Fan runs onto court, briefly stopping Game 1 of NBA Finals

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A fan ran onto the court midway through the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, appearing to try to take a selfie next to San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama.

The fan came from the sideline opposite the team benches, starting from behind the play and running into San Antonio's offensive end. The person was quickly pulled from the court by two security guards and it did not appear the person made any contact with Wembanyama or any New York players.

Play was stopped for about a minute before the game resumed with a jump ball. The fan was taken out of the court area through a baseline tunnel.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Victor Wembanyama shares NBA Finals moment with Spurs nuns in viral moment

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs talks to the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco before the game against the New York Knicks during Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 2, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, Image 2 shows A basketball player in a black and white uniform signs an autograph for a fan
Wembanyama nun

The Spurs nuns have been a presence during San Antonio’s run to the NBA Finals, and ahead of Game 1, they shared a viral moment with one of the team’s biggest stars. 

The NBA’s social media account posted a video of the group of nuns appearing to pray with Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center on Wednesday.

The 7-foot-4 Wembanyama bowed his head and bent over to get close to the nuns as they prayed. 

The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco have been supporting the Spurs for decades and went viral earlier in the playoffs after they were spotted blessing Spurs center Luke Kornet ahead of Game 4 against the Thunder in the Western Conference finals. 

Their fandom dates back to the 1990s, and the group started cheering on San Antonio’s basketball team to share common interests and understand the students at St. John Bosco School. 

Wembanyama, 22, is among the group’s favorite players on the roster, Sister Margaret Natal told the San Antonio Express-News in May

“And, of course, Wemby,” she told the outlet, highlighting her admiration for the respect and care he shows toward his mother. “And, he’s an incredible athlete, too.”

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs talks to the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco before the game against the New York Knicks during Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 2, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images

Natal told the outlet that the nuns often pray for the Spurs. 

“We keep them in prayer, and it’s not, you know, for them to win,” Natal said. “It’s about good sportsmanship, that they remember who they are. That they are role models. We pray that they play to the best of their ability. We pray that they understand their responsibility.”

Who is Dylan Harper’s father? Ron Harper connection fuels Spurs rookie’s NBA Finals run

Like father, like son!

Dylan Harper is making his NBA Finals debut during his rookie season, as the San Antonio Spurs guard took on the New York Knicks in a rematch of the 1999 Finals. Game 1 was on Wednesday, June 3 in San Antonio.

The former Rutgers standout has been a key element of the Spurs' playoff run. He made a statement in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Harper had a standout night with 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and seven steals. At 20 years old, he became the youngest player to notch a prestigious 4x5 game in the NBA playoffs.

People might be wondering where he gets his skills, and it turns out he has good genes.

Is Dylan Harper related to Ron Harper?

Yes, Dylan Harper is related to Ron Harper. The Spurs rookie is the son of the five-time NBA champion. Ron played 15 years in the NBA. He was teammates with Michael Jordan and won three titles with the Chicago Bulls from 1996-1998. He also played with Kobe Bryant and finished his career winning back-to-back championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000 and 2001.

Both Dylan and Ron were named to the All-Rookie team for their impressive accomplishments in their first professional seasons.

Dylan's older brother, Ron Harper Jr., plays in the NBA as well. He was the first brother to play at Rutgers and has spent time with the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons, and he is currently on the Boston Celtics.

Ron's ex-wife and the mother of his two sons is Maria Harper. She has basketball in her blood, too, and played at the University of New Orleans.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Dylan Harper related to Ron Harper? Rookie carries NBA Finals legacy

Gregg Popovich makes appearance at NBA Finals to support Spurs

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talking with Victor Wembanyama on the bench, Image 2 shows A white-haired man looking upward with a surprised expression
Popovich Game 1

This time, Gregg Popovich didn’t have to worry about the x’s and o’s needed to beat the Knicks.

The legendary Spurs coach attended Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs on Wednesday night in San Antonio in a rematch of the championship series from 1999 that earned him his first Larry O’Brien trophy and ignited the Spurs’ dynastic era.

The ABC broadcast captured the 77-year-old Popovich, who serves as San Antonio’s president of basketball operations, sitting in a suite at Frost Bank Center.

For Popovich, this series offers an enjoyable trip down memory lane since he won the first of his five championships 27 years ago when the Spurs beat the Knicks in five games.

San Antonio also won championships under the Hall of Famer’s tutelage in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014.

Popovich coached some of these Spurs last year before he stepped away from his position after just five games following a health scare.

He posted a 1,390-824 record in his 29 season leading the franchise.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks with Victor Wembanyama on the bench during the first half of their game against the Rockets March 5, 2024, in Houston. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Popovich still stays close to the team, especially with phenom Victor Wembanyama, and helped the team upset the defending champion Thunder in the semifinals.

The former coach gave the team an earful after its Game 3 home loss to Oklahoma City, and the Spurs responded with a resounding 103-82 Game 4 win to even the series at 2-2.

The Spurs ultimately triumped in seven games to earn their first Finals bid in 12 years.

“We lost Game 3 … but that was the first time he walked into the locker room and was like, ‘Nah, that’s BS. That’s not how we play basketball,’ and obviously he had some choice words for us,” Spurs star guard De’Aaron Fox told NBC after the May 24 victory. “That was the first time all season that he came into the locker room right after a game and told us how he felt.”

The Spurs are hoping this postseason run can begin a similar dynastic era to the one Popovich oversaw, with the new core of Wembanyama and young guards Dylan Harper and Stefon Castle leading the way.

Adam Silver: 'A shame' James Dolan, Charles Oakley feud goes on as Knicks play in Finals

Adam Silver tried. Michael Jordan tried. Still, the James Dolan and Charles Oakley feud is alive and well.

With the Knicks playing in their first NBA Finals in 27 years, the commissioner was asked about the one Knicks legend missing from the alumni that have been filling Madison Square Garden this spring. Oakley, the bruising forward who spent a decade as a fan favorite in New York, has been at war with the controversial Knicks owner since his 2017 ejection from the Garden and the lawsuit that followed.

Silver said he wishes it were different.

“It is a shame in that I tried, Michael Jordan tried too, to broker peace between Charles and Jim Dolan,” Silver said before Game 1 of the Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. “Our efforts were unsuccessful. I think it’s unfortunate for the NBA that this is an ongoing situation."

Oakley was forcibly removed from his seat at the Garden during a Knicks game in February 2017 and arrested. He later sued Dolan and Madison Square Garden Entertainment, alleging assault and defamation. The case has dragged on through the federal courts for years.

Silver said the litigation has tied his hands.

“As you know, it’s currently wrapped up in litigation,” Silver said. “I tried my best. So I don’t really see anything else I can do at the moment.”

The absence stings.

Silver opened his pre-Finals news conference by rattling off Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, John Starks and Walt Frazier among the Kincks alumni active around the franchise during this postseason run. Oakley, a fixture on the 1990s Knicks teams that reached the 1994 Finals, has not been part of that group.

“I think that’s one of the things that makes this league so special is this family environment that we have,” Silver said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Adam Silver on James Dolan-Charles Oakley feud during 2026 NBA Finals

Charles Barkley’s biggest Knicks concern after start of NBA Finals: ‘Terrible’

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Charles Barkley at the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four, Image 2 shows Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a three-point basket during the game against the New York Knicks, Image 3 shows New York Knicks player #32 holding a basketball, guarded by a San Antonio Spurs player
Julain Champagnie has been wide open in Game 1.

Charles Barkley was frustrated with the Knicks’ first-half defensive performance in Game 1 of the NBA Finals — but had kudos for one bright spot on the other side of the ball.

During the “Inside the NBA” halftime show on Wednesday night, the Suns great laid into the Knicks for allowing wide open 3-pointers through the first half of Game 1 where the Knicks ended down 55-48.

“It’s really been terrible defense on the Knicks,” Barkley said when asked what the story of the first half was. “Cause if you actually look at [Julian Champagnie’s] threes. Why is he wide open? There’s no reason to be leaving him wide open.”

Charles Barkley crushed the Knicks poor perimeter defense in the first half. Getty Images

Champagnie led all scorers with 15 points in the first half, going 5-of-6 from the field, all of which came from 3-point range.

The Knicks were outshot from distance by the Spurs, who went 9-of-24 from three, while the Knicks ended the first half 6-of-20.

Barkley was impressed with Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored eight first-half points.

Julian Champagnie shot the lights out in the first half of Game 1. NBAE via Getty Images

“The Spurs can’t guard the pick and roll. When [the Knicks] run the pick and roll with KAT they get something good everytime,” Barkley said. “We have to give KAT his flowers.”

Adam Silver stands by 65-game rule, gives update on Kawhi Leonard Aspiration investigation

Adam Silver is not budging on the 65-game rule. Stars and agents have pushed back since it took effect in the 2023-24 season, tying eligibility for the league’s biggest individual awards to playing in roughly 80% of the regular season. Speaking before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the NBA commissioner said the rule is doing exactly what the league wanted.

“I’m frankly not ready to support a change,” Silver said. “I just take a step back to the situation we were dealing with when we went into the last collective bargaining negotiation and put in place the 65-game rule.”

Silver said roughly a third of All-NBA players in the seasons leading up to the rule did not play in 65 games. The league and the National Basketball Players Association built in exceptions for players who fall short by a game or two.

Two exceptions were granted this season. Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, who missed time around the birth of his child, and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, who suffered a collapsed lung, were both ruled eligible for awards after appeals. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards applied for an exception and was denied.

“I think the rule is working,” Silver said. “Of course when we sit down to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with the players, we are happy to talk about it.”

Silver did leave one door open. Asked whether the league should announce regular-season award winners at the end of the regular season rather than dribble them out across the playoffs, he said it was worth a look.

"That’s an interesting thought,” Silver said. “So we should look at that. “

Kawhi Leonard, Aspiration probe nearing end

The independent investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and the now-bankrupt company Aspiration is close to wrapping up, Silver said.

The probe, launched in September, centers on a four-year, $28 million endorsement deal Leonard signed with Aspiration in 2022 through his personal company, KL2 Aspire. Independent journalist Pablo Torre alleged that Leonard did no promotional work for the company, and that the contract was structured so it would void if he left the Clippers.

If proven, the arrangement would amount to salary cap circumvention. Leonard had already signed a four-year, $176 million maximum contract with the Clippers in 2021. Owner Steve Ballmer, separately, had personally invested $50 million in Aspiration around the same time the Clippers entered a $300 million sponsorship deal with the company. League rules bar teams and owners from funneling money to players outside the cap.

Ballmer and the Clippers have denied any wrongdoing. Ballmer has said he was a victim of fraud by Aspiration’s founders and had no role in the Leonard endorsement deal. Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg was sentenced Monday to 14 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of wire fraud in a related case.

Silver said neither the Pulitzer Prize that Torre’s reporting won nor the sentencing should shape the outcome.

“I wouldn’t be doing my job if ultimately I issued a determination based on perception,” Silver said. “My job is to follow the facts.”

The law firm running the investigation, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, will deliver its findings to Silver, who will decide on discipline.

“I think we are close to the point now where I think we need to wrap this up, because you also need finality,” Silver said. “The team has to understand what situation they are going to be operating under and so do the other 29 teams."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Adam Silver on 65-game rule and Kawhi Leonard Aspiration investigation

Jerry O’Connell is going through it as celebrity Knicks — and ‘Summer House’ — fan

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Lindsay Hubbard in a red dress and Kyle Cooke in a grey jacket sitting on a couch, Image 2 shows Jerry O'Connell holding his head in his hands, with text

From drama of the heart to drama on the hardcourt.

Actor and diehard Knicks fan Jerry O’Connell opened up to Page Six about the roller coaster of emotions leading to him attending Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night in San Antonio.

“I’ve had such a week,” O’Connell, the former “Jerry Maguire” actor, told Page Six while on the court at Frost Bank Arena. “First of all, that ‘Summer House’ reunion and the bombshells that people who have not been intimate with each other for years and years and now we’re here at Game 1.”

O’Connell, 52, loves the orange and blue, often having fun with members of Barstool Sports about the team’s rise to the premier franchise in the Eastern Conference.

With his favorite team in the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years, there apparently was no way he would be missing this moment — especially after the conference finals.

O’Connell admitted to turning off the television with the Knicks trailing the Cavaliers by 22 points in Game 1 before one of the most legendary comebacks in franchise history.

“I need to admit something… I turned off @nyknicks last night in the 4th quarter,” he posted on May 20.

“I will never miss another minute of this post season. I am ashamed.”

Kyle Cooke (r) during the “Summer House” reunion show. Clifton Prescod/Bravo via Getty Images

O’Connell spent the early hours of Wednesday seeing the sights in the region, posting regularly to his X account before the scheduled 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off.

His trip to Texas came one day after he clearly enjoyed the second part of the emotional “Summer House” Season 10 reunion on Tuesday night.

Exes Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula told the world that they did not have sex once during their four-plus-year marriage. They announced in January that they would be splitting.

“Kyle and I were bickering. I didn’t go to New Year’s with him, I spent it by myself,” Batula said during the show, according to Page Six. “He spent it deejaying at a restaurant. I woke up the next morning, I saw he was at a hotel in Hoboken. I’m going into 2026 wanting to have a fresh start and he’s doing the same s–t that he was doing that was pissing me off before.”

Jalen Brunson explodes at ref Scott Foster after Spurs player steps on ankle

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows The Spurs' Luke Kornet (7) steps on the ankle of Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the second quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 3, 2026, Image 2 shows Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) yells at referee Scott Foster during the second quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Spurs on June 3, 2026

Jalen Brunson’s anger toward referee Scott Foster may have been equivalent to the size of Texas. 

The Knicks star was irate with the official with just under six minutes to play in the first half during the Knicks’ 105-95 Game 1 win in the NBA Finals on Wednesday night after no call was made when Spurs big man Luke Kornet landed on the ankle of Brunson after the guard fell to the ground driving to the hoop. 

Brunson, who finished with 30 points, went right up to Foster and yelled in his direction after a timeout was called. 

Another member of the Knicks quickly came and moved Brunson away, while Foster didn’t seem to pay any mind to the outburst and walked in the other direction.

“We were all bitching too much at the officials. Rick Brunson was great,” head coach Mike Brown said after the Knicks’ win. “He told me to shut the hell up, and he told the rest of the team to be quiet and leave the officials alone. It was great of him because we were all kind of losing our minds.”

The Knicks were trailing 37-32 at the time it occurred, and it came after Brunson seemed to be in some discomfort for the second time in the game

Kornet very clearly landed on Brunson’s ankle and he was quick to react in pain. 

Brunson grabbed at his ankle while on the ground and then was seen limping back to the Knicks bench during the timeout. 

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) stares down referee Scott Foster (l.) during the second quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Spurs on June 3, 2026. ABC
The Spurs’ Luke Kornet (7) steps on the ankle of Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the second quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 3, 2026. ABC

He did remain in the game.

Earlier in the game, Brunson had to be subbed out after he was knocked into by Harrison Barnes, who seemed to hit Brunson’s right knee.

Mikal Bridges came into the game with 1:27 left in the first quarter, but Brunson returned to the game with roughly eight minutes left in the second quarter. 

Knicks’ celebrities led by Ben Stiller, Timothée Chalamet invade San Antonio for Game 1 of NBA Finals

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Ben Stiller (L) entering Frost Bank Center for Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 3, 2026, Image 2 shows Timothée Chalamet entering Frost Bank Center for Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 3, 2026
The Knicks' Celebrity Row staples traveled to San Antonio for Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the Spurs Wednesday night, of course.

The Knicks’ Celebrity Row staples traveled to San Antonio for Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the Spurs on Wednesday night.

Tracy Morgan, Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Timothée Chalamet and Henrik Lundqvist were all spotted at Frost Bank Center for the rematch of the 1999 finals, a 4-1 series win by the Spurs.

Those diehards were decked out in blue and orange as their team entered Game 1 as road underdogs.

Jerry O’Connell, who was court side in a Knicks polo, told Page Six he was going through it after the “Summer House” reunion part 2 on Tuesday.

The Knicks are coming off a nine-day break after winning 11 straight games — completing series sweeps of the Sixers and Cavaliers, respectively.

Ben Stiller (L) entering Frost Bank Center for Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 3, 2026. XNew York Post Sports

New York star guard Jalen Brunson and his teammates have praised Knicks fans for their support on the road throughout the playoffs.

Back in New York, fans gathered for a watch party outside of Madison Square Garden after the NYPD lifted a ban on the outdoor party following the Eastern Conference finals celebration.

Earlier this week, the MTA also painted the Madison Square Garden subway stop orange and blue.

Morgan also teamed with the MTA to voice announcements in honor of the Knicks reaching the finals.

Game 2 of the NBA finals is Friday in San Antonio and the series shifts to New York for Game 3.

Trump to attend Game 3 of NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden | Reports

President Donald Trump plans attend Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden in New York City, according to reporting from The Athletic and the New York Post.

The Athletic, a subsidiary of the New York Times, reported that Trump will attend the game on June 3 barring any changes to the president's schedule – citing anonymous league sources. The Post, citing anonymous sources, reported that security walkthroughs were held by MSG in preparation for the potential visit.

USA TODAY has reached out to the White House, Madison Square Garden, the NBA and the Knicks for comment.

Trump had previously suggested that he would go to one of the games at the Garden during a cabinet meeting at the White House on May 27, saying that Knicks owner Jim Dolan was among those who invited him.

"I think I'll be going to one of the games," Trump said "I was invited by numerous people and Jim and I think I'll be going." A Garden spokesperson previously told the USA TODAY Network in a statement that "the President of the United States — no matter who is in office — is always welcome at all our venues." 

Trump would be the first sitting United States President to attend an NBA Finals game and the first to attend any NBA game since then-President Barack Obama saw the Chicago Bulls defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 97-95 in 2015.

The Knicks are making their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. The run has largely united the basketball-mad city, though Trump's presence in his hometown's most prominent arena could prove divisive in deep-blue Gotham.

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, as well as a UFC event in 2024 at the Garden as President-elect. During the 2024 campaign, Trump held a grievance-filled campaign rally at "The World's Most Famous Arena" that included racist remarks from several speakers.

Contributing: Joey Garrison

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump plans to attend NBA Finals Game 3 in New York City

NBA Finals Game 1 fit check: Victor Wembanyama, Jordan Clarkson impress

The NBA Finals is not only the biggest series of the season on the court, but in the tunnel, too.

This year, the New York Knicks return to the championship for the first time since 1999. Lucky for them, '90s fashion is back. After breezing through the playoffs winning 12 of their 14 games, including two sweeps, Josh Hart and Jordan Clarkson showed up ready for Game 1 on Wednesday, June 3 in San Antonio.

Their opponent will be a rematch of that 1999 series, the San Antonio Spurs in Victor Wembanyama's first NBA Finals appearance. The Alien showed lots of emotion after beating the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a seven-game Western Conference finals. Wemby has shown intentionality in his fashion choices, including this tribute to Tim Duncan's joe cool style.

There is a clear void since MVP and fashion icon Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as well as his stylish teammates Lu Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein aren't in the championship series. But after the Game 1 tunnel, it seems like fans will have enough looks to hold them over until tipoff.

Here is the NBA Finals Game 1 Fit Check:

7. Josh Hart - New York Knicks

Josh Hart was clean for his NBA Finals debut. The Knicks guard showed that fashion doesn't have to be complicated in a white T-shirt, dark trousers and a single chain.

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) enters the arena before game one of the 2026 NBA Finals.

6. Harrison Barnes - San Antonio Spurs

A suit is always a safe bet for the big stage of the NBA Finals. Harrison Barnes put an interesting twist on the standard look by wearing a cream outfit that featured a sort of double-breasted track jacket with matching trousers and sneakers. The brown tie added some depth.

5. OG Anunoby - New York Knicks

Another simple yet strong statement from the Knicks. OG Anunoby wore a pinstriped tracksuit from Burberry. It's wool, which is an interesting choice for June. But it's quiet luxury, so we're not mad at it. He completed the look with the Skechers Hotshot sneakers. He made a bold move by signing with the footwear company last summer and just MIGHT be making them cool.

4. Carter Bryant - San Antonio Spurs

Carter Bryant looked good (fourth slide) in a Canadian tuxedo with buttons and stitching that mimics pankou clasps. adidas also recently made a splash with the decorative detail on jackets for Manchester United. This shows the Spurs forward is in the know. The pop of red on his shirt and an oversized tote are also smart sartorial choices.

3. Devin Vassell - San Antonio Spurs

Devin Vassell was shining bright and impossible to miss. He rocked a chrome leather jacket from 424 and black leather pants. A Chrome Hearts necklace completed the rockstar look.

2. Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs

It is traditionally really difficult for larger players to find outfits that fit them well. But Victor Wembanyama has mastered the art. The Defensive Player of the Year showed up ready for action in a diagonal-striped Louis Vuitton jacket and smart navy trousers. His accessory was stellar: a book!

1. Jordan Clarkson - New York Knicks

The Spurs were more stylist numbers-wise for Game 1, but the ever-fashionable Jordan Clarkson brought his A-game and was easily best-dressed. He impressed in an all-black emsemble made up of a button-up shirt, trousers, patent boots, dark shades and two chains on his belt. A little bit of sparkle woven into his jacket was the perfect amount of pizzazz for the Finals stage.

Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) enters the arena before game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Best Tunnel Fits from NBA Finals Game 1

Malika Andrews loses audio during Mitchell Robinson update at NBA Finals

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Malika Andrews' segment on Mitchell Robinson's hand injury was derailed by audio issues, Image 2 shows New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson prepares to shoot during practice at media day during the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

ESPN’s NBA Finals pregame show hit a rough patch before Game 1.

During “Inside the NBA” before the Knicks beat the Spurs 105-95 in San Antonio, the Worldwide Leader’s Malika Andrews was derailed by audio issues while explaining Mitchell Robinson’s mysterious hand injury.

The broadcast cut to footage of Robinson going through pregame work, showing the Knicks big man putting up a shot with his right hand taped, as Andrews began breaking down what a fracture of the fifth metacarpal actually means.

Malika Andrews’ segment on Mitchell Robinson’s hand injury was derailed by audio issues. X/Awful Announcing

There was just one problem: Viewers could not hear most of it.

For roughly 20 seconds, Andrews appeared to point to her own hand while explaining where Robinson’s fracture occurred, but the audio dropped out and left the segment almost entirely silent.

When the sound returned, the broadcast had already moved past part of the explanation, with host Ernie Johnson talking, instead, about how long it had been since the Knicks were in the Finals, creating an awkward start to ESPN’s coverage of the series opener.

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson prepares to shoot during practice at media day during the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

The mishap came during ESPN/ABC’s first NBA Finals broadcast since “Inside the NBA” personalities Charles Barkley, Kenny Anderson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Johnson were folded into the network’s coverage.

As Andrews may or may not have explained, the injury was one Robinson could play through.

Robinson checked into Game 1 with just over four minutes left in the first quarter, scoring on an alley-oop dunk. He finished the win with two points and six rebounds.

It’s still unknown how Robinson suffered the injury, although ESPN reported that it occurred at his home during New York’s off week before the Finals.

Knicks win Game 1 of NBA Finals as Brunson, Towns stifle Wembanyama, Spurs

If Game 1 was any indication of what this series will eventually become, the 2026 NBA Finals are going to be absolutely enthralling.

The New York Knicks outlasted the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday, June 3 in a thrilling, back-and-forth 105-95 win to take an early lead in the best-of-7 series.

With 1:50 left to play, Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson hit a massive 3-pointer that gave New York the lead it would never relinquish and sparked a 11-0 run to close out the game.

Brunson scored 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Knicks, who have now won 12 consecutive games in the postseason.

And with that, New York is just three wins away from earning its first NBA title in 53 seasons.

Here are live takeaways from Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs:

Karl-Anthony Towns did a superb job against Victor Wembanyama

Although Karl-Anthony Towns scored 18 points and scooped 12 rebounds, his biggest contribution was defensively.

Tasked with being the primary defender against Victor Wembanyama, Towns not only held his own, he guarded him with a physical and disciplined approach.

Wembanyama did finish with 26 points, but he shot just 6-of-21 from the floor, including 2-of-9 from 3-point range. In fact, on attempts when Towns was the closest defender, Wembanyama shot just 2-of-12 from the floor.

Wembanyama never appeared comfortable and made just four shots in the paint. Towns made sure to put his hands and body on Wembanyama just so that he could feel his presence. That often led to Wembanyama backing out of the paint and settling for jumpers. In other cases, it led to wild shots, especially close to the rim.

Jalen Brunson may get all the attention for his 30-point performance, but Towns had the better game, by far.

Jalen Brunson dropped 30 and was huge in the fourth. Believe him when he says he didn’t play very well

Let’s first give Jalen Brunson a ton of credit for gritting through a game in which he returned from a first quarter knee injury and then later had his ankle stepped on in the second.

And even though Brunson scored 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, the scary part for the Spurs is that Brunson didn’t play particularly well — at least not to the level that he’s capable.

It’s a question of efficiency. Brunson shot just 12-of-31 (38.7%) from the floor (though he went 5-of-9 in the fourth quarter). The Spurs have excellent defenders at the guard position, and they crowded the paint any time Brunson crept his way down there.

“I think it starts with my confidence,” Brunson said when asked how he bounced back from three tough quarters. “It comes with my work ethic. I think most importantly, knowing we’re on the road, and knowing my teammates have my back — I think that’s the biggest thing in an environment like this.

“The trust they have in me and the trust I have in them, it got us to this point. I’m very thankful for them every single night we go out there together.”

Despite the shooting struggles, the Knicks still won by 10 points. That should scare San Antonio.

The Spurs cannot just settle for jumpers, especially if they’re not dropping

San Antonio didn’t have a particularly good shooting night. It was particularly bad in the second half. The Spurs scored just 48 points after intermission and shot just 2-of-19 (10.5%) from 3-point range in the second half.

At times, it felt like some of those shots were forced and that San Antonio was pressing, although Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said after the game that he thought his team “missed some good shots.”

The Knicks have excellent length and versatility at wing and play excellent perimeter defense. The Spurs didn’t do enough to grind through possessions and work harder for easier looks.

Granted, the Knicks can clog the paint, so it’s easier said than done, but San Antonio could’ve attacked the paint to open up better looks from deep. The Spurs, after all, trailed in points in the paint, 50-42.

“I think there will be some possessions that — again — we could’ve worked the clock more, worked them more defensively,” Johnson said. “I kind of refer to them as ‘just shots.’ Is it a bad shot, a good shot? I don't really know, but it's just a shot.

“We probably could be a little bit more greedy on those possessions to get something better as a group.”

The Knicks won this game with deliberate possessions and ball security

In the first half, the Knicks committed 8 turnovers, which yielded to 12 Spurs points off those giveaways. New York played rushed and tried to match San Antonio’s speed, which was a losing proposition.

In the second half, New York committed just 1 single turnover. This did a couple of things.

For one, it led to better, higher-quality shots. For another, that limited the amount of transition opportunities the Spurs had. To be fair, the Knicks did also do a far better job in the second half about getting back on defense, but New York was much better about playing closer to its identity after intermission: getting to the paint, making extra passes and taking care of the ball.

Young Spurs start frenzied and finish the same way, too

The Spurs were just four days removed from a very physical seven-game series against the defending champions. They’re a very young team, and this was the first time they were playing for stakes this high.

That all showed up early in Game 1, with the Spurs playing too rushed through their sets, seemingly amped up by the moment. As the first quarter wore on, San Antonio settled in extremely well and used its defense to generate turnovers and easier offense.

San Antonio would stay competitive throughout the game, which featured runs from both teams. But the Knicks closed the game on a 11-0 run, and the Spurs did not score a single point in the final 2:16 of the game.

Victor Wembanyama showed early force and urgency. That wasn’t nearly enough

It became clear very early in Game 1 that Wembanyama intended to set the tone for San Antonio. Whether he was handling the ball and bringing it up the floor or setting screens in offensive actions, Wembanyama was active, clearly trying to lead by example.

He made two of his first four shots and finished the first quarter with 5 points, but San Antonio tends to feed off of Wembanyama’s energy. This was a decent start for the 22 year old.

It wouldn’t last long. Wembanyama labored through a rough, 28.6% shooting night, and the Spurs will need to figure out ways to get easier offense for him as the series goes on. Some of that can be schemed. Whether San Antonio opts to use Wembanyama more as a screener in pick-and-rolls — an action that yielded a lot of success in the Western Conference finals against the Thunder — or have him initiate offense, the Spurs will have a difficult time winning this series if Wembanyama struggles to impact offense.

That’s only compounded further if San Antonio’s perimeter shots aren’t falling.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA Finals Game 1 analysis, takeaways as Knicks top Spurs in opener