The NBA conference finals kicked off with history as both Game 1s went to overtime for the first time. The San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama’s impressive 41 points and 24 rebounds, defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks made a shocking comeback from 22 points down to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime. Both games ended regulation tied at 101, showcasing dramatic performances by the stars when it mattered most.

By the Numbers
  • Wembanyama: 41 points and 24 rebounds in Game 1.
  • Knicks' 44-11 run over the last 13 minutes of regulation.
  • Teams that led by 22 points in the fourth quarter this season were 452-1; they are now 452-2.
State of Play
  • Spurs and Knicks both gained momentum, securing home-court advantage with their wins.
  • Both losing teams, Thunder and Cavaliers, face pressure to rebound in upcoming Game 2s.
What's Next

Game 2 of the Spurs-Thunder series is set for Wednesday, while the Knicks will face the Cavaliers again on Thursday. The outcomes of these games will be crucial as both series continue, with teams needing to adapt and overcome early setbacks.

Bottom Line

The thrilling start to the NBA conference finals shows the unpredictability and excitement of playoff basketball. Both the Spurs and Knicks have proven they can overcome adversity, making the series highly competitive moving forward.