OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 30: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 30, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Spurs depth in the regular season was one of their strengths, with up to 11 current players having rotation spots at some point or another. That includes veteran Harrison Barnes and rookie Carter Bryant swapping places midseason, but even as the rotation has shortened, they have both still been situationally used in the playoffs (albeit in short leashes).
Despite all that depth, how the game has gone for the Spurs has depended more and more on how Victor Wembanyama has performed as the playoffs progress. When he’s great, the Spurs usually win, but when he’s merely “good” but doesn’t get a lot of help (or, you know, has to leave the game for reasons he either did or didn’t cause), the Spurs have struggled. Now that we have reached the NBA Finals against a similarly deep and stronger Knicks team, everyone will have to step up.
The Spurs have seen almost everyone step up at some point or another in these playoffs, but there’s one player they seem to benefit the most from when he has a big game, and that’s rookie guard Dylan Harper. In our In the Bonus article from after Game 7 against the Thunder, this was part of my answer to the question, “Who was the second most important Spur” after Victor Wembanyama:
I’m going to go out on a limb (and probably differ from everyone else) and say Harper because he is the biggest wildcard of the group. Outside of Wemby, perhaps the biggest deciding factor in each game was if the Spurs’ bench would hold on when he sat, and when Harper was out for most of Game 2 or ineffective from games 3-5 with the sore adductor, it was a much bigger hurdle for them to overcome. When he was on point in games 1 (which he admittedly started), 6 and 7, the Spurs had the upper hand almost the entire time.
This got me to thinking, as many X factors as the Spurs have in this series, Harper could be the most important one, just like he was against OKC. An X factor is defined as “a circumstance, quality, or person that has a strong but unpredictable influence,” and that certainly applies to Harper. He’s a rookie, and despite having a poise and maturity level beyond his years, he‘s still going to have his ups and downs, but perhaps nothing showed his value more than when he was at his best against the Thunder, and that is bound to be the case against the Knicks as well.
None of this is to say he needs to be their second best player or leading scorer after Wemby or completely take over games, but he needs to help keep the offense flowing for the second unit when De’Aaron Fox and/or Stephon Castle sits and keep hitting big, timely shots like he did in Game 7. As previously stated, when he’s been on, the Spurs have had the advantage; when he isn’t, they suffer when the starters sit. The Finals is all hands on deck, and even though Keldon Johnson was Sixth Man of the Year, the second unit’s performance and perhaps the Spurs’ fate begins and ends with Harper.
(For added proof, FanDuel Sportsbook has Harper as 4th most likely Spur to win Finals MVP behind Wemby, Fox and Castle. How far has he come that a rookie bench player is looked so highly upon?)
Other Spurs X Factors
Julian Champagnie — After a hot first round, Champagnie’s three-point shooting has been up and down in the last two rounds, and his impact is pretty clear. In their 12 wins, he has shot 40% from three; in their six loss, just 29.8%. Almost every rotation player on the Knicks is an above average three-point shooter, which could be their biggest advantage. The Spurs will need everyone to step up in that regard, especially their best shooter, who needs to either help prevent double-teams on Wemby by making shots or capitalize off them — by making shots.
De’Aaron Fox’s ankle — As an All-Star, Fox himself is not a X Factor, but his gimpy ankle turns him into one. After suffering a high ankle sprain in the second round against Minnesota, he missed Games 1 and 2 against the Thunder, which the Spurs split thanks to a fantastic performance from Harper in Game 1. However, it took him until about Game 6 or 7 to look right again, but while the Spurs certainly missed his slashing ability and automatic offense in that time frame, his mere presence was able keep the turnovers down. They’ll need that at a minimum from him again, but the closer he can get to the healthiest version of himself, the better.
Keldon Johnson — It goes without saying that KJ has suffered the Curse of the Award in these playoffs (a.k.a. when a player wins something, then their production in the postseason suffers — it’s especially known to attack MVP’s). Similar to Harper and another player to be listed below, the Spurs need the bench to perform in those crucial non-Wemby (and Fox, Castle, etc.) minutes. KJ got some redemption with an offensive explosion in the fourth quarter of Game 7, and they’ll need of his Sixth Man of the Year form throughout the Finals.
Luke Kornet — Kornet has and will continue to be the target of driving lanes the instant Wemby sits because opponents know how valuable those minutes are. He’s not the only reason the non-Wemby minutes have been largely negative, but he’s the one carrying the burden, fairly or not. Like KJ, hopefully his redemption from Game 7 carries over. We may also get some French Vanilla minutes since the Knicks are equally as capable of playing two bigs, so that’s another scenario he needs to be ready for and could be a huge factor.
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Andre Iguodala #9, Klay Thompson #11, Stephen Curry #30, Draymond Green #23 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. 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 Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NBA Finals tip off Wednesday night with the San Antonio Spurs hosting the New York Knicks at 5:30 p.m. PT. Regardless of who ultimately lifts the Larry O’Brien Trophy, this year’s Finals will extend a historic streak that underscores the parity across today’s NBA.
With the Spurs and Knicks meeting on the league’s biggest stage, the NBA is guaranteed to crown a different champion for the eighth consecutive season, marking the longest such streak in league history.
The NBA will have a different champion for the eighth straight season, extending the longest such streak in league history.
The last team to successfully repeat? The Golden State Warriors, who captured back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018 during the height of the franchise’s dynasty.
Since then, every reigning champion has fallen short of defending its title the following season, a testament to how difficult sustained success has become in the modern NBA.
The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder nearly had an opportunity to end that streak this year after another dominant regular season. However, injuries eventually took their toll in the playoffs, and Oklahoma City finished just one Game 7 victory against the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals away from earning another chance to repeat.
As the league prepares to crown yet another new champion, it’s hard not to look back at the Warriors’ dynasty with a greater appreciation. Golden State reached five consecutive NBA Finals from 2015-2019 and won three championships along the way, a run that feels even more impressive in today’s parity-driven NBA.
On this day in 2018, Stephen Curry made NINE 3-pt FG in Game 2 of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Cavaliers, breaking Ray Allen's record for 3-pt FG in a Finals game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6Zitf5w8T2
This series, however, is about more than deciding a champion. It’s about one team exorcising decades of despair and the other introducing a monster capable of terrorizing the league for many years.
The marquee is appealing, the lights are bright and eyeballs will be plentiful. These Finals bring the kind of spectator nirvana not seen since 2016, when Curry and Warriors – after coming back to eliminate Durant and Thunder in the conference finals– took a 3-1 lead over James and the Cavs, only to fall in seven.
May we get seven games in these Finals. No doubt the NBA wants it. And why wouldn’t its fans?
Scout’s take: Burries drew comparisons to another combo guard who excelled in analytical models before the draft (and since): Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski. It’s an ironic comparison because they could be teammates in Golden State, which has the 11th pick in the draft.
“He’s maybe a bit less scrappy,” one executive said, “but he’s got more off the bounce than Podz.”
Some question whether Burries’ production can scale up offensively. If that happens, he could be compared to White or potentially Jamal Murray. — Bontemps
Draymond on what's important for the Knicks in their defense of Victor Wembanyama
“What's very important when trying to guard Victor Wembanyama is your point of attack defender and that'll probably be OG Anunoby… When Victor Wembanyama's in the paint, he's probably the most… pic.twitter.com/Wpz8cmHx8C
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) June 3, 2026
The Thunder’s team salary was a manageable $186.7 million this season, 15th in the NBA and below the tax line for the sixth consecutive season. Next season, prior to the draft, free agency and their various team option choices, the Thunder’s salary is projected at a whopping $250.5 million, well past the projected second apron, which would trigger a more than $200 million tax bill.
League insiders are not predicting the prudent Presti will make any panic moves because of a coin flip seven-game series loss to the Spurs. But many league executives have been wondering aloud for months whether the Thunder’s shifting financials could lead to a slashing and market availability of some of their coveted role players, especially given the cache of draft picks and young players Presti has accumulated to replace them if needed.
“There can’t be room for everybody,” one East executive said.
Two storied franchises, out to write new chapters in their history. Check out the full official schedule of the NBA Finals before the action gets underway tomorrow!
Li-Ning shoes are known in the basketball world for having exceptional support and comfort, which no doubt factored into the decision for Curry, who has dealt with ankle issues for his entire career. Critically, the company is also endorsed by Curry’s friend and teammate Jimmy Butler III, which no doubt played a role (and hopefully the company is giving Butler a nice little reward for that).
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 20: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoes in warm ups against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 20, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Matthew A. Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
An arbitrator ruled last month that NBA free agent Terry Rozier violated his player's contract and will forfeit his 2025-26 season salary of $26.6 million after being indicted for his role in a sports gambling scandal.
According to court documents obtained by USA TODAY Sports, an arbitrator said Rozier should not be paid. The guard did not play for the Miami Heat during the 2025-26 season, and as a condition of his bond after his October arrest, he was not allowed to travel with the team or contact the Heat or the Charlotte Hornets, for whom he played when the alleged scheme took place.
The arbitrator's ruling was included in documents filed in the Eastern District of New York in connection with Rozier's motion to modify the conditions of pretrial release. He was arrested in October and charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
Rozier was put on immediate leave by the NBA after being accused in a wide-ranging illegal gambling scheme that includes ties to organized crime and involves more than 30 individuals. Federal authorities allege in court documents that Rozier provided insider information that gamblers used to place wagers on the Los Angeles Lakers, Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors over the span of a year. The National Basketball Players Association filed a grievance on his behalf, and an arbitrator originally ruled that Rozier should be paid his full salary while on leave.
Rozier allegedly schemed to leave early during a March 23, 2023 game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a foot injury. Rozier played less than 10 minutes in the game and did not return, finishing with five points and two assists. The accusation is that Rozier told co-defendant Deniro Laster he would leave the game early, and that information was sold to others, who made the "under" bets.
Rozier, who is free on a $3 million bond, is due back in a Brooklyn federal courthouse on June 10 to face additional charges of sports bribery and honest services fraud for that March 2023 game.
The NBA Finals is here and for the next one to two weeks, we're going to party like it's 1999, which was the last time the Knicks made the Finals. Make sure to follow on X for more picks @VmoneySports. All odds are courtesy of DraftKings. Best of luck!
Knicks vs Spurs (-4.5): O/U 217.5
Game 1's are usually for the underdogs in the first three rounds of the playoffs, but in the NBA Finals, the favorites have gone 10-2 on the ML and 9-3 ATS in the last 12 Game 1's. Yet, I am going to ride with a well-rested New York Knicks squad.
The Knicks did have the luxury of playing two teams, the Cavaliers and 76ers after they had seven-game series. New York was able to wear them both down and sweep after winning the final three games of the first round series against Atlanta (4-2).
San Antonio on the other hand played five, six, and seven game series versus Portland, Minnesota, and Oklahoma City. The Spurs have played 18 games this postseason to the Knicks 14, which can come in handy for the underdogs.
New York is the hotter team with 11-straight wins and are rested with nine days off. However, most people would agree San Antonio is the better team and has the best player in the series, Victor Wembanyama. The Knicks have a lot working for them ranging from the regular season success guarding Wembanyama to the rest advantage to the age gap between the two teams. Everyone will play the Spurs after they knocked off presumably the best or second-best team in the NBA (Thunder).
I will ride with the Knicks for Game 1 at +160 on the ML. Over the last 11 seasons, teams that win outright in the NBA Finals also cover 95.4% of the time (62-3-3 ATS), so if you like the Knicks, might as well take the ML for +160 rather than the +4.5 at -110 odds.
Pick: Knicks ML (1 unit)
De’Aaron Fox O/U 9.5 Rebounds and Assists
Versus Oklahoma City, De'Aaron Fox averaged 6.2 assists and 5.2 rebounds for 11.4 total rebounds and assists per game. For his rebound and assist chances, Fox averaged 11.4 potential assists and 10.0 rebound chances per game.
Fox started hot going 4-0 to the Over on his rebounds and assists prop, but he went way Under in Game 7 at Oklahoma City with five assists and no rebounds. The Knicks were No. 1 versus point guards when it came rebounds per game in the regular season and second in assists.
Fox recorded 11, 8, and 9 rebounds and assists in three meetings versus the Knicks this season. I like Fox to go Under 10 combined rebounds and assists in Game 1.
Pick: De'Aaron Fox Under 9.5 Rebounds and Assists (1 unit)
Josh Hart O/U 1.5 Made Three-Pointers
Versus Cleveland, Josh Hart was left wide open from distance as part of the Cavaliers game plan. There is no telling if San Antonio will play it the same way, but I'd expect the Spurs to have a different idea. Outside of Hart's 5-for-11 three-point night in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Hart went 4-of-15 (26.%) in the other three games.
In the playoffs, Hart is 10-4 to the Under on a 1.5 three-point prop and went Under in all three Game 1's. He is 3-2 to the Over in the last five games, but the Spurs are top 10 against forwards when it comes to made three-pointers and held the Thunder to 16-of-73 (21.9%) from three in the last two games in San Antonio. I will go Under on Hart from deep for plus-money (+127 odds).
Pick: Josh Hart Under 1.5 Made Three Pointers (1 unit)
NBA Finals Futures Best Bet
Series O/U 5.5 Games Played: Over 5.5 (-170)
Since 2019, five of the seven NBA Finals series have gone six or more games and 15 of the last 26 Finals dating back to 2000. I think the Spurs vs Knicks could be another six or seven game series.
New York won the NBA Cup over San Antonio this season and won two out of three meetings. The two have a familiarity with another and both are riding sky high when it comes to confidence. For San Antonio, they are knocking on the door of greatness and potentially the beginning of a dynasty built throughout the draft, whereas New York has been gearing up for this moment via trades and free agency.
The matchups for this series could be a chess match. OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns found success against Victor Wembanyama in the regular season, then there's Stephon Castle guarding Jalen Brunson after giving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander problems in the Western Conference Finals. Get your popcorn out because this series could go the distance. I like Over 5.5 Games Played at -170 odds.
Pick: Knicks vs Spurs Over 5.5 Games Played (Risk 2 units)
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Fans who tune in to watch the 2026 NBA Finals on ESPN might notice something a little different before tipoff.
ESPN created seven unique opening segments to precede each game of the San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks series, starting with Game 1 on June 3 (you can watch that video above). The 80-second videos depict different defining moments from NBA Finals history inside the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
This is the ESPN's 24th year broadcasting the NBA Finals, but the first year of the network's new 11-year media rights agreement with the NBA. The opens mark the relaunch of that relationship and celebrate the Finals.
"This was time to reimagine what we have been doing most recently, and I love that we landed here," said Tim Corrigan, ESPN's senior vice president of sports production. "You want to look at teams that are there and respect them for their journey and how they got here, and I think the idea here is introducing that you're part of something even bigger when you do get here and this is the legacy of it."
The Game 1 open features clips of LeBron James’ block of Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals and Kevin Garnett’s iconic “Anything’s Possible” moment in addition to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Other legends highlighted are Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Erving. More recent moments include the Spurs dynasty, Dwayne Wade celebrating the Miami Heat's first title, Kawhi Leonard celebrating the Toronto Raptors' first title, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading their teams to championships and Steph Curry's dagger 3-pointer against the Celtics.
ESPN had a team of about 20 people working on the opens for the last six months, a process Corrigan described as a "fun NBA history lesson."
"The whole concept of these historic moments, from Bill Russell to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and everybody in between, living inside the trophy, I think we as a group felt like that was the right thought and dynamic," Corrigan said. "It just spoke to us a little bit in the way of, this is what would be inside that world and these are the people and the moments that would live there."
The Game 1 open also includes a globe inside the trophy in recognition of the international players who have made their mark in the NBA, including recent MVPs Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic.
This year's NBA Finals feature two young faces of the league, Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Knicks star Jalen Brunson. Corrigan said ESPN intends to incorporate moments from this series into future Finals opens.
"We're going to have our eighth consecutive new NBA champion this year, right?" he said. "So we're looking forward to who will be the next player who joins this piece or what's the next moment that joins this piece."
Corrigan produced the last 18 NBA Finals in his previous role as a senior coordinating producer for ESPN, and oversaw the creation of the opens along with producers Steve Lawrence and Jeremy Anderson and design company MakeMake.
Corrigan said he hopes the opening segments elevate the entire Finals viewing experience and showcase the emotion inherent to the sport.
"When you get a chance to do this, it's so personal and there's images and moments you'll never forget," he said. "Nikola Jokic is holding his daughter as confetti pours down all around him after the Finals. There's just these moments of unbridled joy that happened with all these players because this is what they've worked their lifetime for, to have this moment."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks in action during the fourth quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Knicks are back in the NBA Finals, taking on the San Antonio Spurs for the first time in 27 years.
With the game inching closer, we spoke with Pounding the Rock contributor Mateo Mayorga to learn more about the Spurs’ current state of affairs going into the matchup.
The Spurs had a tough seven-game series against the Thunder before reaching the Finals. What was the biggest takeaway from the Western Conference Finals?
Stephon Castle’s issue is turnovers, and the offense makes fewer mistakes with him being the secondary playmaker, next to De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper. I like Harper more in the lineup with the starters because the defensive ceiling is higher, in part because he’s bigger and stronger.
Who is the Spurs’ X-Factor?
Devin Vassell is their unsung hero. He got a good chunk of the minutes guarding Chet Holmgren in the Western Conference Finals, while making 39.6 percent of 3-pointers (7.6 attempts). He rarely turned the ball over as well. He’s as good as gets for a release valve because he can put the ball on the deck, too.
Does the NBA Cup Final have any weight on this series or is it a new slate?
Not much, so it’s a new slate. The Knicks have been playing differently in the playoffs, and one of the features is using Karl-Anthony Towns more as a playmaker for his teammates, with him more than doubling his playoff assists average. On top of that, Mikal Bridges has been on a heater in his last 11 games, putting more pressure on defenses with his transition work and off-ball movement. The Knicks are much mightier than they were during the Cup.
If the Spurs were to lose Game 1, what would be the reason why?
I could see it happening mainly because Wemby didn’t play enough minutes. There’s also Wemby wanting to sag off to play help defense at the expense of the 3-point line, or if they have a poor defensive game, not being able to stop fouling penetration. This is certain: Towns will make him work harder than Isaiah Hartenstein, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Clingan. Aside, as the playoffs go deeper, coverages get tighter, and those have affected Fox the most because he’s a leaner guy, and he’s probably still feeling a bit of the ankle injury that caused him to miss two games in the WCF.
What’s your prediction for Game 1?
Spurs take first blood. Either Julian Champagnie or Keldon Johnson provide the heavy lifting at a critical time, Knicks offense is forced to come back to earth and San Antonio takes control of the boards.
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 16: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs look on during the game during the NBA Emirates Cup Final on December 16, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This week, I became friends with J.R. Wilco of Pounding the Rock. It’s a strange relationship. We enjoy each other’s banter, and he’s a thoroughly likable dude, yet at the same time, I want the thing I love to destroy the thing he loves—and vice versa. There’s probably a Marvel movie logline in there somewhere.
With Game One of the NBA Finals between our New York Knicks and Wilco’s San Antonio Spurs about to tip off, we two SB Nation site editors put our heads together for your entertainment. (Mostly our own, really, but if you dig it too, cool.)
J.R.
I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling strong 20th century vibes right now. As if I want to party like it’s 1999, or at least watch basketball like it. Twenty-seven years have passed since the Knicks and Spurs met in the Finals and here we are in the year that the NBA Finals validate the in-season NBA Cup Tournament.
Ever since San Antonio eliminated Minnesota, I’ve been saying that New York scared me more than OKC. But during games 1, 2 & 7 against the Thunder, I was more tense than I’ve been for any game in over twenty years, so I don’t know that stack ranking teams by induced fear will accomplish much. Before the OKC series, people were saying how much both teams had developed since they last played, but the Knicks have undergone the same kind of improvement since SA and NY have met. Which makes me wonder, with all of these changes on both sides, how long a series do you expect?
R.R.
Pleased to meet you finally, J.R. I have three tickets to see Wilco this month, so when a message arrived from Wilco, I assumed Jeff Tweedy was checking on my choices for the setlist.
Funny story: My reason for picking the Knicks to win in five games is not rooted in basketball logic. A few months ago, my wife and sister-in-law asked about attending a Wilco show at Beak and Skiff (an excellent venue). With a date of June 16, a potential Knicks conflict didn’t register. Why? Because it’s been decades since the Knicks last played in June, and they weren’t exactly living up to expectations this season. I bought tickets. Child care was arranged. Now, I’m in a pickle: either the Knicks wrap this up in five, or I’ll need to fake an injury so I can watch Game Six. What’s the marital equivalent of an SGA flop?
Your memories of the 1999 Finals must be fonder than mine. For one, I was inebriated throughout the series, watching from a Belmar barstool while my soon-to-be (and eventually ex-) wife drowned me in whiskey. Suffice it to say, my recollection is blurry. For two, look at those box scores. Yikes! The Knicks scored 77 in Game One and 67 in Game Two. It’s crazy to remember that they averaged 86 points per game that season. Sure, that was nearly the lowest in the league, but the NBA was still a far cry from the point-paloozas of today. In 25 years, teams will average 150 and play exhibition games on Mars.
The current Spurs team has no trouble running up the scoreboard. And in the playoffs, they’ve looked more cohesive than the iteration New York beat in the NBA Cup. Even then, they were no pushovers; the Knicks had to rally in the fourth, winning the quarter 35–19. When the Thunder were favored in the WCF, I was skeptical. San Antonio proved me right. They’re truly the best in the West, and, truth be told, they’re a helluva lotta fun to watch.
I can’t wait for these two teams to lock horns. I’m here for all of your questions, although brilliant answers are not guaranteed (many brain cells died before this blogger sobered up). I’m curious to know what you think is different between the Spurs of this moment versus the team that NY beat in the Emirates Cup game. I have assumptions (a young team coming to understand each other’s rhythms and style after playing more games together, for instance) but you’ve watched them more than I.
J.R.
The changes the Spurs have undergone since the Knicks beat them on December 16 is a fun topic because some started soon after, and some have just been completed in overcoming Oklahoma City.
The first transition was in the team’s approach on offense. Early in the season, the offense ran through Victor, and opponents were selling out to stop him at all costs. Sometimes this would work (the early-season games against Phoenix are great examples) and San Antonio’s offense simply cratered. Even in the games they won, the Spurs would go through extremely long offensive droughts. This continued until the all star break after which Wemby suddenly showed that he’d learned that he didn’t have to be the center of the offense for the team to win.
Suddenly, instead of calling for the ball while 20 feet from the basket, going on-on-one, and driving into loads of help defense and turning the ball over (which he’d done a lot of last season), he would set screens and roll while the defense stretched to keep him from the rim, which opened up all kinds of opportunities for the Spurs shooters and drivers to exploit. That’s the environment in which Wemby would then attack, and defenses have a hard time defending so many threats and that explains the run they went on from February through the end of the season.
Then the postseason came, which taught the coaching staff and the team to deal with situational threats that are rarely seen during the regular season. The OKC series was an advanced education in developing new offensive strategies on the fly, and if they hadn’t passed that test we wouldn’t be talking right now.
So that’s what’s changed since we met. There was the final meeting of the year in that stretch, which New York won, and it’s apparent that the Knicks are a different beast from any of the previous Spurs opponents because of how they handled SA during the 20+ game stretch in which their only loss was to the Knickerbockers. Then as if that weren’t enough, they unlocked KAT’s point center module and started tearing through teams. San Antonio made it past the defending champs largely through size and physicality, but New York has shooting AND length. They have size at the wing that can dwarf the Spurs, and they’re on a win streak longer than the Thunder’s 8-0 run to start the playoffs.
All that to say, I haven’t seen enough of the Knicks’ recent games to have anything close to a good foundation to make an educated guess from. So I have some questions that would help me get ready for the series; some about basketball, some about the fanbase, and some about you: Has point KAT been that big a deal? In other words, was placing the ball in his hands the move that facilitated the 9-0 win streak? How much point KAT have they been using?
R.R.
Indeed, like the Spurs, New York has improved since December—and not just by dumping Guerschon Yabusele. It took a while to get cooking, though.
Wemby suddenly showed that he’d learned he didn’t have to be the center of the offense for the team to win.
You could say the same about Jalen Brunson.
Throughout the season, many complained that Mike Brown should play Brunson off the ball more often, for multiple reasons. It saves his legs, and it diversifies the offense. But the Knicks kept drilling the same formula repeatedly.
Through two seasons, the Towns-Brunson pairing was never as successful as it could have been. Countless games started stale and didn’t improve until the reserves came in to mix up the lineup. Usually, KAT would flourish while Jalen rested in the second quarter, and he’d get some buckets in the third, letting Jalen take center stage in the fourth.
Here’s another gripe: For whatever reason (either by his choice or the coach’s) KAT doesn’t post up. It didn’t happen under Thibs, either, so you can draw your own conclusions. We came to accept it, but it drove some of the fanbase nuts.
Anyway, the first three games of the playoffs followed the same script they tried all season. And after falling behind 1-2 to the clearly less-talented Hawks (losing each game by one point), many fans wondered if our hopes had been too high.
Then, a change. Point-KAT was unleashed; the team started playing faster, exploiting more fast-break opportunities; the scoring load was shared across all five starters (plus one sharpshooting Shamet); and their defense has bordered on criminally abusive. They unlocked an unprecedented level of beautiful basketball during their 11-game winning streak—and their historic numbers back it up.
Some specific changes we’ve seen is Mikal Bridges bringing the ball up the court more often, and Hart taking off on a sprint if he’s hauled in a rebound. That means a good defender has to chase Jalen around away from the ball, while the other four starters go to work—and each can shoot or attack the rim.
Karl is an exceptional passer. As the hub, he can thread a pass to a cutter, zip it out to a corner (and from there it swings until an open shooter is found), rise up for a high-percentage shot, or put his shoulder down and drive to the cup.
So the Knicks unlocked basketball nirvana by relying less on Brunson as the primary ball handler, rocketing defensive rebounds down the court for fast-paced buckets, and letting KAT operate as a hub. Just as the Spurs learned to rely less on Wemby, the Knicks did the same with Jalen. And, lo and behold, both players became even more valuable to their teams.
A few Q’s for you. Where do you think the Spurs will most surprise the Knicks? What vulnerabilities worry you the most? (You mentioned size, but most of your key guys are 6’5” and up—and Wemby is a friggin’ tree.)
J.R.
When the NBA Cup final was over, who could have expected that both teams would be in the Finals because their centers started initiating their offense as 7-foot point guards? Well it’s happened. I know that KAT has spent far more time in that role, but Point Wemby made a significant contribution at the beginning of Game 7 in OKC and it helped the Spurs build their first lead. So I’m wondering how much of that we’ll see in the Finals, and I’m enjoying with anticipation the media losing their minds over a series in which centers are leading their teams in assists. With how much of a copycat league this is, it would be interesting to see how far the idea can go.
As to how the Spurs will surprise the Knicks, I think it has to be with Dylan Harper. The rookie has played well all year, but there’s nothing about his play in the playoffs that looks the slightest bit like it’s his first season in the league. Of all the changes the Spurs have made since they’ve played NY, Harper’s emergence has to be the one that I think will have the biggest effect on the Finals because he’s like no one else at his age in ages, literally. When his numbers aren’t matching Magic Johnson’s rookie playoff stats, they’re setting rookie postseason records. If he hadn’t gotten an adductor injury during the WCF, there’s no way he’d be able to surprise anyone because I believe that it would have been a shorter series, and he’d have been one of the major Spurs stories heading into the Finals. Even with the 3-4 subpar games from Dylan as he recovered his health, you can make a strong case that San Antonio doesn’t eliminate OKC without him.
On the vulnerabilities front, it’s all about New York’s size for me. You’re right that the Spurs have big guards, but their forwards are undersized against most teams in the league. Against Anunoby and Robinson, they’re almost tiny. Also, San Antonio likes to guard opposing centers with a guard or a wing, so that Wemby can roam the paint and play Gandalf (You shall not pass!) If they do that in the Finals then that’s another matchup the Spurs are small in, which could create rebounding problems and a bevy of other issues, crossmatching, etc.
Ok, my questions for you: Who did you want to advance between the Thunder and the Spurs and why? And are you concerned about one of the consistent issues over the past few postseasons: rest-induced rust for the team that ended its series early?
R.R.
Cooper Flagg deserves his flowers, but Harper deserved more votes for Rookie of the Year. His skills and poise in the biggest moments have impressed us at P&T. Wemby, Castle, and Harper: three excellent drafts for you, my friend!
Upon examining the strengths and weaknesses of both Western Conference finalists, I argued that the Knicks should want to face the Spurs. Not the greatest take, in hindsight. I assumed that San Antonio’s youth and mounting fatigue after a grueling three rounds would make them less formidable than the defending champion Thunder. Furthermore, many of these young Spurs had never played so many games without a break, counting both the regular season and the postseason. After watching them lay out OKC on the road in a closeout game, I should probably surrender my sportswriting license.
Now I’m a little worried that the Knicks have had too much time off. It wouldn’t astonish me if New York loses Game One. They’ve played just eight games in the past month, and while that absolutely keeps them fresh, allows for injury recovery, etc., I wonder how they can maintain their game conditioning. Playing 40+ minutes of NBA basketball is different from 40 minutes on a stationary bike. You’ll recall that they were pretty rusty early in Game One against Cleveland after nine days’ rest. They fell behind by 22 points before their amazing, miraculous, one-for-the-ages comeback to win in overtime.
Excuse me while watch that fourth quarter and overtime again.
Phew, I’m back. Needed a shower after that. . . . Yeah, so, this break between Game Seven and the Finals might actually be the perfect length for San Antonio—long enough to get healthy and prepare for its opponent, short enough not to lose momentum—while eight days off might not be ideal for New York.
Question for you: Has there been any word on De’Aaron Fox’s high-ankle sprain? He seemed really limited in the Thunder series, but I’d imagine he’s getting better all the time (forgive the obligatory Beatles reference). How do you feel when Castle plays lead guard? I recall he had an 11-assist, 11-turnover double-double in Game One of the WCF.
J.R.
Your request for an Official Sportswriting License from the Guild of Legitimate Sportswriters was approved? Lucky! I guess I shouldn’t wonder; you live in New York state after all. Must be nice to cover the largest media market in the hemisphere. Meanwhile, we small market folk have to make do with the sportswriting licenses we find at the bottoms of a cereal boxes. But that didn’t stop me from getting mine laminated and displaying it proudly in my home office workstation right next to my typewriter, my dogeared copy of the AP Stylebook, and my horn-rimmed glasses with the old prescription that I only use to focus the sun to burn ants after the Spurs lose.
As for the Knicks’ Game 1 comeback win, there is no shame in re-re-watching those recaps, particularly when you have so much time to wait before your team can generate new highlight reels. I’m only a couple days removed from Game 7, and I found myself going down the rabbit hole of one video after another and had to tear myself away when you messaged me to say it was my turn to write. That said, isn’t it interesting that both the Knicks and the Spurs had to endure overtime in the first game of their conference final series? Makes me wonder what other kinds of similarities there are to be uncovered over the next two and a half weeks.
In order to answer your question about any news concerning the condition of Fox’s ankle, I need to introduce you to the Spurs media landscape. This isn’t like the Big Apple where the media is strong enough to get a coach fired if they don’t get complete enough answers to their questions. In San Antonio, the tenure of the head coach doesn’t rely on anything except the good will of the owner, and that good will has essentially been granted to Gregg Popovich for life. (In case you don’t know, Popovich is still the president of basketball operations which means that he is the one in charge of hiring the general manager. In other words, Pop named his successor.) In this environment, we find out about the news concerning injuries at the same time that everyone else does: an hour and 15 minutes before tip off. So, no, there’s no additional word outside of our own speculation surrounding what kind of advanced treatment he’s receiving. (No need to apologize for Beatles references. I love the Fab Four.)
My feelings about Castle are not particularly complicated. Rookies aren’t known for being able to avoid turnovers, and Stephon is no exception. His exceptional qualities are so many and varied that I happily classify the turnovers as the price for entry. I remember hearing Steve Kerr, at the beginning of the Golden State dynasty, discuss the Warriors’ turnovers in terms that I’d never heard a coach use before. He said something to the effect that the team was at its best when the ball moved, and he would prefer that his players made mistakes while passing for advantage, as opposed to mistakes of passing omission. It sounded revolutionary at the time because Pop always considered turnovers an existential threat. Castle turns it over less frequently when Fox is out there to calm things down. The problem at the beginning of the Thunder series was Fox‘s absence which hopefully won’t happen again.
For my next queries, I have to go back to the All-Star game for the set up. Wemby and KAT played together and Victor got quite upset about more than one of Towns’ … defensive choices. Much seemed to be made about Wemby’s body language with people interpreting it as him blaming KAT for the loss. This also seemed to play into a reputation for a certain lack of focus on defense in high leverage moments.
So my questions are: is this reputation earned, what forms do his miscues take, and are you concerned about how he’ll handle the kind of complex and fluid defensive schemes that success in the Finals requires?
R.R.
Ah, yes, I heard tales of sportswriters sharing malteds with Gregg Popovich on a bench outside the Alamodome while watching tumbleweeds roll by. Meanwhile, in the metropolis, writers interviewed players in the Champagne Room at Scores (allegedly). Alas, everyone’s too brand-conscious for such extracurricular hijinks these days, or at least they don’t invite me along for the fun.
True confession: I loved Pop as a coach. He was a gruff, fundamentals-focused skipper like Thibs, who deserves credit for laying the foundation that made this Finals appearance possible. Pop always seemed both perfectly suited to San Antonio and an odd fit. He got far more rope than he would have in New York thanks to the small market and his winning record, yet he was also outspoken, unconcerned about offending the season-ticket-holder base. We saw one aspect of the man in front of the camera. The fact that former players like Tim Duncan are helping him recover from his stroke speaks volumes about his character (and theirs).
On the subject of injuries, the Knicks are notoriously tight-lipped as well. We may never know how Mitchell Robinson broke his finger. If Leon Rose & Co. hadn’t done such a tremendous job building the roster, they’d be pilloried for their silence. I believe Leon has sat for one interview in six years as president of basketball operations. Try getting away with that in any other city, or any other profession.
In my Game Two preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, I wrote something like, “Lord Silver must be smiling.” Early on, both conference finals looked destined to be epic when each began with an overtime thriller. Then the Cavs folded like laundry. While we were ecstatic that New York steamrolled the next three games, there wasn’t much drama to it.
The Finals should be a helluva show. I wouldn’t be surprised if both teams rip off a 15-point run every game, but a blowout either way feels unlikely–if the teams take turns, winning one, losing one, etc. My family and I live about three hours from the city, though my son in Brooklyn insists we’d be safer farther away during the Finals—maybe bunkered in an Airbnb in Buffalo. If the Knicks win, the fans might steal the Statue of Liberty. If they lose, City Hall could burn to the ground.
Regarding Castle’s turnovers: I’m too lazy to look it up, but Mike Brown recently explained why some turnovers are better than others. His logic shared the spirit of your Steve Kerr reference. Still, 11 giveaways is an Ooof. I hope Stephon will be as generous to the Knicks. You’re right, though; with Fox back, Castle will have fewer opportunities to cough up the rock.
Here’s the thing about Towns. Knicks fans have pulled out copious amounts of hair over two types of fouls: Karl’s occasional brain-fart foul and, worse, his hook-on-the-drive foul. His teammates didn’t care for them, either. You could see the blood drain from their faces when he hooked his way into another offensive infraction and then argued that he was the victim.
During this 11-game winning streak, however, Karl has played with discipline. We pray it continues. If he gets into foul trouble early against the Spurs, New York will be in trouble. Why? Mitch hasn’t exactly wowed us this postseason and has claimed to be dealing with mental health issues. Add a broken finger and he’s a real wildcard. Ariel Hukporti is the team’s third-string center. If you haven’t heard of him, there’s a reason for that.
Cleveland’s size neutralized Point-KAT early on in the conference finals. New York still won the battle in the paint, however, and pushed the pace to great effect. This series will be different, of course. We expect that Mitch Johnson will strategize to limit KAT, points in the paint will be hard won, and the Spurs will have springier legs than the Cavs, but we’re also sure that Mike Brown knows all this and will plan accordingly. The Knicks have so many offensive weapons, a stifled KAT just means that one of the other guys gets to eat.
I’m curious what similarities, and differences, you’ve seen between Johnson and Pop. And finally, what’s your pick for the series? Who wins, and in how many games?
J.R.
The best description I have of Mitch Johnson is that he’s an updated version of Pop. There are so many similarities between them that it’s easier to describe the differences. Pop was famously against ever giving another team points. He lost a number of games over the years because he wouldn’t foul when up three, which allows the opponent to tie with a three and win in overtime. Johnson has ended my agony by handling end game strategy more to my liking. Also, San Antonio’s defense is far more modern than it was toward the end of Pop’s tenure.
Before I make a prediction, I have to address the Jose Alvarado situation: SA’s coaches better have the guys trained up on his gambits so he can’t create extra possessions with his wonderful sneakiness. Also, there’s the fact that we haven’t yet discussed the player who’s guaranteed the championship ring this year, Jeremy Sochan. Just putting this here for the moment, so we remember to chop it up before the series is over.
Now to the series: I like the Spurs in 6, but I could see them winning in 7 or 5 depending how things break. First, they have the rust/rest early advantage. Second, I don’t think the Knicks have had to face the same quality of opponents that the Spurs have had to overcome and the adjustment to the level of play might be worth something in a series. Third, if San Antonio can keep Wemby off KAT and near the basket, then his ability to lock down the paint throws a major wrench into New York’s offense.
So there you have it; I hate making predictions and you got one out of me. Anyway, here’s to an entertaining series opener, and I’ll see you on the other side!
R.R.
May the best team win, and may The Extender remember that he has a grand riding on the Knicks!
Knicks guard Josh Hart's wife, Shannon wasn't sure what was happening during a ride share while in San Antonio for the 2026 NBA Finals.
Knicks guard Josh Hart’s wife, Shannon, wasn’t sure what was happening during a ride share while in San Antonio for the 2026 NBA Finals.
Taking to her Instagram Story Tuesday night, Shannon shared a video of a driver singing karaoke and said he wouldn’t operate the vehicle until he was done with the song.
“San Antonio is really about to piss me off because wtf is going on here ???” Shannon wrote. “And he won’t drive until he finishes the song.”
Shannon Hart shared a video of her driver singing while in San Antonio. Instagram/Shannon Hart
Shannon did not elaborate further on the bizarre situation.
Earlier that day, she showed some behind the scenes of her arrival in San Antonio, as the Spurs host the Knicks for Game 1 of the finals Wednesday night.
She shared a snapshot of a plane and another image riding in a bus with a police escort.
Shannon Hart arriving in San Antonio in an Instagram Story posted on June 2, 2026. Instagram/Shannon Hart
The Harts, who were high school sweethearts, tied the knot in August 2021. They share 3-year-old twin sons Hendrix Aaron and Haze Dana
They have won 11 straight games — completing series sweeps of the Sixers and Cavaliers, respectively — en route to the Finals for the first time since 1999, when they lost in five games to the Spurs.
Knicks guard Josh Hart’s wife, Shannon at Madison Square Garden during the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Instagram/Shannon HartJosh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 3 of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals on May 23, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NBAE via Getty Images
New York had eight days off, while San Antonio had three before the start of the NBA Finals.
The Spurs beat the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals on Saturday.
“I deserve some credit, so I’m going to take it,” Smith said. “You know, when I called the Knicks out, I almost had a stroke on national television. They didn’t lose since. They’ve been 11-0.”
Stephen A. Smith looking at the camera on “First Take” during Knicks rant after Game 3 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. ESPN YouTube
“Let me tell y’all something right now. Change is coming to New York City. There’s going to be another head coach in New York City if they lose this series.” Smith said on “First Take” at the time. “Several players are going to be gone from New York City if y’all lose this game.”
Mikal Bridges did not score in the Game 3 loss, Josh Hart had only two points and the bench provided just 30 points.
The Knicks shot 40-of-93 (43%) from the field and 10-of-35 (29%) from behind the arc in the game.
Stephen A. Smith speaks at SiriusXM on Radio Row at Super Bowl LX. Getty Images for SiriusXM
“Bunch of sorry asses right now. I’m so sick of what I’m seeing right now. I’m losing my damn mind,” Smith said while continuing his rant for nearly five more minutes.
Since then, though, the Knicks have won 11 straight, including the sixth-largest playoff victory in NBA history in a 41-point Game 6 win over the Hawks.
Bridges has improved since Game 3 as well, averaging 14.6 points per game, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the playoffs.
Smith said Wednesday that the Knicks aren’t winning the Finals without him.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson speaks with the media prior to the start of the NBA Finals basketball series against the San Antonio Spurs, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in San Antonio. AP Photo/Eric Gay
Despite more optimism from recent performances, Smith added a warning to the Knicks on Wednesday that the job is far from over.
“There’s a level of urgency that’s not just because it’s the NBA finals. The Spurs can kick your ass,” Smith said Wednesday. “You got to show up.”
Stephen A. Smith says he deserves credit for the Knicks’ NBA Finals run
“I deserve some credit, so I’m gonna take it. You know, when I called the Knicks out…They haven’t lost since.”
SAN ANTONIO, TX -JUNE 2: Jalen Brunsons #11 of the New York Knicks speaks with the media during 2026 NBA Finals - Media Day at Frost Bank Center on June 2, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We live in an era of sports fandom where championships are among the most important pieces of the puzzle that is a player’s legacy. Regardless of the sport, players have been torn down or elevated above others, sometimes unreasonably or unfairly, because of a championship. In individual sports such as tennis, track and field, gymnastics, or swimming, there’s an argument to be made that it should be that way. Even in team sports, championships do matter. But depending on the individual, the weight of a championship can differ greatly.
If winning is the only thing that matters, then ranking all-time greats becomes as simple as looking up the list of athletes with the most championships in their respective sports. Bill Russell would be the best NBA player of all time, while Yogi Berra would hold that honor in MLB. Tom Brady, given his record of seven Super Bowl victories, is the only case where that argument actually holds. Russell is an all-time great, as is the beloved former Yankee Berra, but neither has a legitimate argument for being the greatest player in his sport. Greatest career? Sure. But you get the point. Championships in team sports are a very important factor when evaluating an athlete’s legacy and should be weighed heavily. Given two players with similar stats and accomplishments, the athlete with more championships should get the nod. As always, context matters, though.
Is Aaron Judge’s legacy worse than Johnny Damon’s or Jim Edmonds’s because the latter two have a combined three championships? No. Do Chris Paul, James Harden, or Charles Barkley have worse legacies than Ray Allen because he won two championships? Obviously not. Yet the ring conversation will remain prevalent for as long as we’re around.
For a lot of Knicks players, a championship would do a lot for their legacies. They’d finally capture that elusive feeling of nirvana while bringing home the Larry O’Brien Trophy to a championship-starved fan base for the first time in 53 years, and it would very likely lead to more endorsements and a nice bump in the aforementioned conversation about legacy. For stars, though, a ring can boost the way a career is viewed much more than it would for role players or even just really good players. Karl-Anthony Towns, for example, would likely get a lot more of the respect he deserves if he were to win a ring after the incredible playoff run he’s had. The same can be said for OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, albeit to a slightly lesser degree. For one Knicks player, though, it would mean significantly more.
Were Jalen Brunson to win a championship, not only would his legacy receive a boost, but he would also enter some very intriguing conversations. He may not have the total counting stats that some other all-time greats accumulated because he became a franchise player relatively late in his career. But given the myriad accolades and historic statistics he has amassed during his short but highly successful stint as a Knick, he could easily make a case as the greatest Knick of all time. He’d still be one championship shy of legends Willis Reed and Walt “Clyde” Frazier, but it would be very difficult to keep him off the top of that list when considering both the historic numbers and the sentimental aspect of being the savior of the franchise.
Being 6’2″ and defeating the 7’5″ Victor Wembanyama would also instantly silence many of the nonsensical critics who have harped on players of his height being unable to lead a team to the promised land. Lastly, being the best player and captain on a championship team in New York, along with a few more years of producing at the level he has reached, could even propel him toward a Hall of Fame case—something that neither he nor the fans probably considered just a couple of years ago.
Now, if he does not win, many of those things could end up not happening. His place among the Knicks legends may be secured, but questions about his height would remain, the Hall of Fame would become a long shot again, and conversations about whether it was worth it for the Knicks to sign his friends would persist. Some of that is unfair. What if he plays out of his mind but still can’t pull it off? The Spurs are currently favored on FanDuel, with favorable odds at -188. Does losing as an underdog make him any lesser as a player, or make his legacy any less impressive? Maybe, maybe not. Will fans and pundits care when it’s time to settle his place among his peers? Unlikely.
In a team sport where so much can happen, it’s unfortunate that so much of a legacy can be tied to the outcome of what is now a best-of-seven series. But that’s just how it is. With so much to lose, but also so much to gain, Brunson, given his age and all the conversations surrounding him, has the most pressure to win it all. Can he pull it off? Knicks fans believe he can.
The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks begin their highly anticipated 2026 NBA Finals matchup with Game 1 on Wednesday at Frost Bank Center, and Warriors star Draymond Green has made his pick.
The four-time NBA champion predicted who will take home the Larry O’Brien Trophy on the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” and his answer might surprise some — though his reasoning is pretty sound.
“I’m also going to go with the New York Knicks to win this series,” Green declared. “This is a series that can go either way. I think this series can go either way. I think, ultimately, the New York Knicks are more primed and ready right now than the Spurs. Spurs still ain’t been through nothing.”
The Spurs, of course, are just over a decade removed from their most recent NBA title, while the Knicks have experienced plenty of heartbreak over their 53-year championship drought. It’s this hardened mindset that Green believes finally will push Jalen Brunson and Co. over the hill.
But even if that’s the case, he knows the experience gained by an already-lethal Spurs team will keep the young squad in contention for years to come.
“Now granted … these series, they age you fast, right?” Green continued. “So [the Spurs] aren’t your typical young team anymore because these series, you go through s–t in these series, and they age you fast. However, the Knicks, they got to be feeling it. They got to feel good about it and they got to go steal Game 1. And like I said, I also think they win this series.”
We’ll see if Green’s prediction proves true in this best-of-seven series.
For a couple of New York Knicks, Game 1 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio isn’t just a work trip – it’s a homecoming.
Jordan Clarkson and Kevin McCullar Jr. both attended Wagner High School in San Antonio, just a ten-minute drive from where they’ll be tipping off against their hometown team tonight.
It comes with a lot of memories – and Clarkson, who attended Wagner from 2006-2010 and grew up during a dominant, four-title era for the Spurs, remembers it well.
“The energy is always amazing,” Clarkson told reporters about growing up during that era during a media availability on Tuesday. “My stepmom worked at the Westin so I would see the parades through the hotel balconies and stuff. I would sneak around there and…take pictures and run up on players for autographs. I was definitely that kid.”
That hasn’t slowed him down, however, when playing against his hometown team: he’s averaged 20 points per game when playing the Spurs across his career.
He’s been a strong presence off the bench for New York this season, averaging 8.6 points per game during this regular season and 15.3 points per game across his 12-year NBA career. Back at Wagner, he led the Thunderbirds to back-to-back state semifinal appearances and was named the San Antonio high school player of the year his senior season.
McCullar Jr. made his own mark on the Wagner Thunderbirds years after Clarkson left, leading them to the 6A state title game as a sophomore in 2017. He’s been earning some more playing time for the Knicks this season, moving up the depth chart after a strong stint while Josh Hart was out with an injury. He’s averaged 2.2 points for the Knicks since being drafted in 2024.
Clarkson, McCullar Jr. and the Knicks will open the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio tonight, tipping off at 8:30 eastern.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 30: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder to win Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 30, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With 6:32 remaining in the 4th quarter of last Saturday’s Game Seven matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, San Antonio backup center Luke Kornet chased down the Thunder’s Isiah Hartenstein and blocked what looked to be an easy dunk which would have cut the Spurs’ lead to 4 at 97-93. It was reminiscent of LeBron James’ block against Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.
Kornet’s block potentially saved the game for the Spurs and will go down as one of the NBA Playoffs’ more iconic defensive plays, particularly if the Spurs go on to win their sixth championship against the New York Knicks.
But there was another defensive play only a few minutes later that I can’t quite wrap my head around. I’m not sure anyone can.
With 4:53 left and the Spurs up 102-93, Spurs rookie Dylan Harper drove into the lane, lost his footing, and lost the ball. OKC’s Cason Wallace and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dove on top of Harper, as did the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama. OKC’s Jared McCain saw the scrum, correctly anticipated the pending OKC possession, and ran toward the opposite corner. Gilgeous-Alexander secured the ball while Wembanyama was on one knee just outside the restricted area of the Spurs’ basket. And here’s where it gets crazy.
Wembanyama got to his feet and sprinted alongside Gilgeous-Alexander towards half court. For the handful of you that have never watched Wembanyama play, he runs with his fists high and close to his chest and bobs his head back and forth. It’s reminiscent of a little kid trying to show his parents how fast he can run with new shoes on. It’s 100% effort with complete disregard for picking up women or getting a cool Ray-Ban endorsement. And it’s part of what makes him so unique.
Wembanyama is officially listed as 7’4”, which is only true in a world where Kevin Durant is actually 6’9”. With shoes on, which is typically required to participate in an NBA game, Wembanyama is probably closer to 7’7”, so running stride for stride with the two-time league MVP is a feat in and of itself. But now let’s get even crazier.
Both players reached half court at the same time, where Gilgeous Alexander spotted McCain wide open on the left wing at the three-point line and fired a pass to him. McCain took a big sidestep to position himself almost along the baseline in the corner and launched his shot. And this is where things get stupid crazy.
Wembanyama covered 28 feet in just over a second and a half, taking only five steps from half court after Gilgeous-Alexander passed the ball to McCain. Just inside the free throw line extended, he launched off his left foot and fully extended his right arm. He jumped almost 14 feet through the air and came within an untrimmed fingernail of blocking McCain’s shot. The shot rimmed out, Julian Champagnie secured the rebound and Wembanyama walked back toward halfcourt with his left arm and clinched fist high in the air, triumphantly. The Spurs went on to win the game and the series.
During these playoffs, Wembanyama has wowed NBA fans with jaw-dropping play after jaw-dropping play. Logo threes, backward dunks, insane blocks, he’s done it all. But it’s plays that will never be memorialized in a stat book that has to be scariest for the rest of the league. His block attempt went largely unnoticed, particularly considering the things he’s done that have made a bigger splash this spring. Reggie Miller applauded Wembanyama’s “nice job to get that Kornet contest,” but there wasn’t much after that. And that’s why this is all so crazy, so early, so far ahead of someone else’s schedule.
Victor Wembanyama is an alien, not of this world. He’s a monster in the woods. He’s Tiger at Augusta in ‘97. He’s Tyson in Brooklyn in ’86. He’s Kurt Cobain in Seattle in ‘91. He’s all those things wrapped and stretched like the rubber band man into one inconceivable presence of wise beyond his years philosophical thought and never before seen athletic brilliance.
In 2018, Kurt Cobain’s mom, Wendy O’Conner talked about the first time Kurt played Smells Like Teen Spirit for her.
“I sat on the edge of it, and I could remember that like it happened just a few minutes ago. The hair on my arms stood up, and I got this heaviness in my chest. I said, ‘Oh my god Kurt, how are you going to handle this?’ He said, ‘What?’ I said, ‘This is going to change everything.”
Wembanyama is doing the same thing — he’s changing everything we knew about the game of basketball. Everything is different now since Wembanyama got here. And we’re all so lucky that we get to watch.
Mixing metaphors when writing a story is often frowned upon, it’s too confusing. But how else can you even begin to try and describe what we’re witnessing right now? There are the viral dunks and blocks and elbows but there are also the plays that are never recorded as a stat happening several times in a game, plays that when you rewind and watch again, you can’t believe what you are seeing.
Wembanyama is the alien that has arrived. He’s the monster in the woods preparing to destroy your city. He exudes “Hello, world and Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”, with every tear he sheds when a goal is met; every time a long-held grudge is avenged.
And now the Finals are about to start for Wembanyama and the Spurs. Here we are now. Entertain us.
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 1: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks goes up for the rebound during the game on March 1, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
For the eighth straight season, a new NBA champion will be crowned this June. The New York Knicks have won eleven straight games after falling to 2-1 against the Hawks in Round 1 while the San Antonio Spurs have won two hard fought series vs. the Timberwolves and the defending champs.
Who raises the Larry O’Brien and looking ahead, what do the Celtics have to do to take down the champs next June?
Rich Jensen: I have the Spurs in six messy games.
The C’s best path to beat the Spurs is continued growth and perhaps the addition of one or two veteran players. I don’t think it’s sensible, as fans, to put the Spurs up on a pedestal. The C’s are nothing to sneeze at, and will hit the next season with the league’s best one-two punch.
Grant Burfeind: Spurs in 7, partly because Adam Silver didn’t script Wemby in the Finals just to leave all that Game 6 MSG ticket money on the table. Have you SEEN what those seats cost? The league may send this series to seven out of fiscal responsibility alone.
Now, for the actual basketball reason: San Antonio has the best player in the series, and he happens to be the hardest player in the league to solve. The Knicks are deeper, older, more physical and built to make this series feel like a nightly dental procedure. Brunson has the ability to steal games, no doubt. KAT pulling Wembanyama away from the rim could swing stretches. OG and Hart will make every possession for the Spurs feel like trying to move a couch through a narrow hallway. But Wemby changes the math on both ends. Scratch that, Wemby is a new form of math altogether. He can erase the paint, rush shooters who think they’re open and still be the offensive hub San Antonio needs late. Add in Fox’s burst, Harper’s poise and Castle’s defense, and I think the Spurs survive just enough rock fights to win the series.
For the Celtics, beating either team next year starts with accepting what this Finals is showing them: the margins around stars have to be sturdier. Since the West is so loaded that it’s hard to predict who comes out next year, New York is probably the cleaner measuring stick. To beat the Knicks, Boston needs size, rebounding and enough functional strength to survive without bleeding extra possessions. If San Antonio is the matchup, they need multiple frontcourt bodies to bother Wemby, enough shooting to punish his help instincts and more consistent rim pressure so the offense doesn’t turn into five guys politely waiting behind the arc. The Celtics don’t need to adopt an entirely new identity, but they do need to get healthier, bigger and a little less dependent on shot variance if they want to be the last team standing in June.
Ian Inangelo: I think the Spurs are winning the Finals in 6 games over the Knicks.
I think the key to the Celtics beating them next year is doing something similar to what they did this season. Let Victor Wembanyama beat you from three-point range and slow down everyone else. Boston would need a big who can play defense on the perimeter and I think a Robert Williams reunion would be the key. He played pretty solid defense on Wemby during Portland’s first round series this year and I think he could be a solid option for this team.
Bill Sy: Spurs in 5 because TL;DR, but ultimately, I trust Castle and Wemby controlling Brunson and KAT. And if the path to Banner 19 goes through New York and San Antonio next season, the biggest question mark right now is obviously at center, but I’m not totally convinced that’s an area of need for Stevens to address this offseason. Conventional wisdom says that you have to upgrade Neemias Queta after he got wrecked by a hobbled Joel Embiid. However, I just don’t see a major swing the front office can make at the 5. Instead, they’ll put a premium at point guard — preferably someone that can also stay in front of Fox and Brunson — and again lean in on their depth, particularly on the perimeter with their wings.
Nirav Barman: I have the Spurs winning in 6 games. I think they’re deep and talented enough to really push this Knicks team despite not having as much experience. As long as they’re not too tired, they should be able to handle things.
San Antonio’s defense is excellent, even beyond the 7’4″ freak of nature on their roster. The Spurs were able to minimize the reigning 2x MVP, and contain the rest of the reigning champs’s offense too. If they can limit their turnovers, they have a good chance of snuffing out the Knicks as well. KAT’s ability to stretch the floor may be a more effective way to get Wemby out of the paint than Chet and Jaylin Williams, but it’s likely that Mitch Johnson will plan for that, and have a switch heavy defense that keeps Wemby close to the paint.
The Knicks might have more reliable offensive threats, but they also have less of them, and have had a looong break between games. Maybe that means they’ll just be more rested, but I would imagine a 7+ day period without a game could take a team out of rhythm. I think Brunson has proven his ability to show up in big games, as has OG Anunoby who should hopefully be fully healthy now. If the rest of the roster keeps up their level of play that helped them take care of the Sixers and Cavs in quick fashion, then I think this will be a very interesting series, but I don’t see New York’s defense being effective enough to win the overall matchup.
If the Celtics end up having to go through the Knicks next year, they’re going to have to become much better at containing Brunson at the point of attack, and defending pick-and-rolls when Brunson is forced to defer. Additionally, they’ll need to find a way to consistently open up the paint for themselves to get better looks at the rim, likely by upgrading their big men.
If the Celtics are going up against the Spurs, they’ll need some prayers on their side. Having a large, switchable team would go a long way, so the Jays are a great start. Hugo and Jordan becoming offensive threats would become critical, as would having a mobile two-way big (which doesn’t come around all that often.) On top of that, they’ll need their role players to capitalize on any and all open looks. The Jays need consistent, reliable support when the defense is focusing on them. I think you have to say that the Spurs are the better team, and considering how much younger and cheaper their roster is, that’s a scary thought. I do think that the Celtics can keep every game competitive, though – I just don’t see them winning a 7-game series without some significant improvements.
Jake Issenberg: It pains me to say it: Knicks in 7. The way to beat the Spurs is by bombing away from outside the paint. The Knicks have been scorching hot from three all playoffs and employ big, quick trigger shooters across the roster. Something that Chet Holmgren, and the rest of the OKC Thunder shooters are not. Towns is a skeleton key on offense in this specific matchup. KAT’s ability to either pull Wemby out of the paint or punish the Spurs on the offensive glass if Wemby is roaming off Josh Hart is going to be what tips the series in favour of the Knicks. The Thunder are not an elite rebounding team and were able to punish the spurs on the offensive glass at times. Between KAT, Mitchell Robinson, and Josh Hart, the Knicks have the personnel to mash the Spurs on that specific margin. On the other end, I think OG Anunoby is one of the only perimeter players in the league capable of giving Wemby trouble. I’m picking the Knicks in 7, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Spurs win the NBA Championship, however, I think the matchup favours the Knicks.
How do the Celtics reach the mountain top if it’s the Knicks and Spurs who stand in their way? Priority number one is upgrading the front court. Whether that’s Giannis, Robert Williams, or Jock Landale, the group needs to get more talented and more versatile. Next, Joe Mazzulla, the reigning coach of the year, needs to level up as a playoff coach, starting with updating the team’s offensive approach. The team has become too rigid. Dominating the margins is important and clearly drives winning, but there’s something missing when the Celtics get out of the 82 game season and into the paradigm of a 7 game series.
Jeff Clark: I’ll go with Spurs in 6. These things typically boil down to who has the most transcendent player with the perfect pieces around him. The Knicks have Brunson and KAT and some great defensive wings, but that strikes me as a very-good team, not a great one. The Spurs, on the other hand, have Wemby and a young, but very talented supporting cast around him. One might assume that it is a year early for them, but I don’t get the sense that the lights will shine too bright for them. After all, the biggest test was the Thunder and they were able to defeat them. I think the Spurs win their first title of the Wemby era, and frankly I’m a little concerned about what that means for every other team going forward, including the Celtics.
Robby Fletcher: I have the Spurs in 6, specifically coming back from 2-1 to win the series.
The Knicks are getting a third straight opponent coming off a 7-game series which is an obvious advantage, but the Spurs have the end-all No. 1 player in this matchup, and plenty of defenders on the perimeter to make life difficult for Brunson and company.
How does Boston win that matchup? With improved paint defense and better perimeter shotmaking, although if we’re being honest, is there really an answer to stopping Wemby? Probably not, but if you’re killing them from deep, that at least opens the door for dragging Wemby a little farther away from the paint.
Bobby Manning: I’m going Spurs in 7 despite going back-and-forth in my head. If Victor Wembanyama is playing like himself, the Knicks, and maybe nobody at this point, have an answer for his defensive impact. Never mind what he’s producing the other way. Between that, Mitchell Robinson’s injury and defensive questions for NY, I give San Antonio a slight, but not definitive edge. The Spurs also have to handle Brunson and Towns’ offensive attack, OG Anunoby’s defensive versatility and the Knicks’ more consistent bench. What I know for sure is that this could be the series for the ages, and despite how agonizing of a decision it’ll become, one of many reasons why I believe the Celtics need Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Ryan Paice: I think the Spurs win in 6 or 7, and while I expect a hard fought series, I think Wemby’s defense is generational and the Spurs have the perimeter depth to slow Brunson down. While KAT is a tough matchup for Wemby, I don’t think it’ll be enough for the Knicks to win. New York has yet to face a real challenger this postseason, and I think running into the roadblock that is the Spurs will trip them up pretty badly. Meanwhile, the Spurs are battle-tested and young enough to recover from a seven game series against the reigning champs.
For the Celtics to beat the Spurs next year, I think we’ll need an upgrade at the center position that can stretch Wemby out to the perimeter and bang for buckets down low. Obviously, that’s a tall order. Unicorns don’t grow on trees. But having a center like Queta will only allow Wemby to play off of him and patrol the paint, which is exactly the opposite of how to beat San Antonio. Without a center upgrade, I don’t see the C’s beating the Spurs at all. But that alone might not be enough. Boston also needs to add a couple steady hands, like Al Horford and Jrue Holiday were for the team in 2024. Their impact in the championship run was huge and the Jays need steady hands around them to keep the gears turning when they start to grind. So, for the Celtics to beat the Spurs next year, we’ll need a near-impossible center upgrade and to add a couple vets who complement the Jays stylistically and mentally. Realistically, it could be another year or two of roster building before something like that happens. But if anyone can make it happen, it’d be Brad Stevens, so I remain hopeful.
