Ah... it was a game where we could have won or lost.

Before the game, many experts talked about the home court advantage for San Antonio, but in the end, the team that laughed last was the New York Knicks.

The score was 105-95. At first glance, it looks like a 10-point loss, but the game was tightly contested. In fact, until the middle of the fourth quarter, it was a game where either team could have won.

Spurs fans watching the game must have all thought the same thing: "We can start with a win!" They weren't completely dominated throughout the game and even had several moments where they took control. However, in the NBA Finals, it ultimately comes down to who remains calm in the last 5 minutes. And the team that showed that difference was the New York Knicks.

The early part of the game was dominated by New York. Jalen Brunson set the tone with a three-pointer, and with contributions from Anunoby and Josh Hart, they quickly took the lead.

But the Spurs, backed by their home fans, successfully countered. Their outside shooting began to hit, disrupting New York's offensive rhythm. When rookie Harper's incredible two-way play helped finish the first quarter at 27-19, the atmosphere in the arena was one of hope.

In the second quarter, Brunson was terrifying. Whenever New York's offense stalled, he found a way to solve it and eventually turned the game around. But San Antonio didn't back down easily. Champagnie hit a three-pointer, and by halftime, the Spurs were leading 55-48, maintaining their momentum.

In the third quarter, Wembanyama made his presence felt. New York struggled to attack the basket guarded by Wembanyama, and their offensive efficiency dropped. The score gap widened to double digits, and honestly, at this point, it started to look like the Spurs would take Game 1 at home.

But New York proved to be the Eastern Conference champions.

Led by Brunson, they kept close and gradually narrowed the score gap.

As the game neared its end, both teams found themselves in the 94-95 range. From that point on, it was essentially a new game.

The problem was what happened next.

After San Antonio took a 95-point lead, New York's focus completely changed.

They calmly finished each possession, successfully converting free throws and field goals.

On the other hand, San Antonio became rushed. Their shots missed the rim, and their offensive flow was disrupted.

In the end, New York added 11 points in the final moments.

The Spurs never managed to counter.

The final score was 105-95.

While the score difference was 10 points, the actual feeling was of a much more disappointing loss.

It was a game they could have won. They had the home court advantage, and Wembanyama also played his role well.

However, in the Finals, experience and focus ultimately decide the outcome.

The star of the game was undoubtedly Brunson. He took responsibility for the offense whenever the team wavered and made no mistakes at the most critical moments. In contrast, the Spurs showed areas where they still need to learn during the final clutch time.

But there's no need to be disappointed.

From watching today's game, there was no feeling that there was a significant gap in strength between the two teams.

In fact, the Spurs showed that they have a real chance to win the championship. It was just that in the last 4-5 minutes, New York was simply stronger.

Now the pressure has increased. Having lost Game 1 at home, Game 2 has become a must-win.

If New York manages to take two wins on the road, the series will become very difficult.

It wasn't the result Spurs fans were hoping for, but at least one thing is certain.

This Finals is likely to be much more competitive than expected.

Now San Antonio needs to forget about moral victories. They absolutely must win the second game.

Go Spurs Go.