Can the Spurs even things up?
41:58A one-point game here in game two of the finals.
42:03You see, Brunson's not even on the ball right now.
42:07Bridges looking.
42:08Champagne guarding him.
42:10Shot clock at 7.
42:12Bridges finds some room.
42:13Goes inside.
42:14Lost the ball.
42:15Picked up by Harper.
42:17Harper attacks the rim.
42:19Shut up by Ananobi.
42:20Wemby inside.
42:21Layup is good.
42:23And the foul.
42:25Spurs regain the lead.
42:27Their first lead of the second half.
42:35And this is all created with the straight-ahead speed of Dylan Harper.
42:40Now, this is a good job by Ananobi to take away this layup.
42:43But look at the way he collapsed the Knicks on the baseline.
42:46Victor Remigny never stopped running.
42:49And he created an opportunity for himself.
42:5221 of his 28 here in the second half.
42:56And the Salesian sisters loving it.
42:59Chance of MVP.
43:01He has played like it here in the second half after a very subpar first half.
43:06And after trailing by 14 here in the fourth.
43:09Spurs by two.
43:10Final minute here in game two.
43:14Brunson bumped by Champagny.
43:19Brunson on the drive.
43:20Stops.
43:21Falling away.
43:22It's up.
43:22It's good.
43:24Jalen Brunson.
43:25Another clutch shot.
43:26We're tied again.
43:27And San Antonio calls timeout.
43:38Jalen Brunson with the answer once again.
43:41Saw this in game one.
43:44We're all tied up.
43:4539 seconds.
43:54The inside of the NBA presented by Lilly.
43:57We'll have it after the game on ESPN.
44:00And another thriller.
44:02There are these 2026 finals.
44:0439.3 remaining.
44:06Spurs have one timeout.
44:08Knicks have two.
44:08Each team has a challenge remaining.
44:10I think you go two for one.
44:12I don't think you allow Jalen Brunson to have the last shot of the game if you milk this clock.
44:17Wemby can't hit.
44:18Rebound fought for.
44:19Ananobi comes up with it.
44:21And the Knicks will call one of their timeouts.
44:23With 30.3 remaining.
44:25A huge defensive rebound there.
44:29Wemby got a good shot but it wouldn't go down.
44:37But Victor Wemenyama is showing so much passion.
44:41We said it.
44:42The last time we saw that his team answered.
44:44Answered the call again tonight.
44:46And he's been so much more aggressive here in this second half.
44:50Teammates finding him.
44:52Rolling in the right spots.
44:53Taking his time.
44:54Look.
44:54That's all extra effort by him.
44:57Seeing Dylan Harper get deep in the paint.
44:59This is the Victor Wemenyama that they need for 48 minutes.
45:06So aggressive offensively.
45:08Now 29 for the game.
45:10Eight rebounds.
45:11And Wemenyama also with four blocked shots.
45:13All right.
45:15What's the next strategy right now in this possession?
45:17They'll advance the ball in the front court with a timeout.
45:19Well, look.
45:20They've been playing Jalen Brunson single coverage.
45:22He's going to get that again.
45:23That's what he's expecting right now.
45:25And if that's the case, he is just going to take his time and work that defender until he gets
45:30an area where he's comfortable to score.
45:32I still think that's how you play him.
45:34You don't leave a shooter and give up an open look in this situation.
45:37He has been one of the best clutch performers in the postseason and in the NBA over the last four
45:43years since he's come to New York.
45:46Spurs with an inspiring comeback.
45:48Down 14 took the lead.
45:50But it's even now.
45:51And they have Castle on Brunson.
45:53Castle has been the best, in my opinion, of the physicality of the athleticism that it takes to guard Jalen
45:59Brunson in space.
46:02Bridges gets it into the hands of Brunson.
46:04Castle right on top of him.
46:06They do have a foul to give so they can be aggressive on defense.
46:09And there it is.
46:12Now the Knicks will inbound once again.
46:15There's a 7.3 second difference between shot clock and game clock.
46:19And the Spurs still have a timeout left.
46:24Brunson gets free.
46:25One-on-one with Castle.
46:28Wemby lurking.
46:30Brunson dribbles.
46:32Pulls up.
46:33Jump shot.
46:34Back of the rim won't go.
46:35Wemby the rebound.
46:3612 seconds remaining.
46:38Stolen by Brunson.
46:39And knocked down by Wemby.
46:42Brunson will shoot free throws with 9.5 remaining.
46:45Oh, what a turnaround in that sequence.
46:50Well, Wemby tried to outlet that pass.
46:52Castle never saw it coming.
46:54Hits him right in the back.
47:00Great job by Brunson.
47:02Getting the shot he wants against Wemby.
47:04But this is the same thing.
47:05These are the passes we saw from Wemby in the first half.
47:09Not aggressive.
47:10Not sure of himself.
47:11Huge turnover.
47:12I also think they weren't totally clear on if they wanted a timeout or they wanted to push it.
47:17That's what it looked like to me.
47:18There was some uncertainty there.
47:20Because they only have one timeout left.
47:21Meanwhile, clutch free throws from Jalen Brunson.
47:25Knicks back up by one.
47:29Brunson just 7 of 25 from the field.
47:31But he's hit all four of his free throws.
47:34If you're at the Spurs now, you go quick.
47:37Why?
47:37Because if you miss the shot, you still have a timeout to advance it after you have to foul.
47:51Brunson misses.
47:52Fight for the rebound.
47:53Picked up.
47:53Ananobi lost it.
47:54Cornette has it.
47:55And a timeout called by San Antonio with 7.5 remaining.
48:00It's their final timeout.
48:02Well, they'll advance the ball in the front court with a chance to win it.
48:08Well, I get the timeout.
48:09But I tell you what, if they get that ball out of there, you might have some numbers.
48:13Because you had so many Knicks down on the baseline trying to come up with this basketball.
48:17Oh, that was a kick.
48:20That was a kick by Cornette.
48:21Watch that again.
48:23He uses his foot.
48:24Now, it doesn't, it's not a lot, but he uses that foot almost to gather the ball.
48:30But it's ruled San Antonio ball.
48:33Now, this is not a kick in a traditional sense.
48:36Ball is bouncing around, accidental, accidental.
48:39Now, watch this.
48:40Cornette, that right there, kicking your foot up right there.
48:43That is a kick.
48:45They didn't see it.
48:46And, again, Cornette put in just for that situation in case of a missed free throw.
48:51You have the two 7-footers out there.
48:52So, now it's San Antonio with a chance to win it.
48:55Down by one.
48:567.5 remaining.
48:58Plenty of time to work out a play.
48:59And this is tough for me because when you've got Wemby, I like putting some sort of pressure on the
49:04rim with him on the dot.
49:05You could occupy multiple guys.
49:07Might lead to something on the perimeter.
49:09But he could also get a shot off from Pete easily.
49:11I think you get Wemby someplace inside that three-point line where he's in a one-on-one.
49:16You have to trust all of the work that you've put in.
49:19A simple jumper by there by Wemby.
49:21But if you are the Knicks, do not foul.
49:25Castle, Harper, Wemby, Fox, and Vassell.
49:32Castle inbound.
49:35Fox gets it.
49:37Bridge is on him.
49:39Four seconds.
49:40Fox to Wemby, pulls up jumper.
49:42Won't go.
49:43Rebound taken by Vassell.
49:45It's over.
49:45It's over.
49:47The Knicks survive.
49:50This magic carpet ride continues.
49:5313 straight victories.
49:55And they lead 2-0 here in these NBA Finals.
50:06Eight straight road wins in these playoffs.
50:10They blew a 14-point lead here in the fourth quarter.
50:13Come back and win it in the final seconds.
50:20And one of the great playoff runs in the history of the NBA continues.
50:26Got a clean look.
50:27Victor Wemby, the two-man action with Fox.
50:30When that basketball came back, he knew he was going to shoot it.
50:33What a deflating loss.
50:35The Spurs, an inspiring comeback.
50:37The costly turnover.
50:39And then had a chance to win it here in the final possession.
50:42And this is what we said in game one.
50:44They should go to a screen and roll with De'Aaron Fox so they have options.
50:48Get Wemby moving.
50:49They did exactly that here.
50:51Doesn't knock down the shot.
50:53That's the end of the game.
50:56A great look.
50:57Great look.
50:58For Wemby and Yama.
51:00But we go back to that turnover, Mike.
51:02That turnover that you saw was the exact same turnovers that we saw in the first half from Wemby.
51:08And now let's send it down to Lisa Salters for the postgame report.
51:11Thank you, Mike.
51:13Carl, we could see you looking up to the sky.
51:15I think I know who you were talking to, but what were you saying to Mom?
51:19I needed to stop.
51:22You know, it's amazing.
51:24As you go through life, if you lose a pair and anyone's listening, you just look for signs.
51:28And I'll take any sign I could get.
51:31And I prayed to her strong before that possession.
51:34A great player, got a great shot.
51:36It just didn't go in.
51:38And, I mean, it's great defense.
51:40Shout out to Mitch.
51:41Shout out to our team.
51:42But, you know, I take it as a sign my mom was here with me, so I appreciate her so
51:46much.
51:47Yeah, let's take a look at it again.
51:48Just take us through that last defensive stand.
51:51Like, what were you guys saying to each other?
51:54I mean, just we got to get a stop.
51:55We got to get a stop.
51:56We haven't got a stop all quarter.
51:57We put ourselves in a great position.
51:59The reason we won this game is because we gave ourselves a lead.
52:02We played hard.
52:03We got ourselves a lead.
52:04It's something we've done so well in this playoffs.
52:06We've gotten leads and we've held the lead.
52:09Today, it's first fall.
52:10They got themselves back into the game, put themselves with a chance to win.
52:15And, you know, the grit, the resiliency, New York City showed up.
52:17The fans showed up.
52:18The energy showed up.
52:19And we found a way to get it done.
52:20And, again, your defense against Victor Wemenyama.
52:23Just how did you keep Victor from beating you guys tonight?
52:27Like I said, he's a great player.
52:29He's a once-in-a-generation player.
52:31You got to make it difficult on him.
52:33So just utilizing my experience, utilizing my size, my skill,
52:38and just trying to make it difficult for him.
52:40Job is half done.
52:412-0 lead heading to New York.
52:43How does that sound to you?
52:46I'm just happy to be playing basketball.
52:48I love this game.
52:49I love this game so much.
52:50It's taken me and my family to places I never thought I could see.
52:53It's kept me alive.
52:55I'm forever grateful.
52:56Good luck the rest of the way.
52:58Mike.
52:59All right, Lisa, an NBA Finals classic.
53:03It wasn't always pretty.
53:04It was a slugfest.
53:05But another thriller.
53:07Towns hugging his father, who's on every road game with him.
53:11A close bond between father and son.
53:14And Towns team up two games set up.
53:18Of course, again, sometimes it comes down to one play,
53:21and this became such a critical play, the turnover, after securing the rebound.
53:26Yeah, they fought back.
53:27They had themselves in position.
53:28You come up with a stop, and Castle's thinking Wemby's bringing it up the floor.
53:35Wemby, you've got to make sure you've got eye contact with your point guard in that situation.
53:40There's too much on the line.
53:41That was the biggest play of the game.
53:44Well, the only two teams that have lost the first two home games in the Finals and won, the Suns.
53:54Did not win.
53:55And the Magic with Shaq and 95.
53:59Those two teams, meanwhile, they lost the first two home games, and that was it.
54:04They were unable to turn it around.
54:08Well, final score, 105-104 for Tim Legler.
54:11Richard Jefferson, Lisa Salters, our entire ABC crew.
54:14Mike Breenzane, join us Monday night, Game 3 in New York of the NBA Finals.
54:18Your late local loses next on most of these ABC stations.
54:21For post-game coverage, flip over to ESPN, Inside the NBA.
54:25Good night from San Antonio.
54:32ESPN.
54:33The home of champions.
54:39The home.
54:41The home of Super Bowl 61.
54:42The home of Super Bowl 61.
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