Knicks End Spurs' 11-Game Streak
The Knicks snapped San Antonio's 11-game win streak 114-89 at MSG, with Mikal Bridges scoring 25 points. The Spurs were held to a season-low 89 points on 22 turnovers, though Wembanyama still managed 25 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists despite 7 turnovers. The blowout loss shows even the hottest teams can have off nights in the NBA's grind.
Before their dominant performance against the Spurs, the Knicks had already been building considerable momentum, winning 14 of their previous 18 games. This victory was a statement against the league's hottest team, solidifying New York's position as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference. The Spurs' 11-game winning streak was historically significant as they went undefeated through the entire month of February. This made them the first team in NBA history to remain unbeaten and score 110 or more points in every game while playing at least 10 games in a month. During the streak, San Antonio beat a mix of shorthanded contenders and teams with losing records. The turning point of the game was a massive 26-2 run by the Knicks that spanned the first and second quarters, which included a stretch of 19 unanswered points. This was the largest unanswered scoring run allowed by the Spurs all season and it flipped an early 19-7 deficit for the Knicks into a lead they would not relinquish. Mikal Bridges was a two-way force for the Knicks, not only leading the team with 25 points on efficient 10-of-17 shooting, but also recording 5 steals on the defensive end. His performance made him one of only four players in Knicks history to record at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, and 5 three-pointers in a regular season game. Jalen Brunson was instrumental in sparking the comeback, scoring 11 of his 24 points in the final 1:52 of the first quarter to erase the Spurs' early lead. He also added 7 assists, orchestrating the offense that ultimately dismantled the Spurs' formidable defense. The Knicks' defense was suffocating, forcing a season-high 22 turnovers from the Spurs and converting them into 24 points. They held San Antonio to a season-low 89 points and just 26.5% shooting from three-point range. Knicks coach Mike Brown credited his team's "weak side defense" for the impressive performance. Despite the loss, Victor Wembanyama saw the experience as a positive learning opportunity. "I think it's good for us to see this kind of adversity," he said postgame. "We want to play the best teams. This is a top playoff team." However, he also admitted surprise at his team's inability to handle the Knicks' physical defense, stating, "They're not an ugly team to watch but they made our game ugly." Following the game, the Knicks prepared to face the Toronto Raptors, while the Spurs looked to bounce back against the Philadelphia 76ers.
