Published Jun 13, 1:37am ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 13, 1:37am ET
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Updated Jun 13, 1:37am ET
Saturday’s NBA Playoff action features the San Antonio Spurs hosting the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Who has the edge in our Spurs vs Knicks pick?
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| San Antonio Spurs | -5 (-107) |
| New York Knicks | +5 (-113) |
San Antonio finally got on the board in these finals with a win in Game 3. Unfortunately, despite a record-setting start, they were on the wrong end of a 107-106 loss in Game 4.
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The Spurs did everything right for most of the night. They raced out to a 19-point lead after one, and extended their advantage to 27 at the break. However, the huge cushion was not enough to prevent the home team from rallying from 29 down and pulling off a dramatic victory.
“We got on our heels — we missed some shots,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “It’s disappointing, to say the least.”
Victor Wembanyama finished with a double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds, but shot 9-for-25 from the field. De'Aaron Fox and Devin Vessell added 18 points and five rebounds each, and combined for 11 assists.
The Spurs have led by double digits in all four games, but are down 3-1. This trend could loom large in a series where the road team has won three of the first four contests.
The Knicks saw their 13-game postseason win streak end with a loss in Game 3. And they were seemingly headed toward consecutive losses for just the second time during these playoffs.
But thanks to a never-say-die attitude, New York kept chipping away, trimming a 27-point halftime deficit to 15 points entering the fourth quarter. Trailing by a point in the game's final moments, Jalen Brunson's jumper was off the mark, but OG Anunoby tipped in the missed shot, sending the MSG crowd into a frenzy.
“That has to be the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said.
San Antonio failed to get off a shot on the ensuing possession, sealing a come-from-behind win for the ages. Jalen Brunson fueled the offense with 36 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Anunoby added 33 points, four rebounds, and shot 7-for-9 from beyond the arc.
Will the Spurs bounce back from a demoralizing loss, or will New York close the series out in five?
Despite a disappointing loss, San Antonio enters this contest as a five-point favorite. Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of Game 5.
The Spurs are 4-6 in the previous 10 meetings in this series. Meanwhile, New York has been exceptional away from home, ripping off nine wins in its last 10 road games. San Antonio has the home floor, but after what unfolded a few nights ago, it’s tough to fade a Knicks squad playing with this level of confidence.
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Pick
New York Knicks (+5)
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