Victor Wembanyama is 7ft 5in and has an 8ft wingspan [Getty Images]
Victor Wembanyama bagged 22 points as San Antonio Spurs defeated defending champions the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014, where they will face the New York Knicks.
San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson had called on Wembanyama to score more than 20 points after a disappointing showing in game five.
An inspired 28-point haul by the 22-year-old Frenchman on Friday helped level the best-of-seven series at 3-3 and save his "childhood dream" - which is now within touching distance.
"Winning the Larry O'Brien [NBA championship trophy] is a childhood dream, and having a real shot at it, having a tangible chance at winning it - it's a lifetime chance," said Wembanyama after reaching the Finals for the first time.
"You never know when it's gonna happen again. But the day we win it, speaking for myself, it's going to be an amazing day - the realisation of a dream.
"It's hard to put into words. It's almost like the meaning of my life."
Johnson's side last won the NBA showpiece in 2014, while the Knicks will compete in the finals for the first time in 27 years.
It will be a rematch of the 1999 NBA Finals, which San Antonio won in five games for their first of five NBA championships.
Having scored 41 points in game one and 33 points in game four, the number one pick in the 2023 draft showed in the deciding two matches why he was one of the most coveted picks since LeBron James in 2003.
"What I've learned is that I can go through hurdles that I didn't know could get so high," added Wembanyama.
"I found resources inside of me. Relentlessness. I already knew that, but doing it at this level, this is the best basketball being played on the planet right now. And the crazy thing is I want to do that 15 or 20 more times."
The NBA Finals series will begin on 3 June, with a possible game seven finale on 19 June.
Spurs rookie Dylan Harper, from New Jersey, and Julian Champagnie, from New York, have deep roots in the local basketball scene.
Harper, 20, attended Don Bosco Prep High School just outside of New York City in Ramsey, NJ and spent his freshman year of college at Rutgers before being selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Champagnie, 24, went to Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn and then stayed close to home by going to St. John's for three seasons.
After winning the Western Conference Finals, both players couldn't have been more excited to talk about returning home and facing the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on the biggest stage.
"It's going to be a fun one," Harper said. "I think they kind of got us in the [NBA] Cup, like you said, got us when we went there. We pulled out a close one at home. I think for us it comes down to doubling down on what we're good at... I feel like it's a great matchup.
"For me, my dream has been always to play in The Garden in the NBA Finals and I get to do that my first year. I'm not gonna take nothing for granted."
Growing up in New Jersey, Harper said that he's attended many Knicks games throughout his life and expects to get countless ticket requests from people. The rookie added this opportunity doesn't feel real, but he's confident that it's meant to be.
"I've been to so many Knicks playoff games, Knicks games. I live 25, 30 minutes from the arena. I know there's going to be a whole lot of tickets I'll be asked for, but my phone's going to be off for that," Harper said. "It's a dream come true, it's a blessing. It's kind of where I've always wanted to play at for the Finals.
"I think that if you would have told this last year, I would have told you you're crazy. I think that you kind of go through what you go through to get to moments like this. I've kind of just been steadying, just wanting wants best for me."
"I've been to so many Knicks playoff games, Knicks games - I live 25, 30 minutes from the arena. I know there's going to be a whole lot of tickets I'll be asked for."
Dylan Harper on growing up a Knicks fan and now facing them in the NBA Finals: pic.twitter.com/XzlJJTTsrf
Champagnie said playing at The Garden while at St. John's as a kid from Brooklyn was a special moment, but this is going to be a whole different experience.
"That's every kid's dream, that's every kid's dream," Champagnie said. "I remember my first time actually playing in The Garden, I was at St. John's, and I was just like in awe of how much greatness has gone through there and what that means to a kid from the city. Being that now we get to go play them for a championship? That's personal, that's personal.
"I get to go home. Obviously, to see family. I get to play in front of a lot of my family. My family hasn't come to no games yet, I've been keeping it strictly basketball right now. When the Knicks made the championship, I tell them, I said, 'When we get this done, you guys can come to every game if you want to, so what.'
"It's up the block, I've passed by there so many times, I've played there so many times. Being able to go back there and compete for a championship? There's no better feeling, no better feeling."
Knowing the Knicks fanbase well, Champagnie added that he and the Spurs won't be bothered by them traveling to San Antonio and is confident in his team's fans showing up in New York.
"I don't think we're too worried about the fans," Champagnie said. "Obviously me being from New York, I know how they get. So there's a little bit of that in me. I don't think we're too worried about their fans. We have great fans down in San Antonio. I'm 100 percent sure that the same way Knicks fans will travel, San Antonio fans will travel. So I'm not too worried about fans and stuff like that, we're gonna make sure it gets done."
While it will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the two local players, it'll be a tough challenge against a Knicks team who's won a playoff-record 11 straight games.
Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals is on Tuesday, June 3 in San Antonio at 8:30 p.m.
"That's every kid's dream"
Julian Champagnie, who was born in New York City and played college basketball at St. John's, on playing in the NBA Finals at MSG: pic.twitter.com/UHJhjhJl57
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 30: The San Antonio Spurs celebrates winning the Western Conference championship against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals on May 30, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Morgan Givens/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Two nights ago, the San Antonio Spurs were staring elimination right in the eyes. The defending NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder had control of the Western Conference Finals and had the young Spurs squad on the brink of elimination in their first playoff run. However, instead of folding under pressure like many felt they would, the Spurs responded.
First came the rout in Game 6 as San Antonio handed Oklahoma City a 27-point defeat to force a seventh and final game. On Saturday night, the Spurs faced their biggest test yet: A Game 7 on the road in a hostile road environment to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals. The moment never seemed too much for this Spurs team, not in this year.
Inside a loud and often times deafening Paycom Center, the Spurs played loose and confident as they defeated the Thunder 111-103 to win the Western Conference title and in the process, earning their first trip back to the NBA Finals since 2014.
“We had a lot of guys step up and make shots tonight, which we needed with a variety of people who had the double digit points, but it was a complete team effort,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said after the game.
As the final seconds ticked off, Devin Vassell put the exclamation point on the series with a breakaway dunk, sending most of the fans inside the arena towards the exits. As the buzzer sounded, emotion overcame Victor Wembanyama as he embraced his teammates, partly relieved but mostly excited. The franchise that has won five NBA championships and went through a rebuild was finally back on basketball’s biggest stage.
The victory wasn’t built on one moment, it was built on the emotion and resilience of a team that was told “not yet” by critics and talking heads on television. Instead, as Mike Tirco put it, “a new era has arrived.” Wembanyama, the face of the franchise and the centerpiece of its future, delivered when his team needed him the most. He scored 22 points and paced the Spurs’ defense, reminding everyone why he quickly becoming the next face of the league. But it wasn’t just Wemby who put the Spurs back in this position.
“Winning the Larry O’Brien is a childhood dream and having a real shot at it, having a chance, a tangible chance at winning it realizing a dream,” Wembanyama said. “It’s a lifetime chance you never know what’s going to happen again.”
Julian Champagnie had one of the best games of his career, scoring 20 points and hitting six three-pointers. Every time Oklahoma City threatened to build momentum, Champagnie seemed to answer with another big shot from downtown. Stephon Castle, playing far beyond his years, continued his emergence as one of the postseason’s breakout stars with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Still, the Thunder refused to go down without a fight. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put his team on his back, pouring in 35 points, and did everything possible to keep Oklahoma City alive. Each double-digit lead for San Antonio felt fragile when it was matched with another SGA bucket. Still, San Antonio proved this night and this Western Conference belongs to them.
When Oklahoma City cut into the lead during the second half, the Spurs answered with defensive stops. When Wembanyama found himself battling foul trouble late in the game, Luke Kornet came up with a huge block that resembled LeBron James against Golden State in 2016 that led to Mike Breen’s famous call “blocked by James!”. The ball continued to move. The defense continued to swarm.
Most importantly, the belief never disappeared and that’s what has made this run feel different. For years, the Spurs’ future was something to discuss. It was potential, draft picks, projections and being “on schedule”. Now, it is a reality. The young roster that spent the season learning how to win spent the postseason proving it could. Along the way, San Antonio survived injuries, overcame adversity and eliminated the defending champions on their home court.
“Coming here, my first full year, being able to be in the Finals, I don’t know about if I thought that, but I knew that we’re going to have a damn good team, and we continued to get better throughout the course of the season,” Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox said.
The reward is a trip to the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, a rematch of the 1999 championship series that saw the Spurs win their first NBA title. This version of the Spurs, however, is creating its own legacy. The dynasty teams that had Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and Gregg Popovich inspired a generation. This Spurs team is beginning to inspire the next one.
Now, after years of rebuilding and a season of learning how to win together, the Spurs are now four wins away from bringing another NBA Championship home to the Alamo City.
While the journey isn’t finished, for one unforgettable night in Oklahoma City, the Spurs arrived exactly where they’ve always believed they belong.
Game Notes
Shoutout to Keldon Johnson, who struggled in these playoffs, but came up big when his team needed him to. He scored 11 points, including two huge three-pointers in fourth quarter.
Dylan Harper had 12 points, showing the confidence of a seasoned veteran. He will be key in these NBA Finals.
Devin Vassell didn’t have the best shooting night, but he did the little things that were needed for his team to come out on top.
The Spurs will have three days off to prepare for the Knicks and, most importantly, give De’Aaron Fox and Harper time to recover from their lingering injuries.
Victor Wembanyama was emotional after the Spurs defeated the Thunder in Game 7 on May 30.
Victor Wembanyama didn’t say anything after Game 5, ducking out of Paycom Center before speaking with reporters.
He didn’t say much after the Spurs’ Game 6 victory, either, during an on-court interview with NBC.
But after Game 7, after Wembanyama powered the Spurs past top-seeded Oklahoma City in a thrilling finish to the Western Conference finals and into an NBA Finals showdown against the Knicks, his emotions on the court said it all.
Wembanyama was visibly emotional while embracing his San Antonio teammates following their 111-103 victory over the Thunder on Saturday in Oklahoma City, at one point placing his head in his hands and yelling in celebration as he made his way around the court immediately after the final buzzer sounded.
“Winning the Larry O’Brien [trophy], it’s a childhood dream, and having a real shot at it, having a chance, tangible chance at winning it, realizing a dream, you know — it’s a chance,” Wembanyama told reporters during his postgame press conference. “It’s a lifetime chance. You never know when it’s gonna happen again. The day we win it, speaking for myself, it’s gonna be an amazing day of realization of the dream. It’s hard to put into words. It’s almost like the meaning of my life.”
THE RAW EMOTION
THE MOMENT THE SPURS CLINCHED THEIR SPOT IN THE 2026 NBA FINALS IN OKLAHOMA CITY! pic.twitter.com/uCfQdOOnI5
Victor Wembanyama reacts after the Spurs’ 111-103 Game 7 win over the Thunder on May 30, 2026 in Oklahoma City. NBAE via Getty Images
It’s fitting that Wembanyama — one of the new faces of the league as a superstar in his third year — will lead the Spurs back to their first Finals appearance since 2014, which also marked their last title.
The 7-foot-4 center finished third in MVP voting and became the first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year winner during the regular season, finishing with averages of 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and an NBA-best 3.1 blocks per game.
Victor Wembanyama was emotional after the Spurs’ Game 7 win. Imagn Images
That success has continued during his first trip to the postseason, too, as Wembanyama had averaged 23.3, 11.0, 2.8 and 3.7 per game in the playoffs before adding another 22 points and seven rebounds in Game 7.
And now, San Antonio sits four wins from its fifth title this century, with Game 1 set for Wednesday against the Knicks — who defeated the Spurs in the NBA Cup final back in December at a neutral site in Las Vegas.
Victor Wembanyama celebrates with his Spurs teammates after their Game 7 win. AP Photo
“I want to win so bad,” Wembanyama said during his postgame press conference. “It’s like my life depends on it.”
The 22-year-old was visibly emotional as the clock ran out on the road game at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. He tucked his face into his jersey and pumped his fists before giving hugs to teammates De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie.
Wembanyama, who won the Defensive Player of the Year in the regular season, was named the Western Conference finals Most Valuable Player. His emotions continued throughout the night.
Here is two minutes of an extremely emotional Victor Wembanyama celebrating the aftermath of a conference finals elimination of the Thunder. Advances to his first Finals five months after his 22nd birthday. pic.twitter.com/T21ZdAKjaS
"Winning the Larry O’Brien is a childhood dream,” he choked out words to reporters after the game. “And having a real shot at it, having tangible chance at winning it, realizing a dream, it’s a lifetime chance. You never know when it’s going to happen again. But the day we win it, speaking for myself, it’s going to be an amazing day of the realization of a dream. It’s hard to put into words. It’s almost like the meaning of my life.”
But the center made sure to acknowledge that he isn't reaching the NBA Finals on his own.
"It's an unreal chance. My life is amazing and being with these guys, living these things with these guys that I love so, so, so much, it's amazing," he continued. "I want to have this feeling plenty, plenty more times in my life."
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 28: Carter Bryant #11 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Six of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 28, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Another former Arizona Wildcat is heading to the NBA Finals. The San Antonio Spurs beat defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in game seven of the Western Conference Finals, which means Carter Bryant will be heading to the finals in his rookie season.
He becomes the third Arizona alumni to reach the finals in his rookie season since Luke Walton did it with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004. The other player was Richard Jefferson with the New Jersey Nets in 2002.
Carter Bryant is the 3rd Arizona alum to reach the NBA Finals in his first pro season, first since Luke Walton with the Lakers in 2004. The other is Richard Jefferson with the Nets in 2002.
Al Fleming made it in 1978 with Sonics but was drafted in 1976
This is now the 12th consecutive season that an Arizona Wildcat will participate in the NBA FInals. Last season, it was T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin with the Indiana Pacers to make the finals, but unfortunately they could not get the job done.
Aaron Gordon and Zeke Nnaji were the last Arizona Wildcats to win the NBA Finals when they won with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.
Bryant was drafted by the Spurs in last year’s NBA Draft with the 14th overall pick. His rookie season has given him a bit of everything.
Earlier this season, he participated in the NBA dunk contest and was beaten in the championship by another former Wildcat in Keshad Johnson. Fast forward and Bryant will now be playing on the NBA’s biggest stage.
The conference finals did bring a lot of struggle but in typical Arizona fashion he responded. From being chewed out by his coach to having some of the loudest plays, Bryant has taken big steps in his basketball development.
Carter Bryant appeared to have tears in his eyes after his coach yelled at him following a turnover pic.twitter.com/bBVIo5wI8i
It’s one thing for your coach to stick by you, but when you have one of the best players in the world continuously supporting you, the work ethic can never fade. Victor Wembanyama, along with the rest of the Spurs, have never lost faith in Bryant.
The New York Knicks were the team from the eastern conference awaiting their NBA Finals opponent. This is a team that not only San Antonio has struggled against, but Bryant has seen major struggles.
In the two regular season games between New York and San Antonio, Bryant played a total of 11 minutes and did not score. It will certainly be interesting to see how much he will be played in his first finals appearance. The first opportunity he could have will be next Wednesday in game one.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 23: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Knicks are playing the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals after their opponent pulled out a gutsy Game 7 win on the road to get back to the Finals for the first time in 12 years.
For the Knicks, it’s a rematch of their last Finals appearance in 1999, when they lost in five games to Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and the Twin Tower Spurs. This time around, they won’t face two towers in the paint, but they are facing off against one of the most unique big men in league history in Victor Wembanyama.
Here’s a look at the schedule for the series between the Knicks and Spurs:
Game 1: Wednesday June 3, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Game 2: Friday June 5, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Game 3: Monday June 8, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Game 4: Wednesday June 10, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Game 5: Saturday June 13, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX (if necessary)
Game 6: Tuesday June 16, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)– Madison Square Garden, New York, NY (if necessary)
Game 7: Friday June 19, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC) – Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX(if necessary)
Posting & Toasting community, what are you most looking forward to in the series between the Knicks and Spurs? Let us know in the comments section below.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 10: Rolando Blackman represents the Dallas Mavericks during the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on May 10, 2026 at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
On Monday I asked the staff this simple question (then forgot to run the post for a week): what is something regarding the NBA Draft that you’ve talked yourself into?
Tyler: I’ve talked myself into believing that the Mavericks will be making at least one draft night trade in round one. At pick nine, it could be that they see value in moving back and drafting a guy they didn’t feel was worth it at ninth. It could be wanting to acquire an extra first-round pick (think OKC or Charlotte). Or, it could be trading pick 30 for cap relief, or even attaching a player to pick 30 to move up in the order. I don’t know which will be the case, but I’m convinced at least one will happen.
Sudarshan: Maybe not since the Lottery, but I’ve talked myself into being somewhat accepting of the Masai Ujiri hiring.
Regarding the draft itself? We’re going to get a polarising prospect which will inspire many a heated debate about fit & future.
Bryan: I’ve talked myself into Brayden Burries being the best guard option available after the top 4 (Brown, Wagler, Acuff, Flemings) are off the board. There is still a solid chance that Aday Mara goes 8th to Atlanta and one of the lead guards falls to us, but if not, we could do much worse than Burries at 9.
Joe: Something I’m convincing myself of more and more is that Dallas is going to have more options at 9 then a lot of people originally let on. When the season ended on April 12th, the entire fanbase was online complaining and pouting that winning 26 games in a season wasnt good enough because they wouldnt be able to have a good chance at a top 4 pick and that they would have less options to draft an all world prospect. I think as we get closer and closer, we see the consensus uncertainty and near guaranteed chaos that is almost surely going to happen throughout the top 10 picks of this upcoming nba draft. I think that between the different taste in the teams favorite prospects and depth of upper echelon talent, there are going to be teams who make some interesting and consensually bizzare decisions. I think a team like the Nets, the Kings, or the hawks, can reach or take someone that pushes one of the Mavs guys to them at 9
Brent: Bracing for changes this summer. Maybe on or before draft night. No one outside of #32 is untouchable and we have a new brain trust in place who will shake things up in ways we will not see coming. Expect the unexpected. So much ink is being spilled right now on what might happen and I feel like we are about to get a curveball or two that will reshape the face of this roster.
Michael: I’ve talked myself into actually remembering that I have no idea what will happen. Early on, I took to believing the Mavs would target a guard, then got on the hope train that we’d still get a good one despite falling a spot in the draft order. Now I’ve all but eliminated most of those thoughts in exchange for hopeful optimism and expecting the unexpected.
I trust Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz enough to do the right thing, but the “right thing” is now colored against a much different background. It seems evident that a massive roster overhaul is at least plausible, so with that, I no longer have any expectation we’re going for a guard. In fact, I expect something unexpected that will begin to make sense as the offseason really begins to play out. If anyone on the current roster could be moved, anyone in the draft could reasonably fill a need. Therefore, I’m expecting the front office to make intelligent moves, but no longer predicting what those moves might be.
After rolling through the Eastern Conference behind Jalen Brunson’s playoff brilliance, the Knicks now face the San Antonio Spurs after Wemby & Co. eliminated the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
Despite New York’s dominant postseason run, NBA Finals odds immediately opened the Knicks as series underdogs, saying everything about how highly the betting market views OKC.
Before Game 1 tips off, here’s a full breakdown of the opening Knicks vs. Spurs NBA Finals odds, Finals MVP markets, and the best early betting angles.
Knicks vs. Thunder NBA Finals odds
Market
Knicks
Spurs
Series price
+170
-205
Game 1 spread
+5.0 -110
-5.0 -110
Game 1 moneyline
+170
-205
Game 1 total
Over 217 -110
Under 217 -110
Odds as of 5-30 via bet365.
The New York Knicks may have entered the playoffs as the No. 3 seed, but New York hasn’t looked like an underdog for weeks.
After sweeping both the 76ers and Cavaliers in back-to-back series, the Knicks punched their ticket to the NBA Finals behind Jalen Brunson’s playoff brilliance and one of the most physical defensive identities left in the postseason.
Still, sportsbooks opened San Antonio as the favorite entering the series.
The betting market clearly respects the Spurs' depth and versatility, but the Knicks have already proven throughout this playoff run that they’re more than capable of controlling games with defense, rebounding, and clutch shot-making.
NBA Finals MVP Odds
Player
Odds
Victor Wembanyama
-175
Jalen Brunson
+210
Karl-Anthony Towns
+2000
Stephon Castle
+6000
OG Anunoby
+7500
De'Aaron Fox
+10000
OG Anunoby
+12500
Odds as of 5-30 via bet365.
Jalen Brunson opened as the clear betting favorite on the Knicks side after carrying New York through the Eastern Conference playoffs, while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby also remain intriguing long-shot options entering the NBA Finals.
Still, the market continues to lean heavily toward Oklahoma City.
Victor Wembanyama opened as the overall Finals MVP favorite at -175, reflecting both the Spurs' status as series favorites and his dominant postseason run. Meanwhile, players like Stephon Castle continue to draw respect because of San Antonio’s depth and defensive versatility.
If the Knicks are going to pull off the upset, though, it’s difficult to imagine anyone other than Brunson winning the award.
Knicks vs. Spurs series prediction
The Knicks bring physicality, depth, and defensive toughness, but this series ultimately comes down to a question they may not be able to answer: how do you consistently contain Victor Wembanyama over seven games or less?
San Antonio’s ceiling is simply higher. Wemby’s two-way dominance warps matchups on both ends, and if the Spurs get even steady secondary production, they’ll be difficult to slow.
The Knicks can grind games into the mud and steal a couple with their rebounding and half-court execution, but they lack the singular superstar force to tilt a tightly contested series.
Expect a competitive, physical Finals with multiple close finishes, but San Antonio’s star power and defensive versatility give them the edge late.
Prediction: Spurs to win NBA Finals (-205)
Early Knicks vs Spurs Game 1 prediction
We saw New York look a little sluggish in this same scenario for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, coming off an extended rest while their opponent just finished a seven-game series.
The Knicks trailed by as much as 22 points in the fourth quarter, but rallied back as Cleveland utterly collapsed.
The Spurs will not implode like that.
I don't think San Antonio will be up by 20+ points either, but if New York has to shake off rust in the Finals opener, the Spurs are too talented to not take advantage.
Prediction: Spurs -5 (-110)
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Victor Wembanyama continues Wemby-mania with Stephon Castle and rookie sensation Dylan Harper as he marches into his first NBA Finals with the Spurs. The center has already had an outstanding postseason with the most blocks in a game, and, at 22, he was the youngest player to have a 40-point, 20-rebound in playoff history.
After bulldozing through the conference semifinals and finals, this is the Knicks' first time making it to the championship round since 1999. Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges will seek to bring the Big Apple back to glory with Ben Stiller, Spike Lee and Timothée Chalamet cheering them on every step of the way.
The NBA Finals tip off on Wednesday, June 3 in San Antonio.
The New York Knicks will face the San Antonio Spurs in what is sure to be a thrilling best-of-seven series for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Victor Wembanyama was emotional after beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of a heated Western Conference finals. This will be the San Antonio center's first Finals appearance after a historic playoffs run where he broke several records, including most blocks in a game and, at 22 years of age, the youngest player to notch 40+ points and 20+ rebounds in a competition.
The Knicks punched their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 by sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks' dominance was marked by an average margin of victory of 23.7 points.
Now the attention shifts to the NBA Finals, which tip off on Wednesday, June 3. Below is the complete schedule for this year’s championship series.
May 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in the third quarter during game seven of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The San Antonio Spurs survived an epic Game 7 in Oklahoma City, and are going back to the Finals after 12 years. The team’s record is now 5-7 all-time in Game 7s.
The Spurs seemed to be unaffected by nerves, starting off making their first five shots and each starter scored within six minutes. Victor Wembanyama didn’t have the highest scoring night (22 points, seven rebounds, two assists), but he was leading the charge defensively. Stephon Castle also stepped up (16 points, six rebounds, six assists) as if he’d been there before and maintained his edge even while in foul trouble.
The Thunder being absent Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell didn’t have enough help around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when he was seeing multiple bodies. He still went on a wild spree, but the Spurs’ pressure made the half-court as nasty as a mud wrestling match, and it had OKC’s players shaky, missing easy ones behind the arc.
Observations
This marked the second time in NBA history that a Game 7 featured the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. Both stars were true to their nature with SGA doing a boatload of scoring, and Wemby blowing up a lot of sets. This time, the edge this time goes to SGA because he gave the opposing defense fewer breaks, but history will remember that detail less because OKC lost.
The Spurs had more ball handlers, and for a while, their motion created extra breakdowns to unlock the 3-point line. Then OKC, sensing desperation, raised its intensity and nothing came easy for the rest of the game as they scored just 34 in the lane. Keep in mind that their season low, which includes the playoffs, was 32 points.
SGA’s conditioning is next-level because he was OKC’s only capable high-usage ball handler, and he wasn’t as tired as one normally would be seeing a defense as sharp as San Antonio’s He was doing everything for them in his 43 minutes.
The first non-Wemby minutes started with the Spurs ahead by 10 points and they were up nine when the substitution came. Stephon Castle had a big part keeping the offense rolling in that span. The biggest weakness of that rotation was getting beat twice in transition. The next critical non-Wemby minutes were a short stretch in the third, and the Spurs maintained their nine-point lead. Then Luke Kornet had a huge chase down block (play of the game) on Isaiah Hartenstein in the last one after Wemby picked up his fifth foul.
Chet Holmgren was guarded by Devin Vassell plus other perimeter players, and he spent the game invisible. Some might call this one of the most embarrassing disappearing acts of all time.
Julian Champagnie had his best moment of the season in the third quarter, scoring 11 points while the game was for the taking. It was also a big emotional boost for the team, and so were Keldon Johnson’s consecutive treys and fastbreak layup early in the fourth.
The Spurs defense was fierce and unrelenting. They had six steals in the first quarter, with two belonging to De’Aaron Fox, as they swiped at drives and intercepted passes. Additionally, they did a decent of guarding without fouling.
The Thunder had the edge in second-chance scoring, but the Spurs closed the distance in the second half, and there was no bigger tip-ins than Dylan Harper’s to put the team up 11 with fewer than five minutes to go, and Castle’s with under a minute left.
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 1: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 1, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The New York Knicks have their mark for the NBA Finals.
After winning Game 7 at the Paycom Center, the San Antonio Spurs have completed their comeback and will face off against the Knicks in the NBA Finals.
For the Spurs, it’s their first visit to the NBA Finals since 2014 after they beat LeBron James and the Miami Heat in five games. That was San Antonio’s sixth Finals visit in a 15-year span, which began back in 1999 when they faced off against the Knicks, whom they beat in five games.
For the Knicks, they have not been back to the Finals since that trip back in 1999, but they come into this series extremely well-rested after sweeping both the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers in back-to-back series. Their last game came back on Monday, when they beat the Cavs by 37 points in Game 4 inside Rocket Arena.
The Knicks could come in with a big advantage with not as much mileage as the Spurs in the playoffs. The Spurs are coming off a brutal seven-game Western Conference Finals bloodbath against the Thunder, while the Knicks will have over a week of rest. However, the Knicks will start the series on the road and must win at least one game in San Antonio in order to win the franchise’s first title since 1973.
Posting and Toasting community, what do you think of the matchup between the Knicks and the Spurs? Let us know in the comments section below.
Victor Wembanyama and his Spurs teammates celebrate their win over the Thunder.Photograph: Nate Billings/AP
For large parts of this season, many wondered if the Oklahoma City Thunder had any weaknesses. One thing the reigning champions didn’t have was Victor Wembanyama, who led the San Antonio Spurs to a Game 7 victory in the Western Conference finals.
The Spurs’ 111-103 victory on Saturday night means they will face the New York Knicks in the NBA finals, with Game 1 set for Wednesday in San Antonio.
It would be a disservice to Wembanyama’s teammates to say the result was solely down to the 7ft 4in Frenchman, though. Julian Champagnie scored 20 points, including six three-pointers, Dylan Harper looked dangerous whenever he came off the bench and Wembanyama’s backup, Luke Kornet, pulled off a brilliant block at the rim in the fourth quarter as the Thunder threatened a comeback. Wembanyama finished the game with 22 points and seven rebounds.
“They don’t know how much I love them, and everyone stepped up tonight,” the 22-year-old said of his teammates.
The Thunder, who were without Jalen Williams due to a hamstring injury, fought hard even as the clock ticked down but they were forced to take hopeful threes from well outside the arc and the Spurs had the final say with a breakaway dunk.
Wembanyama was named the series MVP and was in tears at the end of the game.
“Realizing that some part of a childhood dream is going to come true,” said Wembanyama when he was asked why he had been so emotional as his team clinched their place in the finals. “We’re still hungry, we want more. This feeling is so powerful, I can’t explain it”.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, was typically brilliant for the Thunder, scoring 35 points and dishing out nine assists. But none of his teammates scored more than 20 as they relinquished their title.
“You have to grow from every experience, including the tough ones,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “And it’s the NBA – there are tough ones. We can also be really disappointed ... There’s nobody that we don’t think we can beat, respectfully.”
As for the Spurs, they are confident of the road ahead. They may also be cheered by history: the last time the Knicks made the NBA finals, in 1999, they faced the Spurs, who won the series 4-1.
“We never knew if we were going to get this far but when you’ve got the greatest player in the world things happen,” said Champagnie after the game.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs started the Western Conference finals with a win in Oklahoma City, then ended the series the same way.
The champions are dethroned. Wembanyama and the Spurs are headed to the NBA Finals.
Wembanyama scored 22 points, Julian Champagnie got 18 of his 20 off of 3-pointers and the Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 on Saturday night — bucking heavy odds to win a Game 7 on the road.
Victor Wembanyama, holding the Western Conference MVP trophy he won, celebrates with teammates after the Spurs’ 111-103 Game 7 win over the Thunder on May 30, 2026 in Oklahoma City. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Stephon Castle scored 16 points and De’Aaron Fox had 15. Dylan Harper added 12 and Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell each finished with 11 for the Spurs, who are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014.
They will host the New York Knicks in Game 1 on Wednesday night.
The Spurs reacts as a timeout is called in the second half of their Game 7 win over the Thunder. AP Photo/Nate Billings
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, but for the eighth consecutive season the NBA will have a new champion.
Knicks
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