The New York Knicks made some franchise history with their 105-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
It was New York’s second straight win to open up the series, which is a franchise first. The Knicks have never previously held a 2-0 lead in NBA Finals.
Knicks Have 2-0 Lead in NBA Finals for First Time in Franchise History
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 25: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks celebrates during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Knicks previous four Finals appearances came in 1972, 1973, 1994 and 1999. They didn’t hold a 2-0 lead in any of those appearances.
Additionally, New York’s current 13 game playoff winning streak, which dates back to their first-round matchup with the Atlanta Hawks, is the second-longest postseason winning streak in NBA history. Only the Golden State Warriors, who won 15 straight games en route to a title in 2017, won more consecutive games in a single postseason than the Knicks, who could tie the record if they sweep the series with San Antonio.
The fact that the Knicks were able to win the first two games of the series on the road is extremely impressive. In fact, they became just the third team ever to do so, joining the 1993 Chicago Bulls and the 1995 Houston Rockets.
Karl-Anthony Towns Shouts Out Knicks Fans After Game 2 of NBA Finals
GettyNEW YORK, NY – MAY 23: New York Knicks fans cheer before Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks on May 23, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Seth Wenig – Pool/Getty Images)
Though, hanks to Knicks’ fans willingness to travel, away games haven’t felt like normal away games for New York this season. There was a sizable contingent of Knicks fans in San Antonio for the first two games of the series, and Knicks star center shouted them out after Game 2.
“New York City showed up,” Towns said. “The fans showed up. The energy showed up. And we found a way to get it done.”
Credit where it’s due. The fervor of Knicks fans is impressive. They have made their presence felt throughout the current playoff run. They showed up in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Cleveland and now San Antonio.
The good news for Knicks fans is that they won’t have to travel for the next couple of contests as Games 3 and 4 will take place in Madison Square Garden. If the Knicks win again in Game 3, they’ll give themselves an opportunity to claim their first NBA title in over 50 years in front of their home fans. How crazy would that be?
New York Knicks Make Franchise History with Game 2 NBA Finals Win Over Spurs