Spurs Rebound To Even Western Semifinals As Knicks Move Ahead 2-0 Against 76ers

Victor Wembanyama powered San Antonio and Jalen Brunson guided New York on the same night, as the Spurs crushed Minnesota 133-95 and the Knicks edged Philadelphia 108-102, leaving both Western and Eastern Conference semifinal series finely poised heading into crucial Games 3 and 4 later in the week.

The Spurs levelled their Western Conference matchup 1-1 with that 38-point rout, while the Knicks pushed ahead 2-0 in the East. Both teams controlled key late stretches despite very different game patterns, with San Antonio dominating from early on and New York navigating constant lead changes without injured Philadelphia star Joel Embiid.

San Antonio’s victory represented Minnesota’s heaviest playoff defeat in franchise history, surpassing a 30-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on 29 April 2003. Wembanyama produced 19 points and 15 rebounds, with Stephon Castle scoring 21 points and De'Aaron Fox adding 16 points, as the Spurs shot 50% overall and 41% from three-point range.

For further context, the Spurs’ 133 points marked their highest postseason total since a 145-105 series-clinching win over Denver on 4 May 1983. Minnesota spread its limited scoring, as Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. all finished with 12 points in a game where San Antonio controlled the tempo early.

With Wembanyama attacking assertively from the opening minutes, San Antonio quickly erased memories of its series-opening defeat. Edwards again came from the bench as Minnesota continued to restrict minutes in the second game after a hyperextended left knee. Games 3 and 4 of this series are scheduled for Friday and Sunday in Minneapolis.

In the Eastern Conference, Brunson tallied 26 points and steered New York through a tense final period for a 108-102 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, giving the Knicks a 2-0 series advantage after a 137-98 blowout in Game 1. Tyrese Maxey matched Brunson with 26 points for Philadelphia.

The second game differed sharply from the opener, featuring 25 lead changes, the most in a playoff contest for 11 years, and 14 ties. No side led by more than seven points. Brunson hit the go-ahead basket with 5:06 remaining, then added another jumper for a 103-99 cushion with 3:45 left.

OG Anunoby contributed 24 points but was absent late in the game, with no immediate clarity regarding a possible injury. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for New York. The Knicks’ Game 1 success made them the first team to claim three straight postseason wins by at least 25 points.

The 76ers again face pressure after previously trailing Boston 3-1 in the opening round. Embiid missed Game 2 because of right hip and ankle problems, having woken with soreness and skipping the morning shootaround. The series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday and Game 4 on Sunday, when Embiid hopes for a strongly pro-76ers crowd.