Rashad TRIGGERS The Arena After The Knicks Game 1 WIN

Despite being often criticized as a defensive liability, Jalen Brunson was the primary defender on Spurs shooters who went 1-of-14 from the field and 0-of-8 from three-point range. He contested 9 of the 14 missed shots, particularly shutting down Champagnie in the second half after Champagnie's strong first half.

San Antonio shooters were one of 14 when guarded by Jalen Brunson, and 0 of 8 from 3 when he was the primary defender. On nine of the 14 shots, he actually contested the shot that were missed. Champagnie went 0 for five and 0 for four from three in the second half after Brunson was told to get a hand up.

Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT) was highly effective in guarding Victor Wembanyama, limiting him to just 2-of-14 shooting when Towns was the primary defender. Towns' quicker footwork and willingness to play Wembanyama on the perimeter disrupted Wembanyama's rhythm and forced him into poor decisions.

Wemby was two of 14 when guarded by KAT. Karl-Anthony Towns knows that he's just quicker-footed than the alien. Not only did he blow by him twice on offense in the first half, got his attention, but on defense he just bothers him. He can go out and play him on the perimeter.

Victor Wembanyama had a poor Game 1 performance, characterized by a playoff-high 15 missed shots (6-of-21 overall), 9 three-point attempts (2 made), and 6 turnovers. His high dribble was exploited by the Knicks, leading to a crucial late-game steal by Josh Hart. This performance was attributed to settling for outside shots and a lack of post-up mentality.

The alien looked more like an earthling to me. He looked ground bound. He had a playoff high 15 missed shots. Six of 21. He took nine threes, made two of them. He had a playoff high six turnovers. Josh Hart picked his pocket late in the game.

The Spurs' coaching staff, specifically Mitch Johnson, faced criticism for not giving Dylan Harper more minutes in the fourth quarter, despite his strong first-half performance. The panel argued that Harper's ability to attack the paint and his overall pace would have been beneficial, especially when other veteran players like De'Aaron Fox were struggling.

The biggest mistake was Miss Johnson not putting Dylan Harper in the game in the fourth. He only played 3 minutes. He was leading the team in scoring up until the fourth quarter. Fox had 11 minutes in the fourth quarter, didn't score, two turnovers.