Jaxson Dart gave fans insight into his NBA Finals experience.
The Giants’ quarterback was in a suite at Frost Bank Center for Game 1 between the Knicks and Spurs on Wednesday night, as seen in an Instagram story that featured Giants teammate Brian Burns and comedian Pete Davidson.
From the suite, Dart starts the video by recording the court during a fourth-quarter play that saw Jalen Brunson drive to the rim for a pull-up jump shot.
Brian Burns flexes and yells in celebration during Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs on Wednesday.
It sent Knicks fans into a frenzy, including Dart, who turned the camera toward the suite where a bunch of fans were jumping up and down and screaming.
He went on to find the three-time Pro Bowler Burns, who was yelling and flexing, and then the video flashes to a smiling Davidson.
Pete Davidson celebrating as the Knicks pulled ahead in the in the fourth quarter against the Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Instagram @jaxsondart
Dart, Burns and Davidson witnessed Brunson’s fourth-quarter magic.
The three-time All-Star led the Knicks as they erased a 14-point third-quarter deficit to mark their 12th straight win in this playoff run.
Dart, who is prepping for his second year with the Giants, attended the Finals on the heels of an eventful few weeks.
He received pushback after introducing Donald Trump to an audience at Rockland Community College in Suffern in late May, even from his own locker room.
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart answers questions from reporters during football practice, Friday, May 29, 2026. Noah K. Murray for NY Post
In a since-deleted post, Abdul Carter took to X to say “Thought this s–t was AI, what we doing man.” He then followed up with a post to say the two settled the dust after speaking “as men.”
Dart later held a locker room meeting to explain his decision, yet Carter did not attend due to family obligations related to the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha.
Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Jameis Winston also addressed the team.
“I also understand in this world, politics can be a sensitive matter, a sensitive topic,” he said “I also understand that I’m the quarterback of the New York Giants and that involves a lot of responsibility.”
The Spurs host Game 2 on Friday night before the series heads to New York.
Wednesday saw two interesting twists in the case of Terry Rozier, the former NBA player charged with taking part in an illegal gambling scheme while a member of the Charlotte Hornets.
First, the same arbitrator who ruled in February that the Miami Heat had to pay Rozier his $26.6 million salary this past season has now altered his ruling to say Rozier was in violation of his NBA contract and must forfeit much of that money, something released in a court statement and first reported by Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic.
Second, Rozier's attorney asked the judge in his case to lift a no-contact order with the Charlotte Hornets — the team Rozier was with when he allegedly committed the crimes — because it is hindering his free-agent opportunities, a development first reported by the Associated Press.
Rozier was named in a federal indictment and has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, among other things. Prosecutors allege Rozier conspired with known professional gamblers to win prop bets based on his performance (in games where Rozier removed himself early due to injury). A second indictment came down last week, tied to the same case, and in each instance, Rozier has proclaimed his innocence. He has said he did not participate in the scheme and has asked that charges against him be dismissed.
While the arbitrator originally ruled the Heat had to pay Rozier for this season while he awaited his day in court, the NBA returned to that case to argue that because of the terms of Rozier's bail bond — he cannot travel across the country or be in contact with the Miami Heat or Charlotte Hornets — he could not fulfill his contract and should not have been paid. The arbitrator agreed.
Also on Wednesday, Rozier's attorney, Jim Trusty, filed a motion with the court asking the judge to dismiss the ban on contact with the Hornets as NBA free agency nears. From the filing (via the AP):
"With the NBA's free agency process officially beginning June 30, maintaining the Hornets on the no-contact list would likely prevent him from having any opportunity to play in the NBA. Under the current ruling of the arbitrator, an inability to play for or against the Charlotte Hornets would constitute a 'failure to perform services' by Mr. Rozier and substantially diminish or eliminate any chance of being contracted by an NBA team."
In a practical sense, no NBA team would go near the 32-year-old guard with this gambling case hanging over him (something unlikely to change even if he ultimately does have the charges dismissed). The Heat waived Rozier in April and technically he is a free agent. Rozier played 10 NBA seasons, averaging 13.9 points per game.
On Thursday, June 4, the Rockets unveiled new branding that reintroduces the iconic "ketchup and mustard" color palette made famous by the franchise's 1994 and 1995 NBA championship teams.
The Rockets will debut three new uniforms — one white, one red and one black, all with yellow highlights — for the 2026-27 season. The team also added a yellow outline to its primary "R" logo, recreated its global logo as a triangle shape inspired by space mission patches, and brought back the popular Dunkstronaut as a permanent secondary logo.
While the colors and some aspects of the uniform redesign capitalize on nostalgia for the '90s era of Rockets basketball, including a slanted font and lowercase "T" mimicking the retro logo, other details reflect the franchise's modernization.
Subtle vertical stripes on the "Association" and "Icon" uniforms are inspired by a rocket's rotation as it launches into space, while the stripes on the black "Statement" uniform are inspired by a quasar, an ultra-bright galactic nucleus. Each jersey features a "Clutch City" tag framed by two quasars. The waistbands on all three uniform shorts feature the Dunkstronaut, which became immensely popular with fans after it was used on City Edition uniforms during the 2023-24 and 2025-26 seasons.
The Rockets worked for three years on the new logos and uniforms, a process that involved adjusting to feedback from the NBA and Nike. From the start, however, the Rockets were sure they wanted a callback to the championship team colors.
"If you're going to update something and do it, to not bring back the iconic colors — it was obvious the decision we were gonna make," said Rockets president of business operations Gretchen Sheirr. "Tying back to the nostalgia and the legacy of what this franchise has been for 60 years was very important, but also being very clear that we are going big places and we have a bright future."
Rockets players first saw the uniforms at a photo shoot in early April, and according to Sheirr, they were hyped about the new threads.
The Rockets teased the reveal earlier in the week with a "Rudy T's Diner" video. Shot at Tel-Wink Grill, a classic diner in southeast Houston, the spot featured cameos from Hall of Fame coach Rudy Tomjanovich, Hakeem Olajuwon, Vernon Maxwell, Ralph Sampson, Calvin Murphy and Steve Francis, alongside Houston celebrities Slim Thug and Mo Amer.
“We heard our fans…Ketchup and Mustard is back!” said Patrick Fertitta, Vice Chairman of the Houston Rockets and Comets, in a statement. “From the time my family bought the team in 2017, we’ve heard from countless fans about how deeply those colors are tied to their memories of Rockets basketball. We wanted to create something that celebrates the generations of fans who built Rockets basketball while inspiring the next generation of Rockets fans.”
The team is already selling new apparel on its website, with jerseys available for preorder, and fans in Houston can check out gear in person at a retail pop-up shop on Friday, June 5 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
The New York Knicks took the 1-0 lead in the 2026 NBA Finals after a 105-95 Game 1 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, June 3, at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. The Knicks are three wins away from capturing their first NBA championship in 53 years.
Jalen Brunson was the driving force for the Knicks, scoring 30 points with six assists, and four rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns provided a double-double, adding 18 points and 12 rebounds, while also anchoring the defense. Their combined efforts sparked a comeback from a 14-point deficit in the second half.
In the Spurs’ defeat, Victor Wembanyama notched 26 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks in his first NBA Finals appearance. Though he struggled with efficiency, shooting just 6-for-21 from the field, Wembanyama said after the game that it was a bad night for him and the team will "need to let that one go."
The series continues in San Antonio, where the Spurs will look to even the score in Game 2 on Friday, June 5.
Mar 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr (43) reacts to his three point basket against the Houston Cougars in the first half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Cameron Carr burst onto the scene this past season. After barely seeing the floor in his two years at Tennessee (18 games and a total of 102 minutes), Carr finally got the chance to show off his talents at Baylor in 2025. He remained healthy after sustaining a left thumb injury that required surgery in his sophomore year, playing in 34 games and posting averages of 18.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 2.6 APG. He shot 49.4% from the field, 37.4% from beyond the arc (on 6.1 attempts per contest), and 80.1% from the free throw line.
The first thing that sticks out about Carr is his high-flying athleticism. Offensively, he’s a dynamo in transition, able to outrun players and then dunk on their heads. Some of the posters he put up this past season were just downright filthy. Yet, it’s not just in transition where he can use that skillset; he can also play above the rim in the half-court, driving to the basket to finish over defenders with a dunk, layup, or the occasional floater. I know around these parts, a “run-and-dunk man” is something of a forbidden label, but 1) Carr can do more than that, and 2) it’s a compliment to how freakishly athletic he is.
Additionally, unlike a certain recent Bucks draft pick with sky-high hops, Carr is an excellent shooter. He can get threes off in a variety of ways, but 59.7% of his threes were catch-and-shoot. On those attempts, Carr buried them at a 40.7% clip, whether he was unguarded (38.7%) or guarded (41.3%). Moreover, there will be no concerns about whether his shooting can translate to NBA distance, as he consistently shot beyond the typical college range.
Carr uses his shooting gravity to make defenders pay when they try to close out on him; his quickness and body control help him navigate around them. His off-ball scoring isn’t just limited to catch-and-shoot three-point buckets, though, as he is an excellent cutter. According to Synergy, Carr shot 31/36 (86.1%) on cuts. He has a great feel for when and how to cut, and he knows how to read the floor in those spots.
As for Carr’s defense, he was one of the best shot blockers for a wing, averaging 1.3 BPG. And it wasn’t just other wings or guards he was blocking; he had several swats on big men and even multiple blocks on the same possession. Carr’s jumping ability allows him to get higher than most and recover quicker. He can stay in front of guys at times, but his higher center of gravity makes it difficult for him to be a legitimate point-of-attack defender in the league.
The biggest knock on Carr is his frame. While he is 6’5” and has a 7’2” wingspan, he weighs just 190 pounds. That will create a lot of issues for him on both ends, as he can get bullied by stronger players and get bumped off his spots. There are only three wings in the league with similar heights and weights, and that’s Brandon Ingram, Jaden McDaniels, and Jamal Cain (the rest are guards). So, the question for Carr in this spot is whether he can get any stronger, because if not, it will severely limit the type of player he can be in the NBA.
Regardless of what the Bucks decide to do with Giannis, Carr would be a good fit. He would take some pressure off of AJ Green as consistant catch-and-shoot threat, and would fit a much faster-paced Bucks offense to run with GA. He could slot in at shooting guard or small forward, replacing either Kyle Kuzma (if he’s still on the roster) or Green. However, should the Greek Freak depart Milwaukee this offseason, he would be an exciting young piece that would fit well under new head coach Taylor Jenkins.
How would you feel if the Bucks opted to add Carr through the draft? Do you think he’s got enough upside, or would you rather go with someone else? Let us know in the comments below, and make sure to vote in our next poll to pick the next player on the board.
Karl-Anthony Towns was sublime with 18 points, 15 rebounds and six assists. Josh Hart did a little bit of everything. OG Anunoby (17 points) made big shots early in the fourth quarter, and Landry Shamet kept the defense honest with 13 points off the bench.
The victory continued a dominant stretch for the Knicks, who now have 12 consecutive playoff wins, tied for the second-longest postseason streak in NBA history.
As New York looks to keep the good times rolling, let’s look at three keys to Game 2...
Fourth quarter phenom
The Brunson storybook continues to be written. Now, the All-Star point guard can add an NBA Finals moment as another chapter in that book. Almost everything went wrong for Brunson in the first three quarters. He was 7-for-22 from the field with four turnovers.
And he had injuries to his right knee and left ankle that disrupted him in the first half. It would've made sense if Brunson simply lived to fight another day, but he didn’t.
Brunson turned it all around in the fourth quarter. He had 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting in the final frame, helping New York take control and win the game. Specifically, he knocked down a corner three-pointer and a tough, contested midrange jumper to put the game away in the final two minutes.
Brunson’s overall stat line of 30 points on 31 shots looks inefficient, but he shook off a rough start and closed out the game for the Knicks in a tough environment. Brunson has done it before, but it was extra special on the NBA Finals stage.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots the ball past San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) in the second half during game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center / Geoff Burke - Imagn Images
Despite the win, the Knicks need a more efficient Brunson in Game 2. Finding a way to create easier looks for him will be a priority.
Slowing the Spurs
Important to New York’s turnaround in the second half was controlling the pace. In the first half, San Antonio had a 14-2 advantage in fastbreak points. The second half was a different story, as the Knicks outscored San Antonio 10-1 in that category.
A key to the change was cutting back on turnovers. The Knicks had seven miscues in the first half, but followed that up with just one in the second.
San Antonio is a dynamic team in transition, with the club having electric guards capable of getting downhill like Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De’Aaron Fox. Then there's star center Victor Wembanyama, who runs the floor well and is a great finisher.
The Spurs also have dangerous corner three-point shooters in Julian Champagnie and Devin Vassell. Specifically, Champagnie burned the Knicks in the first half, with 15 points on five treys, with a couple of his looks coming in transition. He was limited to just one point the rest of the way.
The Knicks will need to limit the turnovers to keep the Spurs offense in check going forward.
Stuffing the stat sheet
Hart scored just three points on Wednesday night, but he was all over the floor, accumulating 15 rebounds, six assists, and four steals along the way. Hampered by foul trouble in the first half, Hart was limited to just under 27 minutes of action. He was a game-high plus-22 on the floor.
Hart’s ability to grab rebounds and push the ball immediately was helpful for the Knicks, and they were able to get into their offense earlier in the second half.
Much is made of Hart’s outside shooting. He shot just 1-for-5 from the field, including misses on all three of his three-point attempts. Like other Knicks opponents, the Spurs will often dare Hart to shoot from outside. There will be some times where Hart’s iffy outside shooting will hurt, but games like Wednesday’s are a reminder of how he can leave his fingerprints all over a game without scoring.
In a video making the rounds on social media, two Spurs fans went eye-to-eye with a Knicks fan wearing his blue Knicks cap, a Knicks No. 8 jersey and a platinum chain, which was ripped off his neck.
A Knicks fan had his chain ripped off by a Spurs fan. X, @_angel218_
The Knicks fan then aggressively came over to one of the Spurs fans, who immediately began throwing punches as a brawl broke out.
Two police officers wearing five-gallon cowboy hats ran over to apprehend the Knicks fan, despite the instigator appearing to be on the home team’s side.
It is unclear if the Knicks fan ever retrieved his necklace.
A television segment was being held right in front of the scuffle, which continued with fans surrounding the blocked-off area.
Knicks fans have traveled well throughout this magical playoff run — from Atlanta to Philadelphia to Cleveland and now San Antonio.
Their playoff opponents have attempted to slow the travel plans by geo-fencing ticket sales and requiring zip codes on credit cards to be non-New York-based.
The Spurs fans attempts to punch the Knicks supporter. @_angel218_/X
It has all been to no avail.
The Knicks have won 12 straight overall and seven straight on the road — their only loss away from MSG coming in a 109-108 loss to the Hawks on the April 23.
Spurs fan who ripped off a Knicks fans chain throws a punch. X, @_angel218_
Knicks fans are going to be tough to deal with again in Game 2 on Friday night as they look to put a stranglehold on the series.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is “not worried in the slightest” after Wednesday’s Game 1 home loss.
The Knicks beat the Spurs 105-95 on Wednesday night to grab a 1-0 series lead, and Wembanyama finished with 26 points, 12 of which came from the free throw line.
“We’ve been down in a series before,” Wembanyama said. “Never in the Finals, obviously.
“But I’m not kicking myself about anything, really. I’m not worried in the slightest.”
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks down as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) looks towards his bench during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals. AP Photo/Eric Gay
The Spurs led the Knicks by as many as 14 points in the third quarter, but with Jalen Brunson leading the comeback with a game-high 30 points, that lead slowly evaporated.
Wembanyama shot just 28 percent from the field during the game and 22 percent from behind the arc.
When the Spurs needed him most, the 7-foot-4 Frenchman scored just 11 points in the second half.
Brunson alone had 13 in the fourth quarter.
“I was bad tonight,” Wembanyama said. “It’s not more complicated than that. … I think we let that one go.”
Wembanyama has been on fire this postseason, averaging 23.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.5 blocks.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a basket against the New York Knicks during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals. AP Photo/Eric Gay
The Spurs are undefeated in the playoffs when the forward tallied at least 30 points. In fact, it’s been two months since Wembanyama lost and put up 30 or more points.
“It’s almost not like I have anything to figure out. It’s almost like I have to play normal, not even good [in Game 2],” Wembanyama said. “It’s just [about] doing the right things enough.
“When we play bad, when I play bad, is when we shoot ourselves in the foot. This is why I’m not worried. We’re going to be so much better. I’m going to be so much better.”
Wembanyama said he felt the Spurs had momentum in the game until the very end, and ultimately believed San Antonio let the game slip.
The Spurs led by one point with 2:16 left, but surrendered an 11-0 run to end the game.
In the final two minutes, Wembanyama turned the ball over once and then missed a 3-pointer on the next possession. The Knicks turned the next possession into points on both occasions.
“It was quick,” Wembanyama said. “I think we let that one go.”
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: Trendon Watford #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a free throw during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It was an up-and-down season for the Philadelphia 76ers in general, but especially so for Trendon Watford.
The 25-year-old forward appeared in 53 games for the Sixers this season, starting in seven and averaging 16.3 minutes a night. Opportunity was far from consistent for Watford, though, as he worked in and out of the rotation at different points of the campaign. When the team was dealing with a plethora of injuries, Watford was able to step in. At other times, he battled injuries or simply became a redundancy in the rotation as the squad got healthier and his weaknesses became more palpable.
All of those factors will come into play as the Sixers face a decision with Watford for 2026-27: pick up the team option for the second year of his two-year, vet minimum contract, or let him go. The deadline for the Sixers to pick up that option is June 29.
So, what will the Sixers do?
Let’s talk about the positives first. Watford’s best outing of the season came way back on Nov. 8, 2025, when he posted an impressive triple-double of 20 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists in a 130-120 Sixers win over the Raptors. He shot 8-for-10 from the floor (1-for-2 from long range) on top of a good defensive effort in what was his first ever start as a Sixer.
Trendon Watford. What a game in his first Sixers start.
Watford notched his first career triple-double with 20 PTS (8-10 FG), 17 REB, 10 AST. Add fantastic defensive effort on top of that, too.
That performance possibly set expectations astronomically too high for Watford, who never posted quite those numbers again. He reached the 20-point mark just one more time the entire season, off the bench on March 21 against the Utah Jazz. Sure, it was against the Jazz, but still, 7-of-10 FG, nine rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes ain’t bad!
The problem is, that wasn’t exactly what the Sixers always got from him.
The thing with Watford is that he’s not a horrible player with the ball in his hands. For a forward — a 6-foot-8, 237 pound one, at that — he has some decent ball-handling and playmaking skills more usually attributed to a guard. The problem with that is that there are a number of players — Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, just to name a few — that the Sixers would rather have with the ball in their hands. That leaves Watford to playing off the ball… which is definitely not his strong suit. He does not shoot the long ball often or particularly well, he isn’t as active as a rebounder as you’d want for a guy his size, nor is he a great defensively by any means.
Consistency is the key if you’re going to be a rotation player, and Watford simply did not get or exude a lot of that as a Sixer. For every night he came up big for Philly, he’d have a few where he couldn’t make much impact at all. For every stint the team was shorthanded and needed him in large role, there were other times there was simply no room for Watford — especially toward the end of the regular season as the team was as “full-strength” as a Sixers team gets. A lot of his best moments came in garbage time of games all but decided already. Even for a Sixers team that basically had zero depth and was playing guys for 45 minutes a night, Watford simply wasn’t good enough to move the needle really at all.
Is he decent with the ball? At times. Does he seem like a great guy that his teammates love? For sure! Does he bring a level of high energy that the Sixers aren’t always famous for? Absolutely! But the bottom line problem with Watford for this Sixers team is that they would need him to be much better off the ball and at scoring some serious points, and he simply doesn’t score consistently enough to make up for those other major weaknesses on the floor.
For these reasons, I wouldn’t be terribly surprised to see Philadelphia decline to pick up Watford’s team option to return for the Sixers in 2026-27. Even at the vet minimum price tag, he simply may not bring enough to the table to make it worth the Sixers’ while.
Jun 3, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the ball against the New York Knicks in the second half during game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The road to the Larry O’Brien Trophy was never meant to be easy. Against the New York Knicks, the San Antonio Spurs flashed some of that playoff magic in their loss to the Knicks. Victor Wembanyama notched a double-double with a team-high 26 points and 12 rebounds. Julian Champagnie also had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Speaking of rebounds, the boys will hope to tie up the series in their next outing despite some flashes of good basketball against their Eastern Conference counterparts.
If you ever wondered what it looks like if Michael Jordan was a seven-footer taking a jump shot from the top of the elbow, I give you exhibit A:
Victor Wembanyama blocked a shot, took a moment to preen, and then rolled back into frame to drain a three. It’s flashy work, but someone has to do it.
Devin Vassell lasered this pass to De’Aaron Fox for the wide open look. When the good guys were able to counter the Knicks’ hot start, the Spurs looked somewhat sharp on the offensive end, despite the many missed threes. The team averaged 28 assists per game this season so they will look to improve upon Wednesday’s 16 assist effort in the Game 1 loss.
Julian Champagnie was on a heater tonight. Not only did the Spurs forward go a scorching 5 – 10 from downtown on Wednesday night, but coming down with 10 boards for the double-double was a nice touch as well.
Harper just continued to impress. Any adjustments the Spurs make in Game 2 will probably involve a touch more minutes for Harper, even though he logged a decent-sized 27:31 minutes off the bench.
It’s really crazy just watching Dylan Harper’s moves around the rim and instantly be reminded of the magic Manu Ginóbili would pull off. These two players have a knack for getting the best out of every angle and crevice between outstretched arms and the basket to finagle that basketball in. Maybe it’s because they’re left-handed. Maybe it’s (you sang that jingle in your head as you read it, didn’t you?).
Devin Vassell continues to do yeoman’s work on the court on the offensive and defensive end, but nothing was yeoman-like about this emphatic dunk. The bounce pass from Fox was also simple, quick, but pretty (in Michael Scott’s voice,“ TWSS”).
Good things happen when Wembanyama takes it to the hoop . . . is exactly what Mitch Johnson should have tattooed on the underside of his arms so that when he’s waving in plays while coaching on the floor the team can permanently see the best plan of action inked in a sleeve on his arm.
The NBA Finals are back in San Antonio, where they belong. It’s a long series, folks. Buckle in because it’s only going to get crazier. We love the corgi. But now they just have to go out there and do this without the corgi. It’ll be hard, but nothing in life worth having comes easy. I took that quote from Dr. Bob Kelso in Scrubs. If you’re a fan of the show, the reboot is actually good. Same heart, new laughs. What has two thumbs and says Go Spurs Go? Bob Kelso Son Q. Trinh, nice to meet you.
Jalen Brunson scored 30 points in the Knicks’ victory on Wednesday night.Photograph: Eric Gay/AP
It is uncommon to begin counting down after the opening game of an NBA finals, but these are uncommon times in New York, and the Knicks have been counting since Richard Nixon was president, their coach, Mike Brown, was three years old, and their opponent, the San Antonio Spurs, played in the American Basketball Association as the Dallas Chaparrals. After the Knicks took Game 1 105-95, the anticipation in New York rose to yet another level.
Game 1 was not a good game, but it was a great game. The first quarter was ragged. So was the second. Neither team could shoot from distance – the Knicks shot 31% from three, the Spurs 26%. The Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, the sport’s heir apparent, made his finals debut with six turnovers, 6-for-21 shooting from the field, defensively alive but never transcendent. Both Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ superb, always underestimated engine, took nine three-pointers. Each made two.
In terms of beauty and efficiency, Game 1 was mud wrestling, but a game need not be artistic to be great. Its greatness was not in the artistry but in its suffocating weight, its messiness the byproduct of the maximum effort by both teams and the omnipresent stakes, the special pressures inherited by the players. The Knicks have not won the final game of an NBA season since 1973, and New York is waiting, waiting to finally burst, to blow the lid off the city. The countdown is not by game but seemingly by possession.
In 1994, when the New York Rangers played Vancouver in the Stanley Cup finals, desperate for that first championship since 1940, the energy was similar. Fifty-four years. A sizable number of the fan base wasn’t alive the last time the Rangers had won. The ones who had been were middle-aged or senior citizens, convinced as all beaten fan bases are, that they’ll never see victory in their lifetimes. The images from 1940 – still photography and film, black and white because color was not yet ubiquitous – seemed from another time, and it was. The United States – convinced Europe wasn’t their problem – had not yet entered World War II and adopted the phrase “America First” to emphasize the point.
And yet even though these Knicks last won when the world was in color, the years are nevertheless the years. The Rangers waited 54 years for their fans to exhale; the Knicks have been waiting for 53 years and counting. The resultant feeling in Game 1 was a palpable tension reserved for playoff overtime hockey. Or baseball.
It could be felt by the frenetic pace of the opening minutes, the mood swings of Knicks fans on the socials. The result was watching something other than basketball, where possessions aren’t perceived as valuable because there are so many trips in an average game, and until the final minutes, there is very little about basketball that feels urgent.
1973 was a long time ago, almost as long ago as 1940 was to Rangers fans in 1994. The great director and Knicks superfan Spike Lee was 16. While the cameras panned to their fans’ faces alternating between elation and indigestion, the Knicks played Game 1 with more confidence than their legions did watching it, which is appropriate, even though no Knicks team in history has played as well and been as dominant as this one. They have won six of their last 12 games by at least 20 points, four by 30 or more, and one by 51, but have not eased into their what could once be called – during happier times in the Bronx – their Inner Yankee, believing victory to be inevitable. The Knicks have not lost a basketball game since 23 April, when Atlanta beat them in Game 3 of the first round, the sky fell and it was time to fire everyone. They’ve played 12 games since then and won them all. On Wednesday night, the Spurs trailing 94-86, ripped off nine straight points, led by Wembanyama, took a 95-94 lead with 2:16 remaining – and did not score again. The inevitability of the Knicks was shown again, and they closed matters with an 11-0 run.
The Knicks’ inevitability – if it does indeed exist – was again embodied by Brunson, again the best player on the floor when it mattered. At one point, he had missed 15 of his first 22 shots. When it was time to take money off the table, he made five of his last nine. Brunson is the antithesis of his nervous fandom, not only unbothered by the tension but hungry for it, certain how the story will end.
In San Antonio, there is pressure but of a different sort. The Spurs last won a championship 12 years ago, and they have won five in the last 27 years. No one on the Riverwalk is hyperventilating during a third-quarter inbounds play.
San Antonio pressure is watching joyfully knowing that the future belongs to them, hoping that future begins now but comfortable in the knowledge that they have arrived early. That is the contrast of these finals, one team desperate to erase a half-century of pain, another barely scratching the surface of their potential. The basketball world watching the Spurs know this, too, for Wembanyama does not only threaten the NBA order, but the American sense of basketball self, knowing that every moment of his improvement lessens the nearly century-old grip America has had on international competition. The Olympics are coming. Los Angeles, 2028, and Wembanyama is guaranteeing something no one has ever seen before: Team USA entering an Olympics as an underdog. The Americans have lost, but never have they not been favored.
On this night, however, he was human, the baby giraffe of a man expected to do something unprecedented each time he touches the ball was muscled and uncomfortable, defended admirably and effectively by Karl-Anthony Towns. While Brunson closed – a fadeaway, an offensive tip to maintain possession that led to a crushing corner three as part of a 13-point fourth – it was Wemby who, with a one-point lead, recklessly drove the lane and missed, and then slipped and lost the ball at midcourt.
It was only Game 1, and there is plenty of basketball to be played, but maybe – even regardless of the outcome – these Knicks have done enough to signal to their fans that it’s finally OK to watch the rest of the series thinking like winners. The year 1973 was indeed a very long time ago, and for Knicks fans every game is going to feel like this until the long wait ends – chests tight, expecting dread, even as their charges twice erased double-digit deficits, responding to the Game 1 challenge as they have for the past six weeks – by playing like the best basketball team in the world.
Howard Bryant is the author of 11 books, including The Heritage: Black Athletes, A Divided America, and the Politics of Patriotism and Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 3: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs guards Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the game during Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 3, 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
The New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 on the road, stealing home-court advantage from the Wemboys.
In yet another Burner Classic, Jalen Brunson’s clutch chops pushed the Knicks to victory on Wednesday, while Josh Hart’s Energizer Bunny tendencies and an inspired Karl-Anthony Towns did the rest to give the Knicks faithfulness what they deserved and waited for a damn 27 years.
The Spurs still had Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, but could only shoot 6-for-21 while committing six turnovers in a day to forget for the French.
For anyone monitoring the Finals from the betting side, FanDuel flipped the favorite to win the chip after New York’s Game 1 win, and is now listing the Knicks at -134 and the Spurs at +114 odds.
With one game in the books, here’s our ranking of every player eligible to play in the 2026 NBA Finals.
1. Victor Wembanyama, C, Spurs
Wembanyama remains the best player in the series, even after a Game 1 that looked more human than alien. The size alone is all he needs to be the best at a sport in which taller usually means better…
2. Jalen Brunson, PG, Knicks
…unless your surname is Brunson. JB is the reason this Knicks era stopped being a perennial exercise in nostalgia and turned New York into a Finals contender. Brunson needed 31 shots to get to his 30-point outing, but he still gave the Knicks enough to pull off another late-game comeback.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Knicks
Towns gives the Knicks size, spacing and secondary playmaking in a way we had not seen before CJ McCollum inspired him. KAT’s 18 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in Game 1 showed the full package.
4. OG Anunoby, F, Knicks
Anunoby is New York’s most important defensive wing and a supremely underrated offensive player. His 17 points and three made threes in Game 1 reinforced his two-way value.
5. Stephon Castle, G, Spurs
Castle has become San Antonio’s most important player outside of “veteran” De’Aaron Fox, while probably already more talented than the latter. His 17 points and eight rebounds in Game 1 fit his larger playoff rise in his first postseason run.
6. Mikal Bridges, F, Knicks
Bridges gives the Knicks durability, defense and secondary scoring. He does not need a huge box score to matter.
7. De’Aaron Fox, PG, Spurs
Fox gives San Antonio speed and a grown voice with creative chops—when healthy. His seven-point Game 1 was not enough, but his ceiling keeps him high in the list as long as he can stay on the court.
8. Devin Vassell, G/F, Spurs
Vassell is vital because San Antonio needs his spacing and wing defense. The Spurs need more than his 1-for-6 Game 1 shooting from deep.
9. Josh Hart, G/F, Knicks
I guess it’s easier to describe what Hart isn’t than what Hart is, isn’t it? Corny description: Hart is the Heart of the Knicks and its chaos engine. He had one of his greatest games—even scoring just three points—in Game 1, getting 15 rebounds, six assists and four steals.
10. Dylan Harper, G, Spurs
Harper already looks like a trusted bench scorer and he’s barely getting started in the L. His 16 points and eight rebounds in Game 1 made him San Antonio’s best reserve.
11. Miles McBride, G, Knicks
McBride gives the Knicks defense, shooting and low-mistake guard minutes on the best bargain deal you could imagine. His four assists and zero turnovers in Game 1 helped the effort.
12. Julian Champagnie, F, Spurs
Champagnie has become one of San Antonio’s steadiest role players and a maddening one for opponents because he can unload a flurry of three the minute you give him a millimeter. His 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five threes in Game 1 proved the point.
13. Mitchell Robinson, C, Knicks
Robinson gives New York rebounding, size and rim pressure behind Towns. His free throws remain terrifying, but his physicality matters and it looks like his hand isn’t impacting his play that much. Here’s hoping!
14. Landry Shamet, G, Knicks
Shamet has become a trusted shooting piece for New York and has enjoyed quite a renaissance this postseason. His 13 points and three threes in Game 1 were badly needed.
15. Keldon Johnson, F, Spurs
Johnson gives San Antonio bench scoring and strength and it’s not for nothing that he just got named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year. The Spurs need more from him after a quiet Game 1 cameo.
16. Luke Kornet, C, Spurs
Kornet’s job is surviving non-Wembanyama minutes, and, while limited, he’s hellaciously tall to get close to doing it. His size and screening can still help in short stretches, but not much more than that.
17. Harrison Barnes, F, Spurs
Washed Barnes gives San Antonio some veteran composure and past Finals experience off the pine. His role is smaller now, but not meaningless, and sometimes it can even hurt you.
18. Jose Alvarado, PG, Knicks
GTA! Alvarado brings steady pressure, unlimited energy and saucy irritation to the Knicks and opposition in equal parts. His seven points in 11 minutes in Game 1 showed he can swing a short stint, which is how he’s usually used.
19. Jordan Clarkson, G, Knicks
Clarkson has had quite the rollercoaster season, but he can still score even though his role has narrowed. If the jumper is not falling, New York has cleaner options because his game goes in the negative quickly.
20. Carter Bryant, F, Spurs
Bryant has size, defensive tools, and long-term value. His current Finals role remains limited.
21. Ariel Hukporti, C, Knicks
Hukporti gives New York extra size if foul trouble hits. That matters more against Wembanyama, and given Robinson’s hand injury.
22. Mohamed Diawara, F, Knicks
Diawara is more future piece than Finals factor. The rotation is too tight for developmental minutes.
23. Kelly Olynyk, C, Spurs
Olynyk has playoff experience and offensive skill, but his current Spurs role is small.
24. Jordan McLaughlin, PG, Spurs
McLaughlin can lead possessions in an emergency, but San Antonio’s guard depth should keep him buried.
25. Jeremy Sochan, F, Knicks
Sochan’s role has been minimal since joining New York. The Finals are not the place to invent one, even less knowing he’s already bagged a ring no matter what.
26. Lindy Waters III, G, Spurs
Waters can shoot, but minutes are scarce. San Antonio’s perimeter rotation has simply left him out.
27. Tyler Kolek, PG, Knicks
Kolek did something in the regular season but has now turned into no more than an emergency ball handler.
28. Pacome Dadiet, G/F, Knicks
Dadiet remains a young developmental wing, and New York is surely not running a prospect showcase in the Finals.
29. Mason Plumlee, C, Spurs
Plumlee gives San Antonio emergency veteran size, that’s probably it.
30. Bismack Biyombo, C, Spurs
Biyombo brings depth, some interior insurance, and is the perfect Hack-a-Mitch partner.
Do the Spurs have the best player? Yes. Do the Knicks have the early win, the best team, and the best leader when it matters? You bet.
