James Harden joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in a trade which saw the Los Angeles Clippers obtain guard Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round draft pick [Getty Images]
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden has been released from jail in Houston after being arrested on Saturday morning for unlawfully carrying a weapon.
Harden was detained by a police officer at 03:41 local time after an unconcealed handgun was spotted in the cup holder of his Mercedes, according to court records.
The 36-year-old had been travelling through downtown Houston when he was stopped by the police, and the weapon was spotted when Harden drove up behind another vehicle.
Harden was arrested and booked at Harris County Jail after confirming the gun was his, and was later released on a $100 (£75) bond, with a court date scheduled for 22 June.
The Cavaliers said they were "aware of the arrest of James Harden this morning and are in the process of gathering additional information".
The statement added: "We are in contact with James and his representation and will continue to monitor developments as they become available. At this time, we will have no further comment."
A six-time first-team All-NBA selection and the 2017-18 league MVP (Most Valuable Player), Harden joined the Cavaliers in February as part of a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.
He averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 26 starts this season with his new side.
Since entering the NBA as the third pick in the 2009 draft, Harden has played for Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets, the Brooklyn Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Clippers and the Cavaliers.
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Jrue Holiday #12 and Devin Booker #15 of Team United States react during the Basketball - Men's Quarterfinals between Team United States and Team Brazil on day eleven of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Bercy Arena on August 6, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) | VCG via Getty Images
One thing is clear: The Phoenix Suns are searching for more help around Devin Booker. Whether that comes from internal development or acquiring talent, team owner Mat Ishbia has made it abundantly clear that the mission is to build another contender around the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
Since the departure of Chris Paul back in 2023, Booker has taken on both point guard and shooting responsibilities, which is why it’s no surprise to see the amount of discourse there’s been about adding a full-time point guard next to him in the starting lineup to get him back to playing the position he did when he was All-NBA First Team during the 2021-2022 campaign.
One player who could perfectly complement Booker in the backcourt is Jrue Holiday.
The two have played alongside each other for Team USA in 2021 and 2024 in the Olympics, and matched up against each other often when the Milwaukee Bucks and Suns played in the Finals back in 2021. Holiday is a two-time champion, multi-time All-Star, six-time defense and has just averaged his most points and assists per game since 2022 for the Portland Trail Blazers.
An elite defender and ball handler, Holiday has experience setting up some of the NBA’s top scorers. He was Giannis Antetokounmpo’s point guard during some of the Greek Freak’s best seasons and recently helped first-time All-Star Deni Avdija average a career high in points per game. Playing alongside other playmakers, he is comfortable taking a backseat on offense if it’s for the betterment of the team. Multiple times throughout his career, he’s moved over to play shooting guard if it’s for the betterment of the team. When he was with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017, he took a backseat and played the two guard spot so Rajon Rondo could run the offense, and he did the same from 2023-2025 when he played for the Boston Celtics so Derrick White could play point.
When it comes to his ability to make big plays when it matters most? Well, the NBA’s YouTube Channel has a great highlight reel of some of his most clutch defensive plays, but I think one play speaks out about his ability to perform when he’s needed most, more than others, especially to Suns fans…
Holiday’s ability to play his best in the big moments, combined with his malleability, makes him an ideal fit next to Booker. While he just turned 36, we’ve continued to see guards play at high levels late into their 30s. Just look at what Chris Paul did in Phoenix.
For any deal to happen, Phoenix would likely have to trade Jalen Green, which seems unlikely. Additionally, Damian Lillard is set to return next season after missing the year with a torn Achilles, and Scoot Henderson showed some promise during Portland’s playoff run. The Suns likely don’t have the draft capital to give the Blazers to make adding Green worth it. If the Blazers were to trade Holiday, it appears they’d do it for a player that wasn’t a guard to free up more space in the backcourt, or to a team that could give them more lucrative draft capital.
No one should expect Holiday to be a Sun next season, but the idea of pairing Booker alongside an elite defender who plays his best during the biggest moments is tantalizing.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 10: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks celebrates after his team's 107-106 victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 10, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Knicks are one step away from basketball immortality and winning the NBA Finals for the first time since 1973.
It’s been a long time coming for the Knicks and their fandom, especially considering the fact that most of them have never seen a team this close to the championship.
There was the seven-game series back in 1994 where they fell just short against the Houston Rockets, and in 1999 when they took the eighth seed and ran with it all the way to the Finals, losing to the San Antonio Spurs. However, this year just feels different.
The team’s comeback in Game 4 against the Spurs gave “team of destiny” vibes, and it will almost certainly be the shining moment should the Knicks finish the job and win the series.
However, history remembers the champions far more than the runner-ups. As of now, the Knicks do not have the championship secured; they need one more win to clinch. Champions are remembered forever, especially in New York City for a franchise that hasn’t seen it in over half of a century.
A win will lift the legacies of players like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, both of whom have carried the Knicks to victory three times in the first four games. Brunson may even secure a Hall of Fame berth should he lead the Knicks to a title this season.
The Knicks have tasted glory at times throughout the last 50+ years, especially the past three with deep playoff runs. But now, they are on the doorstep of greatness. They just need to take one more step to feel that glory.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 23: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a no foul call against the New York Knicks during the second quarter in Game Three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was arrested in Harris County, Texas, early Saturday morning. He was charged with a misdemeanor for unlawfully carrying weapons. This was first reported by TMZ.
According to Harris County’s records, Harden was arrested for “intentionally and knowingly” carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle owned by Harden and in “plain view.” The arrest occurred at 3:41 A.M. on Saturday, June 26. He was booked at 4:57 A.M. that same day.
Harden has been charged with a misdemeanor for unlawful carrying weapons. He has been released on bail, but needs to submit to the following requirements at this time:
Harden cannot possess firearms, ammunition, or other weapons.
He must submit to random urinalysis.
He is “prohibited from using, possessing, or consuming any alcohol, controlled substances, dangerous drug, or marijuana unless prescribed” by a doctor.
Harden is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 22nd.
This issue is likely to be resolved relatively quickly. Harden was only charged with a misdemeanor, which is not a serious charge.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are aware of the arrest of James Harden this morning and are in the process of gathering additional information. We are in contact with James and his representation and will continue to monitor developments as they become available. At this time, we will have no further comment.”
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 13: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter in Game Five of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
He was “intentionally and knowingly” carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle that he owned. The handgun was in plain view and not carried in a holster. He was arrested at 3:41 AM on Saturday and was booked at 4:57 AM. He was released on bail and is scheduled for court later this month.
The Cavs released the following statement about Harden’s arrest on Saturday afternoon:
The Cleveland Cavaliers are aware of the arrest of James Harden this morning and are in the process of gathering additional information. We are in contact with James and his representation and will continue to monitor developments as they become available. At this time, we will have no further comment.
The Cavs acquired Harden at the trade deadline last February. He played in 26 regular-season games and 18 playoff games. He averaged 23.6 points and eight assists on .434/.375/.884 shooting splits in 70 games combined with the Los Angeles Clippers and Cavs last regular season.
Harden has a player option for the 2026-27 season that is worth $42.3 million. At this time, he’s expected to decline that option and sign for a longer deal with Cleveland. After the season, Harden said he “100%” wants to be back with the Cavs.
Harden was driving a car with a group of other cars when one of them — not Harden's — was pulled over by Houston police at 3:40 a.m. Harden pulled up behind the police and the other vehicle, and while interacting with police, one officer noticed Harden had a gun in the cupholder of his car, according to the police report. Harden allegedly confirmed the gun was his, which led to his arrest and booking.
Harden is due to appear in court on June 22. He was released from jail on a bond.
While it is legal to openly carry handguns in Texas without a permit, those weapons must be in a shoulder or belt holster at all times.
Harden, a 17-year NBA veteran, played eight seasons — his peak seasons statistically — in Houston and has close ties to the city. He spends much of his offseason there every year.
Harden was traded from the LA Clippers to Cleveland in the middle of this past season and is expected to sign an extension with the Cavaliers this offseason. Between the Clippers and Cavs last season, he averaged 23.6 points and 8 assists per game and shot 37.5% from 3-point range. He is a future Hall of Famer, the 2018 MVP, an 11-time All-Star, an eight-time All-NBA, and a three-time league scoring champion.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 10: New York Knicks fans celebrate winning Game 4 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, on June 10, 2026 in New York City. Madison Square Garden canceled its planned Game 4 watch party outside the arena after New York Knicks owner Jim Dolan criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch over security requirements for the event. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images) | Getty Images
5,242 days.
That’s how long it’s been since a major 4 pro sports New York team played for a championship, when the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots on February 5, 2012, winning Super Bowl XLVI.
Since then, the Yankees, Mets, and Rangers have all advanced to their respective championship series, but all won just a single game.
11,679 days.
That’s how many days it’s been since the New York Knicks woke up with a chance to win a championship. That was June 22, 1994. Game 7 of the 1994 NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets. They had two cracks at it, losing Game 6 after John Starks had a pull-up 3 to win it and losing Game 7 by six in Houston.
19,392 days.
That’s how long it’s been since the Knicks were champions of the world. Game 5 of the 1973 NBA Finals. A 102-93 win in Los Angeles against the Lakers. At that time, the Knicks had won two of the last four titles, played in three of the last four Finals, and six of the 27 in league history. It would be unfathomable, at this point, to imagine that this historic franchise would go another 53 years without tasting victory champagne.
But we all know that’s what happened. Despite the promise and grit of the 1990s, tonight will be just the third time in the last 53 years that the Knicks are one win away from a title, and unlike in 1994, they aren’t staring down the barrel of only road games remaining.
Even if the Spurs show some life and force a Game 6 back in New York, it’ll be the first time since Game 7 back in 1970 that the Knicks will have a chance to clinch a championship at home. As things stand, the Knicks are -500 to win the series on FanDuel, but +172 to close it out tonight as 5.5-point underdogs.
It’s almost too close. For a franchise that has constantly waited for the other shoe to drop, it’s a surreal feeling.
Is it really happening? It’s too good to be true. Everything that’s happened in this playoff run has been a degree of impossible to improbable that makes you shed the feeling of existential dread and really makes you believe this is something different.
The history doesn’t matter to this current group. Even if the Spurs put a scare into them by winning Game 5 and maybe even Game 6, the ghosts of past disappointments seem not to affect them.
You’re close enough that, for the first time, you can start to visualize what a championship would be.
The immediate euphoria. The trophy presentation. The visual of the team we’ve spent now 101 games watching throughout the longest playoff run in over 30 years, lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy. The celebration in the streets of New York. The parade down the Canyon of Heroes. The feeling that, for the first time ever, all the energy you’ve put into supporting this team is finally paying off.
Maybe you can’t visualize it yet. Maybe the pain of the past has you not able to accept what appears to be inevitable until the final buzzer sounds. But that’s what this run has been about.
It’s been about erasing the generational trauma that five decades of Knicks fans have suffered from. The times of never being good enough, never being able to visualize what it would feel like to celebrate the ultimate euphoria that team after team had experienced.
“When will it be my turn?”
Our turn could be coming as soon as later tonight. It’s so hard not to get ahead of yourself, knowing that the Spurs are far from dead and buried, but the simple fact is this.
You only need to be the better team for another 48 minutes.
The San Antonio Spurs are backed against the wall. If they want to stop the New York Knicks from capturing their first championship since 1973, they must defend their home floor and force a Game 6.
Ahead of this high-stakes Game 5 clash, our advanced NBA player prop projections have identified the absolute best value spots on the board. By crunching the data and auditing the latest market lines, we’ve pinpointed exactly where the sharpest betting edges lie.
If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Saturday, June 13.
Knicks vs Spurs computer picks for Game 5
Knicks
Spurs
Anunoby u18.5 points -125
Fox o14.5 points -130
Towns o11.5 rebounds +110
Champagnie o2.5 3-pointers +125
Brunson o5.5 assists -130
Wembanyama o11.5 rebounds +100
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Knicks Game 5 computer picks
OG Anunoby Under 18.5 points (-125)
Projection: 17.51 points
The San Antonio Spurs' top priority tonight? Neutralizing OG Anunoby. In Game 4, Anunoby spearheaded a monumental 29-point New York Knicks comeback, sealing the thrilling win with a historic, miraculous put-back shot.
He finished the night with 33 points on absurd efficiency by shooting 67% from the field, 78% from deep, and 100% from the free-throw line. San Antonio has its hands full with New York’s offense, but limiting Anunoby is the absolute focus for Game 5, making his Under a highly compelling look.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet anunoby Now at bet365!/span
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 11.5 rebounds (+110)
Projection: 11.80 rebounds
Outside of New York’s lone defeat in Game 3, Karl-Anthony Towns has consistently cleared—or come incredibly close to—this rebounding line all series.
He fell just short with 10 boards in the unforgettable Game 4, but with a historic championship on the line, expect KAT to dominate the glass. He has been the driving force for the Knicks throughout this postseason run, particularly against San Antonio's frontcourt.
Bank on him coming up big on the boards tonight to smash the Over.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet towns Now at bet365!/span
Jalen Brunson Over 5.5 assists (-130)
Projection: 6.40 assists
Jalen Brunson has been the engine of New York’s offense, most recently logging 36 points and seven assists in Game 4.
As the Knicks look to close out the series, Brunson’s assist prop presents a major betting edge. He has hit the Over on this line in two of the four matchups during this series and neared it in Game 3.
Because the Spurs' top defensive priority tonight will be forcing the ball out of Brunson’s hands, look for him to turn playmaker and easily clear this total. Back the Over.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet brunson Now at bet365!/span
Spurs Game 5 computer picks
De'Aaron Fox Over 14.5 points (-130)
Projection: 17.72 points
De'Aaron Fox loves playing in front of the home crowd, averaging 22.5 points over his last eight games in San Antonio (4.7 points higher than his season home average).
He’ll need that hometown cooking after a highly criticized final sequence in Game 4 pushed the Spurs to the brink of elimination.
San Antonio’s coaching staff is sticking by him, but the message is clear: protect the rock. Look for Fox to slow things down and play a highly strategic, low-mistake style to keep the season alive on Saturday.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet fox Now at bet365!/span
Julian Champagnie Over 2.5 3-pointers (+125)
Projection: 2.5 3-pointers
It was a rough outing for Julian Champagnie in Game 4, as he struggled to a 1-for-7 performance from three-point range.
His inability to stretch the floor was a key component of San Antonio's heartbreaking loss, but a return home for Game 5 might be the exact remedy he needs.
The Spurs are facing elimination, and they need Champagnie to snap out of this slump immediately. If you’re looking at his props tonight, keep in mind that he’s historically a much more potent perimeter threat—expect a focused effort from him as he looks to redeem that Game 4 performance.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet champagnie Now at bet365!/span
Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds (+100)
Projection: 13.54 rebounds
Victor Wembanyama has split this rebounding line right down the middle so far, clearing it in two of the first four games of the series.
Now, back on his home floor, he has the perfect opportunity to exact some revenge. Expect the young superstar to fully embrace the villain role tonight; New York fans will find plenty of reasons to resent him as he crashes the glass with a vengeance to keep San Antonio's season alive.
Take Wemby on the Over for a dominant performance on the boards.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet wembanyama Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Knicks vs Spurs Game 5
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
According to the conditions of release, the terms of his bond ban him from possessing any firearms, ammunition, or other weapons, and from using, possessing, or consuming any alcohol, controlled substances, dangerous drugs or marijuana, unless prescribed by a doctor. He must also submit to random urinalysis.
The court documents noted that Harden had “unlawfully, intentionally and knowingly” had the weapon.
The 36-year-old Harden is an 11-time NBA All-Star who recently wrapped up his first season with the Cavaliers, who acquired him in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers on February 4. Harden averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists per game for the Cavaliers while helping lead them to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were swept by the New York Knicks.
"The Cleveland Cavaliers are aware of the arrest of James Harden this morning and are in the process of gathering additional information," the Cavaliers said in a statement. "We are in contact with James and his representation and will continue to monitor developments as they become available. At this time, we will have no further comment."
Harden spent nine seasons of his 17-year NBA career with the Houston Rockets, with whom he was named the 2018 NBA MVP.
The New York Knicks are on the verge of capturing the NBA championship after taking a commanding 3-1 series lead, but closing out a Finals opponent is rarely easy.
San Antonio returns home for Game 5 facing elimination, putting the spotlight on stars like Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper to keep the Spurs alive. On the other side, Karl-Anthony Towns continues to play a pivotal role in New York's offense as the Knicks look to finish the job.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Jason Logan's expert pick: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 17.5 points
Price: +100 at bet365
Karl-Anthony Towns sat for most of the first half of Game 4 but was ready to roll in the second half, playing 18 of 24 minutes.
His offense, however, was understandably spotty, and much like Game 3, Towns couldn’t get into a rhythm. Mike Brown’s plan for Game 4 was to get Towns going early, but that went out the window.
I’m not backing off KAT in Game 5. He salvaged 13 points Wednesday, not too short of his total of 17.5, considering the circumstances.
Projections sit as high as 21+ with my number at 18.7 points, which should have Over 17.5 listed at -118.
Jason Logan's expert pick: Victor Wembanyama Over 28.5 points
Price: -105 at bet365
Victor Wembanyama scored 16 of his 24 total points in the opening half of Game 4, shooting 54.5% from the floor while collecting all three of his free-throw chances.
A glance at his shot chart in that opening 24 minutes shows a very efficient and analytics-friendly fire rate. He either attacked at the rim or let it fly from beyond the arc, shooting just 1-for-5 from deep in the first half.
Once the Wu-Tang Clan had finished igniting the Big Apple crowd during the halftime break, fatigue seemed to settle in for Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. On top of more careless turnovers, the team’s shot selection was passive and leaned on long 3-pointers rather than the aggressive action that built the big lead.
Douglas Farmer's expert pick: Dylan Harper Over 3.5 assists
Price: +125 at bet365
Obviously and memorably, De’Aaron Fox had an ugly closing few minutes in Game 4 that likely cost the Spurs a win. But San Antonio head coach Mitch Johnson should already have been playing Fox fewer minutes and turning to Dylan Harper more often.
Harper is clearly the Spurs’ best guard in this series, outplaying both Fox and Stephon Castle. He has notched at least three assists in each of the last three games, playing 32 minutes in each and with a usage rate of at least 22.1% in them after playing only 28 minutes in Game 1 with a usage rate of 19.0%.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The NBA Finals returns to San Antonio for Game 5 on Saturday, June 13.
Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks will have a chance to repeat what they did in the first two games in the series – but with the stakes much higher this time around. The Knicks won both games in San Antonio to take a commanding 2-0 lead against the Spurs.
Another road win for New York will result in the team’s first NBA championship since 1973.
San Antonio held most of the lead throughout four quarters of play and led by as many as 29 points in Game 4 before the Knicks stormed back in the final minutes to steal Game 4 and take a 3-1 lead.
Here’s when Game 5 of the series will be played:
What time is NBA Finals Game 5?
The San Antonio Spurs will host the New York Knicks for Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the Frost Bank Center. The game will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
NBA Finals schedule, results
*- if necessary
Game 1: Knicks 105, Spurs 95
Game 2: Knicks 105, Spurs 104
Game 3: Spurs 115, Knicks 111
Game 4: Knicks 107, Spurs 106
Game 5: Saturday, June 13 @ SAS, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
Game 6*: Tuesday, June 16 @ NYK, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
Game 7*: Friday, June 19 @ SAS, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 25: Luigi Suigo, #19 of U18 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan selected to All-Tournament Team after Adidas NextGen Euroleague Finals Championship game between U18 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs U18 Zalgiris Kaunas at Mubadala Arena on May 25, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Grau/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images)
The “Italian Wemby” saga has finally come to an end.
NEWS: Luigi Suigo has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and committed to Villanova, Sigma Sports and Excel Sports tell DraftExpress.
The 7'4, 289-pound 19-year-old will be a physical outlier in the Big East who can pass, space the floor, protect the rim, and finish effectively. pic.twitter.com/S9HeU5kreq
After weeks of hype, anxiety and anticipation, the 19-year-old center from Tradate, Varese, Italy has finally made it official: he’s a Villanova Wildcat for the 2026-27 season. Suigo flirted with the NBA Draft process, hoping to get a top-20 guarantee from a team. But after receiving feedback, he has decided to play in college next season with the hopes of improving his stock.
The 2026 NBA Draft is considered by many to be one of the best in years, so from Suigo’s perspective it makes sense to wait a year. With even a relatively-successful season at Villanova, Suigo would position himself well for a weaker 2027 NBA Draft. From a Villanova standpoint, this unlocks another ceiling level for Kevin Willard and co.
Up to this point of the offseason, Willard has been able to retain two of his best players from a year ago, in addition to adding depth, experience and talent at all forward and guard spots. The one question mark was in the middle, with only redshirt-freshman Nico Onyekwere returning. That question has been answered in emphatic fashion with the commitment of Suigo.
The 7’3” big man had until June 13 at 5 PM to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft, and he took almost all of that time to make his decision. But the wait and gamble was worth it for Villanova, who secures an NBA-caliber center who will be able to add floor spacing on offense, while also providing elite rim protection on the other end. The happiest person in the building right now might be incoming senior Kwame Evans Jr., who gets to strut his stuff more as a pure forward with this addition.
There’s still work to be done with the depth up front, with both the international route and the high school route reportedly being considered. But otherwise, the roster appears set for a top-25 ranking and a return to national relevance for the Wildcats.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 10: An overall view of Madison Square Garden after the game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs during Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Up until Wednesday, we knew Madison Square Garden was the Mecca of Basketball.
There were loud Garden nights. There were celebrity Garden nights. To be fair, there were all sorts of nights inside the Garden because there is no event—no cap to its greatness—the Garden hasn’t graced.
But then, there was Game 4.
Like many, most of y’all, I wasn’t there on Wednesday night. Not that I needed it, because even watching from my bed—games are tipping off at 2:35 am in my place—I could still feel everything percolating inside the Garden.
If you just woke up from a week-long coma, let me put it in context. The Knicks were down 29 points in an NBA Finals game. That’s doubly stupid, considering the Knicks were in a Finals game, and that they somehow found a way to go nearly 30 damn points behind. At home, to put the cherry on top.
There they were, your Taylor Swift, Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, Larry David, Fat Joe, the whole damn Wu-Tang Clan, Carmelo Anthony, Patrick Ewing, John Starks, Larry Johnson, Metta Sandiford-Artest, and I don’t even know how many more names. It was absurd before the game, let alone the comeback, even started.
— Edilson J. Silva 🇨🇦🏀🇦🇴 (@edilsonbuzz) June 11, 2026
Jalen Brunson kept pushing. OG Anunoby kept making threes. Jose was more like Jesus. The lights and the crowd started to become too bright and too loud. San Antonio looked more uncomfortable each passing second, even if they kept hoisting three-pointers like missing them was raising money for their charity of choice.
By the fourth quarter, the Garden was not reacting to the game as much as dragging the Knicks back into it by force, and the other way around.
Then came the final sequence: Anunoby blocked De’Aaron Fox, followed Brunson’s missed shot on the other end, molly-tracked the rebound and tipped the rock in with 1.2 seconds left, somehow giving the Knicks a 107-106 lead and their eventual win in the largest comeback ever witnessed in NBA Finals history.
“It’s good! It’s good! It’s good! With 1.2 remaining, Knicks take the lead! OG Anunoby! It’s 107-106!”
This is what made the night feel different, unique, one for the ages, and for generations to remember and remind future beings of.
It was not just the flashy stars sitting courtside. The massive ticket prices keeping blue-collar New Yorkers from entering the venue. The noise. The first Knicks Finals run in 27 years and first legitimate, win-and-win shot at a title for the first in 32 years.
It was the collective feeling that after all of the years of suffering, after every bad season we’ve endured, after every failed rebuild and stunted retool, every fake addition we claimed as the next franchise savior, every bonkers loss, all the Knicks-for-Clicks, and every “same old Knicks” joke got squeezed into one impossible comeback, vaporized, demolished, destroyed, pulverized, and smoked forever.
"One more baby one more"
Mariska Hargitay, Spike Lee, Kurt Thomas, Iman Shumpert, Kiyan Anthony, Karl Towns Sr, Gerald Wilkins, Victor Cruz, John Wallace, John Starks, Leon, Metta, Joe, AJ Dybantsa, Chris Dudley, Perk, Raekwon, Spree & Starbury w Tim Thomas postgame center court pic.twitter.com/WKJT4hFo6Q
Entering Saturday’s Game 5, FanDuel is acknowledging the Knicks have all going their way and placing -500 odds on them to hoist the trophy to San Antonio’s +385. The Knicks lead the Spurs 3-1. The Knicks, the goddam New York Knicks, sit just one win from their first championship since 1973 and third in franchise history.
The Garden has had better teams, seen bigger legends, and battled endless ghosts.
Hopefully, the next time the Knicks step into MSG, it’s with a banner waiting for its hanging and unveiling.
The Larry O’Brien Trophy will be in the building. The rehearsals for the presentation ceremony, if one is needed, are complete. Thousands of New York fans have made the trip to Texas, looking to see something that hasn’t happened in 53 years.
New York can win its first NBA championship since 1973 on Saturday night, with the Knicks holding a 3-1 lead going into Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Knicks are 3-0 in closeout opportunities this season, winning them by an average of 39.3 points — all of them on the road.
“We’ve been preaching all year it’s about the next possession, the next possession, the next possession,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “We understand any time you try to play a closeout game, the level of desperation — for your opponents — increases (and) the level of desperation for the fans of your opponents is increased. You have to bring your best effort because even if you bring your best effort, it may not happen, especially on the road.”
New York got to the brink of this title by rallying from 29 points down in Game 4 to win 107-106 on OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds left. It was the largest comeback in NBA Finals history and the biggest comeback in any game this season, regular season or playoffs.
The Spurs have led each of the four games entering Saturday by double figures and let three of those games become losses.
“The biggest thing for us is just can’t take our foot off the gas in a sense,” Spurs guard Dylan Harper said. “Can’t get comfortable with a lead. It’s the NBA Finals. Anything could happen, like we just saw. But just at the end of the day, we’ve just got to stay together as a group.”
The referees selected for Saturday’s game were Scott Foster, James Capers and Tyler Ford. Foster and Capers both worked Game 1 and Ford worked Game 2 of the series.
If the Spurs win, Game 6 would be Tuesday in New York.
The Larry O’Brien Trophy will be in the building. The rehearsals for the presentation ceremony, if one is needed, are complete. Thousands of New York fans have made the trip to Texas, looking to see something that hasn’t happened in 53 years.
New York can win its first NBA championship since 1973 on Saturday night, with the Knicks holding a 3-1 lead going into Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Knicks are 3-0 in closeout opportunities this season, winning them by an average of 39.3 points — all of them on the road.
“We’ve been preaching all year it’s about the next possession, the next possession, the next possession,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “We understand any time you try to play a closeout game, the level of desperation — for your opponents — increases (and) the level of desperation for the fans of your opponents is increased. You have to bring your best effort because even if you bring your best effort, it may not happen, especially on the road.”
New York got to the brink of this title by rallying from 29 points down in Game 4 to win 107-106 on OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds left. It was the largest comeback in NBA Finals history and the biggest comeback in any game this season, regular season or playoffs.
The Spurs have led each of the four games entering Saturday by double figures and let three of those games become losses.
“The biggest thing for us is just can’t take our foot off the gas in a sense,” Spurs guard Dylan Harper said. “Can’t get comfortable with a lead. It’s the NBA Finals. Anything could happen, like we just saw. But just at the end of the day, we’ve just got to stay together as a group.”
The referees selected for Saturday’s game were Scott Foster, James Capers and Tyler Ford. Foster and Capers both worked Game 1 and Ford worked Game 2 of the series.
If the Spurs win, Game 6 would be Tuesday in New York.
Knicks
Spurs
Jason Logan
