Knicks Halt Spurs' 11-Game Streak with Dominant 114-89 Victory at MSG
The New York Knicks delivered a stunning performance on Sunday, snapping the San Antonio Spurs' impressive 11-game winning streak with a resounding 114-89 victory at Madison Square Garden. According to the Associated Press, the game, which took place on March 2, 2026, Philippine time, saw the Knicks recover from a sluggish start to dismantle the league's hottest team in a display of sheer dominance.
Key Performers and Turning Points
Mikal Bridges led all scorers with a game-high 25 points, showcasing his offensive prowess and energizing the Knicks' lineup. Jalen Brunson added 24 points, including a crucial 11-point burst in the final 1:52 of the first quarter, which shifted the momentum in New York's favor. The Knicks initially trailed 19-7 after a three-pointer by Stephon Castle, but Brunson's late surge gave them a narrow 22-21 edge heading into the second period.
From there, the Knicks unleashed a devastating 26-2 run in the first half, opening the second quarter with an 11-0 spurt and stretching their lead to as many as 26 points. This offensive explosion proved too much for the Spurs, who had gone unbeaten throughout February but faltered under the pressure. Victor Wembanyama, in his return to Madison Square Garden, paced San Antonio with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks, but the team's 22 turnovers and a 54-41 rebounding deficit ultimately sealed their fate.
Supporting Cast and Historical Context
Mohamed Diawara contributed 14 points off the bench for the Knicks, providing valuable depth and helping secure the win. This victory marks the second time this season that New York has bested San Antonio, having previously defeated them to claim the NBA Cup in Las Vegas. The Knicks' ability to consistently perform against top-tier opponents underscores their growing competitiveness in the league.
Around the League: Other NBA Highlights
In other NBA action, the Cleveland Cavaliers snapped a two-game skid with a 106-102 win over the Brooklyn Nets, thanks to James Harden's return from a broken thumb. Harden tallied 22 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while Jarrett Allen chipped in 20 points. The Nets, despite 26 points from Michael Porter Jr. and 23 from Danny Wolf, suffered their eighth consecutive loss, dropping to a 15-45 overall record.
The Western Conference standings saw a shift as the Minnesota Timberwolves moved into fourth place by defeating the Denver Nuggets 117-108. Anthony Edwards scored 21 points, and Bones Hyland added 18 against his former team, helping Minnesota sweep its three-game road trip. Nikola Jokic put up a valiant 35 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists for Denver, but it wasn't enough to stave off the loss, leaving the Nuggets trailing Minnesota by one game in the West.
Additional results included the Chicago Bulls cruising past the Milwaukee Bucks 120-97, the Memphis Grizzlies earning a 125-106 road victory at Indiana, and the Atlanta Hawks routing the Portland Trail Blazers 135-101. The Detroit Pistons secured a 106-92 win over the Orlando Magic, while the Oklahoma City Thunder took a 100-87 win at Dallas. The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 114-98, and in Western late games, the Los Angeles Clippers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 137-117, and the Los Angeles Lakers handled the Sacramento Kings 128-104.
