KAT Defends Jalen Brunson After Missing 2nd Clutch Free Throw Before Wemby Missed Game-Winner

Karl-Anthony Towns doesn't care about Jalen Brunson's shooting splits while the New York Knicks are two wins away from capturing their first NBA title since the 1972-73 season.

Following the Knicks' 105-104 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday, Towns praised Brunson for "hitting the free throw to give us the game" despite missing the second one that could have extended the lead to two points with nine seconds remaining.

Brunson made the biggest play of the game when he stole a bad pass by Victor Wembanyama, then was fouled to go to the free-throw line. He made the first attempt to put the Knicks on top after they blew a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter.

The Spurs had a chance to win at the buzzer, but Wembanyama's jumper was a little long and hit off the back of the rim.

Knicks-Spurs Highlights

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Brunson has had his worst two-game shooting stretch of the postseason in the first two games against the Spurs. He is 19-of-56 from the field (33.9 percent), including 4-of-17 from three-point range.

The final free throw was his first miss from the line nine attempts in the series. It could have been costly if Wemby's final shot went down, but the Knicks were able to survive.

If any Knicks player has earned some grace from criticism, it would be Brunson. Even with his overall shooting woes against the Spurs, he is finding ways to make a positive impact for his team.

The fourth quarter of Game 1 saw Brunson score 13 points in eight minutes. He had six assists and five steals in Game 2.

It's a testament to how much depth the Knicks have built and how well coached they are by Mike Brown that they have taken the first two games of the NBA Finals despite Brunson not being at his absolute best.

Brunson and the Knicks figure to be even more comfortable for the next two games when they will host the Spurs in the first Finals games at Madison Square Garden in 27 years.