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It was a difficult first half for Victor Wembanyama on Friday night.
The San Antonio Spurs’ alien phenom scored just seven points in the first 24 minutes of Game 2 of the NBA Finals, and despite playing catch-up in the second half, it wasn’t enough as the New York Knicks took a 2-0 series lead.
The refs certainly seemed to be leaning toward San Antonio throughout the night, and one moment in the second quarter helped the crowd.
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San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama looks on during the second half of Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas on June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)
With San Antonio leading 37-32, Dylan Harper drove to the hoop but missed a contested shot, and the ball was up for grabs. With Wembanyama, listed at 7-foot-4, on the court, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he gets an offensive rebound.
However, he was shut down by Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, whose minutes came sparingly.
Alvarado may have gotten away with some hard contact when throwing the box, but Wembanyama may have just gotten away with a flagrant foul after wrapping both arms near Alvarado’s neck and tossing him around like a rag doll. Wembanyama then called for a whistle on Alvarado but never got one.
Wembanyama was also sent off for the first time for a flagrant foul in the Western Conference Finals.
New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado dribbles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas on June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)
Knicks survive to take 2-0 NBA Finals lead after JALEN BRUNSON’s clutch shot sinks Spurs
Wembanyama scored 22 points in the second half, increasing the score in the fourth quarter, but it was all for nothing after a costly turnover. After a rebound with less than 15 seconds remaining, Wembanyama threw a pass to a teammate who wasn’t looking, and it hit his back. Jalen Brunson was able to get the ball, foul and knock down a free throw.
The Frenchman had the ball in his hands for the potential game-winning basket but missed, giving the Knicks an exhilarating 105-104 victory.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama reacts during the first half of Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas on June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)
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No team has ever won an NBA Finals after losing the first two games at home, even though it’s a small sample size – only the 1993 Phoenix Suns and the 1995 Orlando Magic have done the same.
