Knicks Halt Spurs’ Winning Streak, Wembanyama Expresses Hesitation

New York, NY – The San Antonio Spurs’ impressive 11-game winning streak came to an end Sunday with a decisive 114-89 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Despite a strong performance from Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 25 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and four blocks, the Spurs struggled against the Knicks’ defense.

Early Lead Fades for San Antonio

The Spurs initially surged ahead, building a 12-point lead fueled by Wembanyama’s early dominance. However, the Knicks responded emphatically, closing the first quarter strongly and continuing their momentum into the second. They unleashed a 26-2 run, leaving the Spurs unable to recover.

Knicks’ Defensive Strategy and Towns’ Impact

The Knicks’ success in containing Wembanyama was largely attributed to the defensive efforts of Karl-Anthony Towns. When Towns guarded Wembanyama, the Spurs shot just 2-of-14 from three-point range (14%). San Antonio struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 9-of-34 (27.3%).

Wembanyama himself acknowledged a sense of hesitation in his shooting. “For myself, I was especially hesitant on threes for some reason,” he said after the game. “Yeah, hesitant for some reason… We should have been better.”

Key Performances for the Knicks

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks in scoring with 24 points, while Mikal Bridges contributed 25 points, showcasing his shooting prowess with 5-of-9 from three-point range. New York also received a strong performance from rookie Mohamed Diawara, who added 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block off the bench.

Other NBA Results from March 1, 2026

• Minnesota Timberwolves Defeat Denver Nuggets: The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 117-108, with Anthony Edwards scoring 21 points and Rudy Gobert recording 7 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block.
• Detroit Pistons Continue Winning Ways: Despite poor three-point shooting (4-of-30), the Pistons secured a 106-92 victory over the Orlando Magic, led by Cade Cunningham’s 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 11 assists.
• Oklahoma City Thunder Dominate Dallas Mavericks: The Thunder defeated the Mavericks 100-87, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 30 points.
• Los Angeles Lakers Triumph Over Sacramento Kings: The Lakers beat the Kings 128-104, with Luka Doncic scoring 28 points and LeBron James adding 24 points and showcasing his athleticism.
• Cleveland Cavaliers Win Against Brooklyn Nets: James Harden, playing despite a broken thumb, led the Cavaliers to a 106-102 win over the Nets with 22 points.
• Chicago Bulls End Losing Streak: The Bulls defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 120-97, with Josh Giddey recording a triple-double (20 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists) and Guerschon Yabusele contributing a well-rounded performance.
• Memphis Grizzlies Secure Victory: Rayan Rupert had his best game of the season with 16 points and 6 rebounds in the Grizzlies’ 125-106 win against the Indiana Pacers.