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:
The New York Knicks didn't have to search too far for a halftime performer.
The Knicks tapped Grammy award-winning rapper and New York native Cardi B to provide halftime entertainment for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on Monday, June 8, a person with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.
Cardi B is the latest New York native to turn the basketball court into her stage. Singer Mary J. Blige served as the halftime performer during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals last year.
The rapper recently wrapped her critically-acclaimed Little Miss Drama Tour, which featured two stops in New York at Madison Square Garden in March. It's not clear which songs she'll perform, but Cardi B's discography includes hit songs "Bodak Yellow" and "Hello" among many others.
Cardi B has attended several Knicks games over the years, including Game 4 of the Eastern Conference last year alongside NFL beau Stefon Diggs.
Contributing: Lorenzo Reyes
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
Monday was the dawn of a new era for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Out is Daryl Morey, who served as the franchise’s president of basketball operations for six seasons. In is Mike Gansey, who previously served as the general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Gansey spoke to reporters for the first time at the team’s practice facility in Camden. He didn’t divulge much (who needs a “we sold high” type of quote on their first day?), but made it clear he wants to build around the team’s Big 4 while fostering a positive culture from the front office on down.
After Gansey’s introductory presser, Bob Myers and the newly-promoted Jameer Nelson spoke as well. Here are five takeaways from the day.
Building around the Big 4
Again, there wasn’t a ton of clarity as far as the direction Gansey wants to go, but there were plenty of questions surrounding Joel Embiid and the team’s ability to be a contender with three max contracts.
The main goal is obvious — though it’s easier said than done.
“I’ve had a lot of good conversations with him so far,” Gansey said of the former MVP. “Excited to meet with him this week. … With him and the roster we have, that’s who we have. We got to get those guys on the floor, we got to create an identity and just get them to play basketball.”
Gansey pointed to the fact that the Sixers were 24-14 with Embiid on the floor and to the upset of the Boston Celtics in the first round of the postseason. He didn’t sugarcoat things (more on that in a bit) or attempt to gaslight the fan base. The reality is there’s little other recourse. Embiid is owed a lot of money over the next three seasons and Paul George over the next two.
It makes sense to not obsess over the dual timeline situation and just build the best team possible with the resources at hand.
“I don’t look at it as a timeline,” Gansey said, “I just look at like we have those four and we got to maximize those four. Obviously, VJ [Edgecombe] and Tyrese [Maxey] are younger, but Paul and Joel can still play at a high level. … We gotta rely on those four, and obviously keep them on the floor, and then just build around them.”
Building the culture
Morey has long been known as one of the smartest minds in basketball. It’s an earned reputation.
With that said, the biggest criticism of Morey is how cold and calculated he could be. The Jared McCain trade — which did not go over well in the Sixers’ locker room — is a decent example. You could understand some of the basketball reasons for the decision, but, ultimately, it might’ve been a bit shortsighted.
Gansey seems like he’s viewed as an antidote to the disconnect between the front office and the players — and really everyone else in the organization.
“My philosophy is simple: build a culture rooted in character, work ethic, competitiveness, accountability and teamwork,” Gansey said in his opening statement. “Our fans deserve a team that they can be proud of. There will be alignment throughout the entire organization with a relentless focus on putting our players and staff in the best position to succeed.”
The word “alignment” came up an awful lot. With the turmoil surrounding the Sixers for the last decade or so, it’s fair to wonder how much “alignment” there’s been.
Gansey seems intent on changing the culture here. He talked about wanting to be “attached at the hip” to head coach Nick Nurse and speaking with all of the players about what this team needs. Will it lead to more wins? Who knows? But the organization clearly needs to try something different.
“I want guys that want to be in Philly, first and foremost,” he said. “Obviously, guys that can fit around our players that we have currently under contract, and I want fountains, not drains. I want guys with high character, guys with high work ethics, and guys that want to be in Philadelphia.”
Building an identity
But it wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies.
The reality is the Sixers are in one of the weirdest spots in the league. They had what could be considered a decent season, upsetting the second-seeded Celtics in the first round. They were also handily swept in the second round by the New York Knicks, who currently hold a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. It’s clear the gap between the Sixers and Knicks is massive.
Gansey is now charged with bridging that gap.
“They got swept in the second round, so it’s not a championship-caliber team right now,” Gansey said, “but we’re going to work on that. Getting the Big 4 together on the floor, but we’re going to do everything we can to bring players in here that fit, and that obviously can help. … We got a great staff here, and we’re going to do everything we can to get the best players in here to help us get to the mountaintop.”
“Identity” was another buzzword used by all of Gansey, Myers and Nelson. With all the uncertainty surrounding the statuses of Embiid and George, it was nearly impossible for the 2025-26 team to create one. They were essentially middle-of-the-pack by most statistical measures.
There wasn’t any one thing they could hang their hat on.
“We gotta find an identity. We just don’t have one,” Myers said. “I mean, that’s maybe a harsh thing to say, but look at the numbers. I mean, we were not elite offensively or defensively, and … if you’re gonna win at the highest level, you gotta be great at something. We have the capabilities, I think, and we have the players and some of the talent, but in order to see what we are, we’ve got to be on the floor.”
The front office triumvirate
For those unfamiliar, Gansey was a very good college basketball player at Saint Bonaventure before transferring to West Virginia. He then spent a few years bouncing around playing in the G League, overseas and getting NBA summer league invites.
Myers, who stands at 6-foot-7, had a decent college career at UCLA, helping the Bruins reach the Elite Eight in 1996-97.
And we’re all familiar with Nelson’s playing career.
It’s an interesting dynamic. The franchise has gone from more analytics-driven executives like Sam Hinkie and Morey to people who played the game at a high level. That doesn’t mean analytics won’t be involved in the decision-making (they will) or that it will lead to success.
But it does change things for an organization in desperate need of a shake-up.
“I think it’s helped me a lot throughout my career,” Gansey said, “just because I’ve been in the locker room, I’ve been in wars, I played with some of the guys who are still playing in this league a little bit in college, so I think my understanding of maybe what they’re going through day to day. They’re going through training camp, or they’re exhausted, or the travel, or their confidence is low, like I can kind of relate to them a little bit, and say, ‘hey, I didn’t play at the highest level, but I played at a pretty good level,’ where they can come to me and ask me questions, and I can relate to them a little bit more than maybe someone that didn’t play.”
What’s next?
The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft will take place on June 23. The Sixers will have the 22nd overall selection — a pick they received in the McCain trade that originally belonged to the Houston Rockets.
For so many reasons, it’s crucial for the Sixers to nail this pick. Right after that will be free agency.
“I think with where we’re at now … we have pick 22 in the draft, we got to hit on that,” Gansey said. “We got to get a good player there. Just building depth. We got to get guys in here in free agency that we like, we got to get minimum guys, and then the big part is just internal development with Tyrese, VJ, and some of our other young guys, they got to get better too. I think it’s internal growth, 22 and then free agency, and trying to add as much depth as we can to this roster.”
The good news for the Sixers is Gansey has already been doing draft prep for the Cavaliers, who hold the 29th overall pick. If there’s one area where you can see Gansey’s fingerprints with Cleveland, it’s the draft.
“I ran the draft in Cleveland, so I was really big on the player personnel and the valuation, but I’m a connector. I build relationships with everyone in the building, all the way from our star player to the janitor.”
Basketball bettors are in a New York state of mind for Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
The New York Knicks are home and holding a 2-0 series edge over the San Antonio Spurs, who enter what will be a madhouse inside Madison Square Garden tonight.
My Spurs vs. Knicks same-game parlay isn’t getting in the way of New York and loves these two role players – one veteran and one rookie – to blow up their scoring props in the Big Apple.
The New York Knicks have the San Antonio Spurs on their heels, proving they’re the tougher team physically and mentally. The Knicks have outworked the Spurs for almost every 50/50 ball while also showing their experience edge in crunch time. New York is making big shots late in games while San Antonio is stumbling with massive miscues, burying itself in a 0-2 hole.
We saw the New York bench put in work in Game 2, and that was a big X-factor entering the series, playing a bigger role as the finals roll on. With a healthy lift from an insane crowd at MSG, the Knicks put San Antonio on the ropes with another strong team effort on both ends in Game 3.
SGP leg #2: Dylan Harper Over 12.5 points
Rookie guard Dylan Harper is a “rookie” in title only. We’ve seen his maturation during the playoffs, and Game 2 proved he could be San Antonio’s second-best scorer. While most of the Spurs shrank in crunch time, Harper made the most of the extra minutes in the fourth quarter, attacking the rim and igniting a late surge. His size and speed are a tough blend for the Knicks defense to deal with, and models call for as many as 15+ points in Game 3.
SGP leg #3: Mikal Bridges Over 13.5 points
Mikal Bridges was huge for New York in Game 2, and his mid-range game is the perfect foil for the Spurs, who pack the paint and hope the Knicks miss outside shots. He’s getting good looks with San Antonio focusing on Jalen Brunson and has scored 14+ in five of his last six games and nine of his last 11 outings. Most models call for close to 15 points from Bridges tonight.
Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Spurs vs. Knicks predictions for Game 3.
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Midtown Manhattan was already going to be a wild scene with the NBA Finals returning to Madison Square Garden for the first time in 27 years — and with the Knicks up 2-0 on the Spurs, New Yorkers believe they are witnessing a coronation.
They are also witnessing the most intense security around an NBA game anyone can remember. What was already going to be a strong law enforcement presence around the game ramped up to a whole new level when President Donald Trump confirmed he would accept the invitation of Knicks governor James Dolan.
What does that look like? How about five blocks around the arena being shut down to all vehicular traffic, and only people with a ticket for the game can get past the security barrier.
Starting at 4pm today, vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be closed from West 30th Street to West 35th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue.
No one will be allowed inside the secure area unless you have a ticket to the game, a train ticket, are going to a business inside…
"There should be extra security for the President of the United States to be at a game, but I think the fans are very understanding of that," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said when Trump confirmed he would attend. "I think they recognize that it adds to the bigness of the event."
Inside the arena, Trump will not be on celebrity row courtside but will watch the game from a suite, NBC Sports confirmed.
"This President, Donald Trump, before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan..." Silver said at an NBA Cares event.
"I think sports, in particular, is something where we can emphasize what we have in common, not what pulls us apart, that it creates a sense of belonging. We're seeing that in New York, and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I'm thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knicks team."
Knicks fans won't care much about who attends the game so long as their team wins, but those fans will also face additional security. Fans entering MSG can't take bags of any kind into the game and will have to undergo additional screening, much more like a TSA screening at the airport than at a typical NBA game.
All of this security has led to a slight decrease in the cost of buying a ticket and getting into the game on secondary markets, according to reports. Although this is still shaping up to be the most expensive game to attend in NBA history.
The question is, will those Knicks fans witness history and see their team move within a game of their first NBA championship in 53 years?
The 8:30 p.m. June 8 game is expected to mark the first time that a seated U.S. president has attended the NBA Finals. And, as with any high-profile presidential appearance, this trip comes with added layers of security.
USA TODAY will have live updates from inside MSG as the president takes in the game, which will be broadcast live on ABC.
The presidential motorcade will drive up the five-story entrance ramp that players and coaches use to arrive, where President Trump will be escorted to elevators and taken to a suite, where he will watch the game.
While the President is being whisked up, the wing where the corresponding elevator is will be momentarily blocked off to foot traffic. Similar protocols will be followed when Trump leaves the arena.
A security wall around the perimeter of the "World's Most Famous Arena" in midtown Manhattan is in place. NYPD officials said during a news conference about 12 hours before the scheduled start time for Game 3 that the police's security perimeter will run from West 35th Street to West 30th Street between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue around Madison Square Garden.
All fans will encounter TSA-style magnetometer screening before entering the arena, according to Matt McCool of the U.S. Secret Service, who encouraged those attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals to arrive at MSG at least two hours before Monday's 8:30 p.m. ET tip.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed Trump's bonafides as a Knicks fan last week when asked about the President's potential attendance at Madison Square Garden.
"Donald Trump, before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan," Silver said. "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."
Silver noted he hopes Trump's appearance will "emphasize what we have in common, not what pulls us apart. We’re seeing that in New York and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I’m thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knick team."
A planned watch party for Game 3 of the NBA Finals outside Madison Square Garden has been canceled.
More than two dozen people were arrested at a similar party last Friday during Game 2 of the series between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. But now, with President Donald Trump and NYC mayor Zohran Mandami planning to be in attendance as the series moves to New York, security is on heightened alert.
The Knicks are making their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1999, and fans have enthusiastically embraced the team's title run. After nearly 7,000 fans showed up at Madison Square Garden to watch New York's 105-104 victory in San Antonio, authorities said 26 people were detained, with 17 arrested and charged.
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New York City has waited a long time for tonight — 27 years, to be exact.
Game 3 of the NBA Finals are tonight, June 8, on the Knicks’ home court at Madison Square Garden. It’s the first NBA Finals game to be hosted at the World’s Most Famous Arena since the 1999 Finals.
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Sling TV is another affordable way to watch TV live and stream NBA games; its Select plan includes ABC and starts at $19.99/month.
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
