The Uptown Knicks Polo may be sold out, but several standout pieces from the collaboration remain available.
Avery Wilson handled national anthem duties this week wearing the sold-out Malbon x New York Knicks Uptown Knicks Polo, and it immediately reminded me how good this collection really is.
The polo may be long gone, but there are still a few standout pieces available if you're a Knicks fan or just appreciate what Malbon has been doing with its team collaborations lately. The collection does a nice job of balancing New York sports culture with golf.
President Donald Trump is a "genuine" New York Knicks fan, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver said his presence at Game 3 of the NBA Finals is worth the hassle for fans.
Trump is a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan at Monday night's game between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. This is the first Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999.
"He’s welcome to be here," Silver said. "What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is it’s something that we have in common. We should look for those things that we have in common and build off that," Silver told the NBA Tip-Off crew before the game.
Trump has gone to many sporting events during both his terms as president, including the Super Bowl and the U.S. Open tennis tournament. That he would come to Madison Square Garden is not a surprise, given his long affinity with the Knicks.
Silver said Trump was once a "fixture" at Knicks games and had courtside seats. He'd even come to the NBA drafts.
"So he’s a genuine Knicks fan," Silver said.
But Trump's presence meant security was heightened, with fans told to arrive at Madison Square Garden at least two hours before tipoff. The security perimeter around the arena also was extended, prohibiting vehicular and foot traffic in anticipation of Trump's arrival.
"Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans here but looking around at the arena, it’s packed," Silver said. "So people listened, they came early, they got through whatever extra security which is necessary.
"As I said, I think we should be using sports to create more of a sense of community with people, not less."
Spike Lee is maybe hoping to give the Knicks an extra blessing on Monday night.
The “Do the Right Thing” director sported a custom Pope Leo XIV Knicks jersey for Game 3 of the NBA Finals after receiving it at the Vatican last year.
Pope Leo is a Villanova alum, like Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart.
Lee, on his Instagram account earlier on Monday, revealed he’d wear the autographed blue jersey he got signed during a visit with the pontiff in November. He’s worn the jersey at least one other time this postseason, donning it for Game 2 in the first round against the Hawks.
The Knicks superfan is a fixture along celebrity row throughout the season, and his presence has been felt at Madison Square Garden — and on the road — throughout the run to the NBA Finals, including making a trip to San Antonio for New York’s thrilling come-from-behind win in Game 1.
Pope Leo XIV BACKGRID
Lee also sat down with the “Inside the NBA” pregame show on ESPN, which showed his looks throughout the years during prior Knicks seasons.
When Lee was asked about other celebrities who have been on this Knicks ride, he mentioned his own bona fides as a longtime fan and not a bandwagoner.
“I got my season tickets the morning after Dave DeBusschere pulled out the — I don’t know if it was hold or cold envelope, I don’t know,” Lee said of the famous 1985 draft lottery in which the Knicks got the top pick, using it to choose Patrick Ewing. “And I jumped on the subway, and I slept on line.
“So I’ve had season tickets since Patrick Ewing’s rookie year. But I didn’t start courtside.”
Spike Lee with his Pope Leo jersey during Game 2 of the first round against the Hawks. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Lee added that he could have sold his seats for Game 3 for “half a million” dollars.
Lee, after the Knicks swept away the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals, said he didn’t care who New York played in the NBA Finals. He believes this is a Knicks team of destiny.
“I don’t care about San Antonio. OKC. We’re going to win. May 8, 1970 [the first Knicks championship]. I was at the Willis Reed game. Thirteen years old,” Lee said at the end of May. “So going to keep it going. This is a team of destiny, heart, drive. … It reminds me of Willis, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Dick Barnett, Cazzie Russell. I’m going back. I’m old, though.”
Donald Trump salutes during the national anthem at the NBA finals.Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Donald Trump was loudly booed when he was shown on the video screens at Madison Square Garden on Monday night before Game 3 of the NBA finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks.
Trump was shown on the jumbotron while the Star-Spangled Banner was being sung before the game, and jeers and boos broke out around the arena. The president was shown for a little over eight seconds and held a salute the whole time with a smile on his face. A few seconds later, the video board showed Knicks players in line and the boos turned to cheers.
The US president, a longtime Knicks fan, attended as the guest of team owner James Dolan as New York hosted their first NBA finals game since 1999. Trump entered the arena amid a heavy security presence. He watched the game from the owner’s box above center court, while Secret Service personnel commandeered the neighboring suites on either side. Also in the box were Dolan, interior secretary Doug Burgum,
transportation secretary Sean Duffy and Trump’s granddaughter Kai.
Trump’s appearance added another layer of spectacle to a city already in the thrall of basketball fever. The Knicks entered the night carrying a 2-0 series lead over the Spurs and seeking to move within one victory of their first championship since 1973.
Hours before tipoff, fans encountered heightened security around Madison Square Garden. A 10-foot perimeter fence surrounded the arena, ticket holders were advised to arrive at least two hours early and the team implemented a strict no-bag policy.
By midday, dozens of fans were already queueing to pass through metal detectors manned by Secret Service agents to access the team store.
“He could have picked any other day. This night is for the fans,” said Joanne Cadden, 53, a Knicks supporter from the Bronx who has followed the team since the early 1990s. “You’re making people go away from the Garden. This wasn’t the time.”
Gesturing toward the fencing and checkpoints surrounding the arena, Cadden added: “This looks like prison.”
Not every fan objected to Trump’s attendance, but many said it had altered the atmosphere around one of the biggest nights in the team’s history.
Rich Becker, a 54-year-old Knicks fan from Queens who came to Midtown despite not having a ticket, said the president’s visit had changed the feel of the day, including the cancellation of the outdoor watch party that had drawn thousands of fans outside the Garden during earlier playoff games.
“It changed everything,” Becker said. “Should he be here? I don’t think he should, but he’s coming. He used to be a Knicks fan. He spent a lot of time at the Garden back in the day. But now it’s a little different. Just stay away.”
Becker said he worried the extensive screening procedures could affect the atmosphere inside the building.
“There is some concern,” he said. “Not everybody’s going to be in their seats by tip-off.”
Beginning at around 4pm, authorities sealed off several blocks around the arena, creating what NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch described as a “frozen zone”. The restrictions encompassed the area between West 30th and West 35th Streets and Sixth and Eighth Avenues, with police checkpoints limiting access to ticket holders, rail passengers, credentialed personnel and others with an authorized reason to enter.
The restrictions also led officials to cancel the outdoor watch party that had drawn thousands of fans outside the Garden during earlier playoff games, though city officials said other viewing events, including ones at Bryant Park and Central Park’s Wollman Rink, would go ahead as planned. The watch party outside MSG was expected to return for Game 4 on Wednesday.
The precautions echoed scenes from Trump’s appearance at last year’s US Open men’s final in Queens, where security bottlenecks produced lengthy queues outside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite a delayed start, thousands of fans were still filing into their seats well into the second set.
The heightened security followed massive celebrations around the Garden after New York’s Game 2 victory in San Antonio on Friday. Thousands of fans packed the surrounding streets, while police said multiple arrests were made after some supporters climbed light poles, blocked traffic and refused orders to disperse following the Knicks’ win.
Trump confirmed last week that he planned to attend the game after receiving an invitation from Dolan. His appearance on Monday night made him the first sitting US president to attend an NBA finals game.
While Trump has become a regular presence at major sporting events during his second term, including the Super Bowl, Daytona 500 and Ryder Cup, his appearance at Madison Square Garden carried particular resonance. Long before entering politics, he was a fixture courtside during the Knicks’ 1990s glory years.
Trump’s appearance also placed two of the city’s most prominent political figures under one roof. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani was also in attendance. He told reporters earlier in the day that he bought a standing-room only ticket from Madison Square Garden for about $1,000.
Other prominent names at Madison Square Garden on Monday included Knicks fans Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Jon Stewart and Tracy Morgan.
For Tom Meade, 76, who attended Knicks playoff games during the franchise’s championship era and brought his son Tommy to Monday’s game, the fences, checkpoints and presidential motorcade were ultimately secondary to the occasion itself.
“This is amazing,” Meade said as fans streamed toward the Garden. “The only thing close to it was the Willis Reed and Walt Frazier years. Those championship teams [in 1970 and 1973].”
The heightened security was “a nuisance”, he added, “but we’re here to enjoy the game and the Knicks.”
Trump officially became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game when he arrived at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on Monday, June 8.
After a few chants of "USA, USA, USA" for the flag, Trump was booed loudly when he was shown on the large video screens during the national anthem. The president was saluting and smiled slightly as the boos grew. Once the feed showed Knicks players, the cheering returned.
Trump was in a suite, protected by thick glass on three sides, though open on top. EPA administrator Lee Zeldin and Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Trump's granddaughter Kai were in the suite with Trump.
Trump's large motorcade rolled up to the Garden at 7:28 p.m., with intense security locking down most of midtown for his arrival. His route to the game took him down the FDR and he was greeted by signs that included, "Nobody wants you here," and "Trump Must Go."
"Before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said of Trump, according to multiple reports. "I’ve been with the league for a long time. I was there at many Knicks games with him in the old days. He attended many of our drafts when they used to take place at Madison Square Garden, and he actually appeared in one of our 'I love this Game' spots when I was running NBA Entertainment years ago."
Silver noted there would be extra security precautions due to Trump's expected attendance at Monday's game. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also planned to attend Game 3, though NBC 4 in New York reported Mamdani purchased his own ticket.
Trump told reporters on Thursday, June 4 that he watched the beginning and end of NBA Finals Game 1 between the Knicks and Spurs and marveled at 7-foot-4 San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama. The Knicks are attempting to win their first NBA championship since 1973.
"Well, I’ve been a Knick fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan," Trump said. "He’s a nice guy, OK? He spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy. He’s got a team that’s amazing."
Trump has frequented major sporting events during his second term as president, with appearances at the Super Bowl, college football national championship game, Ryder Cup, Daytona 500 and numerous UFC events. Last year, he also attended the U.S. Open men's tennis final in New York.
Knicks fans have been waiting a long time for this one.
For the first time in 25 years, New York hosted the NBA Finals on Monday.
While prices were through the roof and things were a bit chaotic getting into Madison Square Garden, that didn’t prevent the orange and blue faithful from bringing the energy right off the bat.
Knicks fans were sure to give their heroes a warm welcome back home as they took the court just two wins away from their first championship since 1973.
Here are some of the scenes from intros and warmups at MSG…
NBA legend Michael Jordan was hit hard by the death of former teammate Stacey King, who died at 59 after a serious fall at his home on Saturday.
“I’m deeply saddened to learn of Stacey’s passing. We shared some special years together as teammates, and he was part of a group that helped define an era of Chicago Bulls basketball,” Jordan said in a statement. “My thoughts are with Stacey’s family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.”
Jordan, 63, and King spent four seasons and change together after King was drafted by the Bulls No. 6 overall in the 1989 NBA Draft.
Stacey King (left) and Michael Jordan during a 1991 Bulls game. NBAE via Getty Images
Jordan had already risen to stardom in the NBA, but had yet to win his first championship.
King, who played mainly as a reserve with the Bulls, helped Jordan three-peat as champion between 1991-’93.
The forward’s best year in Chicago was his rookie season, when he averaged 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
“We are grateful for everything Stacey gave to the Chicago Bulls and to the city he proudly called home,” the Bulls said after King’s death. “His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the memories he helped create, and the enduring place he holds in Bulls history.
Basketball legend and six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan was spotted enjoying a luxury Mediterranean getaway alongside his wife. BACKGRID
After 31 games with the Bulls during the 1993-94 season, King was traded to the Timberwolves.
He spent the next five years bouncing between the Heat, Celtics, and Mavericks.
After retiring from the NBA, King became an Emmy-winning color commentator for NBC Sports Chicago and the Chicago Sports Network.
Chicago Bulls television announcer Stacey King attends the first half of an NBA basketball game. AP Photo/David Zalubowski
He also had his own podcast called “Gimme The Hotsauces,” named after one of his iconic calls.
“Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history,” Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said. “His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades — first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans… We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor and passion that he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day.”
Sunday marked a full-circle moment for Mike Brown.
One day before Game 3 at Madison Square Garden — the first NBA Finals game at The World’s Most Famous Arena since 1999 — Brown was asked about his first experience at the arena as Knicks head coach.
“I was like, holy crap, I can’t believe this is where I’m going to be coaching,” Brown said. “The biggest thing was when I got to the bench where we sit, and I kind of turned and looked at the crowd; I saw my wife and family, like, three rows back, I was like, dang, thanks, Mr. Dolan; that’s pretty nice.
Ben Stiller and Head Coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks smile during 2026 NBA Finals Practice and Media Availability on June 7, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“Just obviously the building, but more importantly when you get in and you look, for me, I see my family right there, then obviously all the stars. It makes it feel different than almost any other building you’ve been in.”
Brown’s relationship with those stars has grown from that moment to Monday, which was expected to be one of the most star-studded and electric atmospheres in New York City history.
For starters, there was a time his wife, Carolyn, was too starstruck to approach Ben Stiller.
“Ben Stiller was over there,” Brown said earlier this postseason. “I don’t think I’ve ever met Ben, but he was over there, and she was like, ‘Ben’s over there.’ I was like, ‘Go get a picture. I’m sure he’ll take a picture with you.’ [She was like], ‘No, I can’t do it.’ ”
Fast-forward to Sunday. Stiller was in attendance at Knicks practice, filming as much content as he could. Brown said Sunday was when he first officially met Stiller.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown during Sunday’s practice at Madison Square Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
As Brown walked off the podium following his press conference, he embraced Stiller and the two sent a message to Carolyn. They looked like two peas in a pod.
“When you see him next time, approach him,” Brown said with his arm around Stiller. “He’s gonna take a picture with you.”
Another celebrity was in attendance at Brown’s press conference: Fat Joe. Brown has become tight with the rapper this year, sharing what he describes as a friendship.
More Coverage on the Knicks during the 2026 NBA Finals
“A great day for me today,” Brown said as the press conference got started, before any questions could be asked. “For the first time, I got a chance to meet Ben Stiller. I actually gave him a handshake and a hug. And I got my man Fat Joe sitting in the back. This is a great day for Mike Brown.”
When Brown was done answering questions from the media, Fat Joe chimed in and yelled at Brown that he hates his shoes. It’s part of a long-running joke between the two about Brown’s preference to wear old-school P.F. Flyers.
“He used to kill me about my shoes,” Brown said. “He used to kill me. He’d try to tell me I need to get some Nikes because they got more cushion and all this stuff.”
But Brown did not listen to Fat Joe’s advice. His P.F. Flyers have become a good luck charm for him, so much so that Fat Joe changed his tune.
“I need you to keep them on, Coach,” he said, adding that if the Knicks win the championship, he wants an autographed pair from Brown.
Brown began his Knicks tenure having to fill Tom Thibodeau’s shoes. Now, though, he has celebrities obsessing over his own.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Where: Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)
When: Monday, June 8 at 8:30 PM EST
How to watch: ABC
Betting Line: NY -1.5 (subject to change), O/U 216.5 (subject to change) via FanDuel
Suns general manager Brian Gregory speaks during his introductory news conference on May 6, 2025, in Phoenix. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Suns fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The NBA Draft is drawing near, and with it comes the question of whether the Phoenix Suns will stay put at No. 47 overall or once again look to move around the board. This is an organization that has shown a willingness to be aggressive on draft night.
Since Brian Gregory arrived two offseasons ago, before eventually assuming the role of general manager last offseason, Phoenix has consistently sought opportunities to maximize its draft capital. Two years ago, the Suns maneuvered around the draft board to acquire Ryan Dunn. They then used assets gained during that process to move up in the second round and select Oso Ighodaro. Last year followed a similar pattern. The Suns traded Kevin Durant and acquired the 10th overall pick, a selection Phoenix originally held. They used it to draft Khaman Maluach, then turned around and utilized additional draft assets from the Durant trade to move up to No. 31 overall, where they selected Rasheer Fleming.It was a masterclass in draft navigation.
That’s what makes this year’s draft so interesting. The Suns may only own the 47th pick at the moment, but recent history suggests they’re never content to simply sit back and let the draft come to them. If Brian Gregory and the front office identify a player they believe in, they’ve shown a willingness to get creative in order to go get him. That’s something worth remembering as draft night approaches.
It’s not a foreign concept to think the Phoenix Suns could be moving around the draft board when the NBA Draft takes place on June 23 and 24. This is no longer the James Jones era, when draft picks often felt more like an annoyance than an opportunity. That said, moving up the board comes with a cost. If the Suns want to climb from No. 47, they’ll likely have to sacrifice future draft capital to do it.
And that raises an important question. Is now the right time? For a team that doesn’t have the luxury of cap flexibility working in its favor, is it wise to add another young player whose salary could create additional financial challenges?
Take the 17th overall pick as an example. If Phoenix were to execute a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder and acquire that selection, the rookie would carry a cap hit of roughly $4.6 million for the 2026-27 season. Realistically, what is the path to meaningful minutes for that player next season?
That’s part of the equation. Every dollar matters for a team trying to bring back Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, and potentially Mark Williams. The Suns are walking a delicate line between adding youth and maintaining continuity. It’s a balancing act.
On one side sits the desire to inject more young talent into the organization. On the other sits the reality of the cap sheet and the importance of keeping together the core pieces that helped establish the team’s identity last season.
What should the organization do? Should they move up the board and invest further in youth? Or should they stand pat at No. 47, select a player who is likely destined for a two-way contract, and continue focusing on continuity while preserving financial flexibility? That’s the question facing Phoenix as draft season approaches. That’s the question we have before you today.
De'Aaron Fox of San Antonio Spurs R competes during the final game 2 between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at the 2025-2026 NBA basketball game in San Antonio, the United States, June 5, 2026. (Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much. The rule against trolling also applies to members of this site that visit other fan sites.
Is it over? Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?1 Hell no! It’s not over. The Spurs are in a bad spot, down 2-0 and going on the road to Madison Square Garden, where there will be a lot of distractions, many of them having nothing to do with basketball. It’s going to be a challenge for both teams as try to play their best basketball and win a game in a legendary arena. The Spurs haven’t played a complete game in the series, but they had a terrific second half in Game 2 until the final seconds when their inexperience betrayed them with an inopportune turnover in the final seconds gave the Knicks a chance to retake the lead late, a lead that they held onto when Wembanyama’s midrange shot rimmed out as time expired.
The Spurs will need more than two good quarters tonight, and Victor Wembanyama will need to get more than 4 shots in the first half to pull out a road win. De’Aaron Fox has been looking healthier as the series goes on, and if he could get some of his lift back on his shots, it’s going to be helpful. The Knicks were a little off in the first game, but got everything going in the second game, and it wasn’t just Brunson, who was mediocre until crunch time, it took great games form Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns to pull out the win. Even Josh Hart, who had a goose egg in the scoring column, made some critical plays with rebounding and assists.
The Spurs will need more from their bench tonight, and Keldon Johnson needs to contribute more than the 3 points he scored in Game 2. It’s going to be do or die tonight. The Spur have had an incredible year so far, but they can keep it going with a win tonight and Wednesday. If the Spurs get this to a 3 game series with home court advantage, I like their chances. GO SPURS GO!!
The Germans did not, in fact, bomb Pearl Harbor. [Forget it, he’s rolling.] But that’s the opening line in Bluto’s [played by John Belushi] famous speech in the movie Animal House, where he convinced the members of Delta Tau Chi [aka Animal House] to engage in a really futile and stupid gesture to counter the actions of Dean Wormer.
Game Prediction:
Jalen Brunson get the final shot and misses it, and doesn’t even draw a foul, which is the first time that’s happened, ever. As far as I can tell.
San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks, NBA Finals, Game 3 June 8, 2026 | 7:30 PM CT Streaming: ESPN TV: ABC Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
Oct 4, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Danny Green (14) dribbles against Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson (55) during the first quarter of game three of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Another day, another player who played in the bubble telling everyone how impressive that title was.
This time, it was Danny Green who sat down and talked about the team’s entire 2019-20 season in a video for Bleacher Report. It was a great video that included lots of anecdotes about the season, but it also included him presenting the case for that ring being the toughest of his career.
“It was by far the hardest championship that I had to achieve. To make that adjustment playing through COVID, having your family and friends not really there, not being able to even celebrate it properly. We went to the same restaurant that we go to every day and celebrated as a team but, after that, no real parade. So, it was just different. In the bubble, a lot of different things were going on where the walls start closing in on you mentally and emotionally. It was a hard-fought win. Also the physical task of every other day playing, which wears on you. By far the hardest because, again, mentally taxing.”
To add further credence to Green’s case, he’s someone who has won multiple rings in multiple places, so this is a statement that holds some weight. He also contended that, even if the bubble — and a global pandemic — didn’t exist, the Lakers would have won the title, calling it an “iconic, legendary team.”
Game 5 game-winning shot
Green didn’t shy away from the elephant in the room, either, when talking about the Finals. Prior to the Lakers coming out victorious in Game 6 against the Heat, Green had a shot to end the series and win a title in Game 5.
The shot missed and Green and the Lakers had to regroup. Green talked about the shot and the moment in the interview. The biggest takeaway was that he didn’t realize how much time was left when he took the shot, admitting he rushed it as a result.
Even after that missed opportunity, he said the vibe around the team was that they would bounce back and win in Game 6. Fortunately, that turned out to be the case.
Anthony Davis’ game-winner vs. Denver
To get to the Finals, the Lakers had to go through the Nuggets. That memorable series included one of the long-lasting highlights of Anthony Davis’ career.
In Game 2 with the Lakers down one, AD knocked down a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Instead of being tied in the series 1-1, the Lakers took a 2-0 lead and used that to go on and win the series.
Green talked about that shot and what it did for both the Lakers and Nuggets.
“With that game-winner, it gave us the momentum and confidence and everything we needed and also kind of put them in a — like that’s a devastating play to experience on the other side. When you lose by a game-winner, it’s really hard to bounce back from it. That was the play that, pretty much, I think, won us the championship. No disrespect to Miami. Miami was a very good team but I think this was the hardest overall team that we faced during that playoff run.”
The whole interview is worth a watch, if for no other reason than to take a trip down memory lane.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 05: De'aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket against Landry Shamet #44 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 05, 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 the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York juggernaut keeps rolling on, as the Knicks won both games in San Antonio to make it 13 straight postseason victories. The series now shifts to Madison Square Garden, where tickets on secondary market are going for $10k and the blood of a firstborn child. The last time a team came back from down 0-2 to win the Finals was 2021, when Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks over the Phoenix Suns. A starter on that Suns team? Mikal Bridges. Could history repeat itself for the Sixer-for-less-than-an-hour?
Honestly, the Knicks just look like the team of destiny right now. The Spurs’ young squad looked a little shook by the big moment and that was when the games were in San Antonio. Now the crowd will be going bonkers in the Garden. Karl-Anthony Towns has been playing great against Victor Wembanyama, who has had a much tougher time against the stronger Towns than Chet Holmgren in the previous series. We haven’t even seen a dynamite Jalen Brunson game yet. He shot just 7-of-25 in Game 2, after 12-of-31 in Game 1 (albeit with an incredible fourth quarter to carry the Knicks across the line). The Spurs have the stable of tall, athletic guards to throw at Brunson defensively, but you still assume he has at least one huge game, even in a less-than-ideal matchup.
What do you think? Do the Knicks take care of business back home or can the Spurs return the favor and steal a game on the road? Let us know in the comments and follow along with all the Game 3 action.
Game Details
When: June 8, 8:30 p.m. ET Where: Madison Square Garden Watch: ABC Radio: ESPN Radio Follow:@LibertyBallers
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Tonight, the Washington Mystics host the Indiana Fever. Watch it on Monumental Sports Network at 7:30 p.m. ET. Then Game 3 of the NBA Finals is at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC (WJLA-TV) in the DMV. Enjoy!
For the first time in 27 years, the NBA Finals have returned to Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks bring a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs back home, and the court isn't the only place where the stars will be shining.
We've seen the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan, Spike Lee, and others make the trip to San Antonio to support the Knicks as they have all season. They are expected to lead a list of celebrities and former players showing their face courtside for Game 3. President Trump is also scheduled to attend Game 3, though he will be watching from a suite.
See below for those who are taking over Madison Square Garden's "Celebrity Row" for Game 3 of the NBA Finals:
