Knicks Halt Spurs' 11-Game Winning Streak with Dominant 114-89 Victory

2026-03-02 general

New York, Sunday, 1 March 2026.
New York snapped San Antonio’s 11-game winning streak behind Mikal Bridges’ 25 points, capitalizing on 22 Spurs turnovers to dominate possession in a decisive 114-89 victory.

Defensive Intensity Breaks the Streak

On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the New York Knicks delivered a statement performance at Madison Square Garden, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 114-89 [1][5]. This victory by the Knicks, the marquee asset of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp, effectively halted the Spurs’ impressive 11-game winning streak [2][5]. San Antonio had gone undefeated throughout the entire month of February, making them the first team in NBA history to go unbeaten while scoring at least 110 points in every game of a month with at least 10 contests [5]. However, that offensive efficiency collapsed against New York’s defensive pressure.

Turning the Tide

The game’s momentum shifted drastically in the first half. While the Spurs initially took a 19-7 lead following a three-pointer by Stephon Castle, the Knicks responded with overwhelming force [5]. New York engineered a massive 26-2 run to close the gap and take control, eventually leading 22-21 by the end of the first quarter [3][5]. Another analysis notes a broader 34-6 run that allowed the Knicks to build a 14-point lead midway through the second quarter [6]. By halftime, New York had established a 51-41 advantage, a lead they would not relinquish [6].

Statistical Dominance and Asset Management

The Knicks’ victory was mathematically driven by their ability to generate significantly more offensive opportunities than their opponents. New York’s defense forced San Antonio into 22 turnovers, which the Knicks converted into 24 points [5]. This disruption allowed New York to attempt 97 shots compared to San Antonio’s 77, resulting in a differential of 20 field goal attempts [6]. Furthermore, the Knicks controlled the physical battle on the boards, out-rebounding the Spurs 54-41 [5]. This volume-based approach negated the Spurs’ previous offensive efficiency.

Key Performance Indicators

Mikal Bridges anchored the Knicks’ effort on both ends of the floor, recording a team-high 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting while adding five steals [1]. His defensive activity was complemented by Jalen Brunson, who scored 24 points, including 11 in the final two minutes of the first quarter to spark the team’s comeback [5][6]. The depth of the roster was also evident, with six players scoring at least 10 points [2]. On the opposing side, Victor Wembanyama managed 25 points and 13 rebounds for the Spurs, but his individual production was insufficient to overcome the team’s ball-handling errors [5][6]. The Knicks (39-22) will next travel to Toronto for a Tuesday matchup, while the Spurs (43-17) look to recover against Philadelphia [5][6].

Sources

NBA Madison Square Garden Sports