Jalen Brunson's tear continued into Game 1 of the East semis, giving Philadelphia a clear to-do list for Game 2.

SAN ANTONIO — The only thing that can slow down Karl-Anthony Towns at this point is the officiating. On his way to a monster game, Towns was limited by a few questionable calls. He still helped the Knicks take a commanding 2-0 series lead after this pulsating 105-104 victory at Frost Bank Center on Friday night.

The Knicks may have a true ref problem on their hands in the NBA Finals. The opening tilt against the Spurs featured plenty of officiating controversy, though there was hope a new crew and how things played out in Game 1 would cause a course correction.

The Spurs didn’t have an answer early for Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks’ best player on the floor for beginning of Friday’s 105-104 Game 2 win in Frost Bank Center.

James Harden's defense and more playing time for Landry Shamet are 2 things to watch in Game 2 of the East Finals. John Schuhmann Game 1 turned when Jalen Brunson began attacking James Harden on almost every single Knicks possession.

"He's playing the best Karl basketball right now. He's meant for this," said Maggie Schultz, a longtime Timberwolves fan rooting for Towns.