Karl-Anthony Towns dominates first half, Leaving Wembanyama “Flustered,” says Barkley

Karl-Anthony Towns dominates first half, Leaving Wembanyama “Flustered,” says Barkley originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New York Knicks weathered an early storm and delivered a powerful response in the second quarter, erasing a 16-point deficit to take a 55-52 lead over the San Antonio Spurs at halftime of Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday night.

After trailing by as many as 16 points in the opening half, the Knicks leaned on the brilliance of Karl-Anthony Towns and the timely shot-making of Mikal Bridges to completely flip the momentum before the break.

Towns was dominant throughout the first half, pouring in 17 points while adding seven rebounds and three assists. The All-Star big man consistently punished San Antonio inside and out, forcing the Spurs to adjust defensively. His biggest play came in the closing moments of the half when he threaded a perfect pass to Bridges for a smooth layup that gave New York the lead.

Bridges saved his best basketball for the second quarter. After a quiet start, the veteran wing erupted for all 11 of his points in the period, knocking down multiple three-pointers and providing elite defense. He capped the half by shutting down De’Aaron Fox on consecutive drives, helping secure New York’s remarkable comeback.

Knicks storm back behind Towns 

San Antonio controlled much of the opening quarter behind the aggressive play of Fox and Devin Vassell. Fox bounced back from his Game 1 struggles with 12 first-half points, while Vassell added 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists. The Spurs’ defensive pressure also disrupted New York’s offense early, forcing the ball out of Jalen Brunson’s hands and creating several transition opportunities.

However, the Spurs failed to capitalize on Victor Wembanyama’s presence. The superstar center was held to seven points on just four shot attempts while grabbing five rebounds. Charles Barkley noted during TNT’s halftime coverage that Wembanyama appeared “flustered” by Towns’ physicality and relentless attack.

The shooting numbers favored New York as well. The Knicks connected on 8-of-20 attempts from beyond the arc (40 percent), while San Antonio managed just 6-of-18 from deep (33.3 percent).

With momentum firmly on their side, the Knicks enter the second half just 24 minutes away from taking a commanding 2-0 series lead.

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