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."
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 30: Brett Sullivan #26 of the Colorado Rockies congratulates Ryan Feltner #18 after a scoreless sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on May 30, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The only way to build a streak is one game at a time.
After a five-game losing streak, the Colorado Rockies mounted a ninth-inning comeback win over the San Francisco Giants on Friday night to get back in the win column. The Rockies came out swinging on Saturday to make it two.
In a refreshing manner, the Rox made things fairly relaxing. They took control of the game right off the bat and never looked back.
Welcome back, Ryan Feltner!
You’re never quite sure what you’re going to get when a pitcher comes back from an injury. Ryan Feltner progressed nicely after landing on the 15-day injured list and rehabbing in Albuquerque, but there are always some nerves along with the leap back to the majors.
Things couldn’t have gone any better for Feltner in the top of the first. He came out firing, showing off his velocity and putting together an extremely efficient 1-2-3 inning, escaping on just seven pitches.
Feltner continued his hot start with a great day all around. Aside from Ezequiel Tovar snagging a grounder up the middle to save a hit in the bottom of the first, he didn’t need much help.
Feltner did a great job getting ahead of batters. He was aggressive targeting the zone, getting a first-pitch strike on 11 of 15 batters faced through the fifth. He didn’t find himself in many jams, working through half of his innings on 10 or fewer pitches.
You couldn’t have asked for more in Feltner’s return to the Rockies. He bounced back impeccably, notching a Quality Start and finishing the day with 6.0 shutout innings pitched, giving up just four hits with two strikeouts and no walks.
After the game, manager Warren Schaeffer commented on his efficiency: “(His) fastball command was exceptional, slider was good, got double play balls when he needed them early. I just thought he controlled the game very well. He was in attack mode. When he does that, he’s pretty dang good.”
Thanks, Rally Rabbit!
Conversely, things were a struggle for Adrian Houser to start the game. The Giants’ starter was put to work early, giving up crucial hits and walks in the first. He struggled to find the zone, as his two-seam fastball had the velocity but could not hit the mark. He needed nearly 40 pitches to get out of the first.
The Rockies offense was still feeling the effects of the loose bunny that ran the warning track and jumpstarted the bats on Friday night:
The Rally Rabbit made an early appearance to keep things rolling Saturday night, lurking in the grass before the game started. Whether you attribute things to the bunny or to the offense finding their groove, the Rockies struck early.
Colorado took advantage of Houser’s struggles. After Jake McCarthy and Hunter Goodman both walked, Willi Castro brought McCarthy home with a line drive to center field. Tovar singled to join his friends on the basepaths to load things up.
Sterlin Thompson put together a great at bat and was hit by a pitch (on what would’ve been ball four anyway), as Goodman came home. Edouard Julien was unable to do more damage, striking out with the bases loaded. But the Rockies took a 2-0 lead into the second.
Later in the bottom of the fourth, McCarthy followed up a Julien single with a two-run dinger at the expense of Houser to increase the lead to 4-0. Not long after that, Houser was yanked with two outs, replaced by Sam Hentges. Houser finished his day with just 3.2 innings pitched, surrendering eight hits, four earned runs including a home run, and two walks with four strikeouts.
The Rockies offense continued a steady assault through the middle innings, getting runners on base and increasing the lead.
In the bottom of the fifth, Hentges got the first two outs but couldn’t stop Colorado from breaking through. Julien drew a walk and was moved to second base by a Brett Sullivan single. McCarthy grabbed another RBI with a single to left, bringing the lead to 5-0.
Later, in the bottom of the seventh, Kyle Karros joined the fun and blasted a solo shot into the bullpen over the right center fence — his first against a team other than the Los Angeles Dodgers.
McCarthy’s thirst for RBI wasn’t quenched, so he knocked another single to left to bring Tyler Freeman home and put the Rockies up by a touchdown with a successful PAT. Schaeffer noted that, “Jake’s taken the opportunity and run with it… he’s taken full advantage of his playing time.” TJ Rumfield would return McCarthy’s favor, with another single to get McCarthy across the plate. The Rockies left the seventh up 8-0.
Staving off a comeback
Alas, it wouldn’t be a shutout. After a clean seventh from Brennan Bernardino, Blas Castaño entered in the top of the eighth, going on to give up a two-run home run to Drew Gilbert. He surrendered a triple to Jung Hoo Lee in the ninth, followed by an RBI single to Matt Chapman to make the game 8-3.
Luckily the Rockies had plenty of cushion. With seven shutout innings from the pitching staff and 14 hits from the offense, Colorado gave the fans little to worry about as nearly everything went right across the board.
Up Next
With the series win in hand, the Rockies will try to sweep the Giants on Sunday afternoon.
Robbie Ray gets his 12th start of the season, going 3-6 so far with a 4.60 ERA with 53 strikeouts across 58.2 innings pitched. For the Rockies, Tanner Gordon is set to get another start. Gordon has a 0-0 record with a 5.85 ERA in eight games and one start this season. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. MDT.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - MAY 30: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves hits a home run in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on May 30, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This season is going astonishingly well in Atlanta. They are the first team to 40 wins despite missing half of their projected rotation, having missed time from Ronald Acuna and Drake Baldwin, Ha-Seong Kim only playing 12 games and being astonishingly bad, and Austin Riley struggling. Now Schwellenbach, Waldrep, and Smith-Shawver are progressing back towards health, Ronald Acuna is healthy and in full form, Drake Baldwin should hopefully be back soon, they have the depth to bench Kim for real MLB shortstop options, and Austin Riley is (maybe? hopefully?) showing some life. This could be a SCARY team in October if health doesn’t betray them, but we’ve still got ~100 games to go for the regular season. Let’s enjoy what a journey it’s been so far, what a journey we’ve got to come, and hope for something special come October.
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.
Johnston, posting on X on Saturday, May 30, reported the family will donate the brain of the four-time Stanley Cup champion to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center "for research into the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury."
Johnston reported Lemieux's family made the decision with a desire to improve the lives of others.
"'The family emphasizes that this decision is a gift to science, to athletes and to future generations of families seeking answers. No conclusion should be drawn at this time regarding any diagnosis,'" Johnston's post, which includes a statement from the family, reads.
The Palm County Medical Examiner's Office told USA TODAY Sports in response to an open records request that "all public records you have requested for Claude Lemieux are exempt from public records as specified under SB 474 - FS 406.135. (2) (c)."
The Floridastatute cited by the Palm County Medical Examiner’s Office was enacted in 2024 and exempts photos, videos, audio recordings and autopsy reports related to suicide victims from general public records requests.
There have been several studies on the possible connection with suicide and CTE. A 2021 study conducted by a group of scientists from Switzerland, Italy and other countries surveyed the effects of CTE on boxers, hockey players and football players.
"Progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms resulting from CTE could lead to suicidal ideation (SI) and eventually suicidal behaviour (SB), especially the more severe forms of SB such as medical serious suicide attempt (SA) and completed suicide," the study said. "For example, CTE was confirmed in post-mortem examinations of over 100 former National Football League players and it was hypothesized that suicide in four of them could have resulted from CTE-induced behavioural changes, but it is difficult to make a direct connection in these cases."
Just a few days ago, baseball fans celebrated the 33rd anniversary of one of MLB’s most bizarre moments. The day that Jose Canseco tried to catch a fly ball, only to see it ricochet off his head and over the wall for a home run.
Thankfully, Saturday night’s game between Milwaukee and UCF in NCAA baseball regional action gave you an updated version.
Grant Ross for Milwaukee came to the plate in the bottom of the fifth with two outs and the bases empty. Ross lofted a fly ball to straight-away center field, where UCF outfielder DeAmez Ross tried to make the catch at the wall.
Instead, the ball deflected off his glove, and then his head, before carooming over the wall for a home run:
𝗜𝗧'𝗦 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗧𝗔 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 💥 @GrantRoss55 with his 6️⃣th Home Run of the Year… with a little help? 👷♂️👷♂️👷♂️
Here is a longer clip, that includes a few replays of the moment at the wall:
The home run staked the upstart Panthers to a 10-1 lead, just one day after the Horizon League champions knocked off Auburn, the fourth-overall seed in the NCAA baseball tournament.
While UCF has closed the gap — the score is currently 10-6 in the bottom of the seventh inning at the time of publication — this play might live on in Milwaukee lore, no matter how the game ends.
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.
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 23: Drew Bowser #19 of the Chicago Cubs at bat during the eighth inning of a Spring Training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Iowa right-hander Connor Noland came off the injured list. Iowa Right-hander Yacksel Ríos went on the temporarily inactive list.
Knoxville first baseman Edgar Alvarez came off the restricted list.
Right-hander Luis Rujano was sent to the rookie ball ACL Cubs from Double-A Knoxville.
Connor Noland came off the injured list and pitched the first four innings. He allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits. Noland struck out six and walked one.
Zac Leigh relieved Noland to start the fifth inning and only managed to retire one batter. Leigh took the loss after giving up five runs on one hit and four walks over one-third of an inning. The one hit was a three-run home run. Leigh did not have a strikeout.
Gavin Hollowell is making a case for a major-league call up with another perfect inning in the seventh, striking out two. Hollowell has a 1.23 ERA and hasn’t given up an earned run since May 7.
DH Chas McCormick went 2 for 5 with two RBI.
Left fielder Ben Cowles was 2 for 5 and scored once.
The Knoxville Smokies swept a doubleheader from the Chattanooga Lookouts (Reds), 7-5 and 7-5.
Starter Jake Knapp pitched 2.2 innings and gave up one run on three hits. He walked one and struck out two.
Dawson Netz pitched the final 3.1 innings and got the win, giving up only one run on a solo home run. He allowed two hits total. Netz struck out two and walked one.
DH Ethan Hearn clubbed a solo home run in the second inning, his third on the year. Hearn went 1 for 4.
In the third inning, catcher Owen Ayers cracked a two-run home run, his seventh. Ayers was also 1 for 4.
First baseman Edgar Alvarez hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning, his fifth home run this year. Alvaraez went 1 for 3.
Finally, third baseman Jefferson Rojas hit his sixth home run with the bases empty in the seventh. Rojas went 1 for 4.
Second baseman Alex Madera was 2 for 3 with an RBI double in the third. He scored on Ayers’ home run.
Shortstop Hayden Cantrelle was 2 for 3 and scored one run.
Tyler Schlaffer started game two and allowed just one run on two hits. Schlaffer walked three and struck out six.
The Smokies went into the bottom of the seventh with a 7-1 lead, but Jackson Kirkpatrick had trouble getting anyone out. He gave up four runs on two hits and three walks over just a third of an inning. So Marino Santy was summoned from the pen with one out, two on and the tying run at the plate. He walked the first batter he faced to load the bases and then a run came home on a ground out by former Smokie Pablo Aliendo. Then Santy got a strikeout to end the game and collect the save.
Left fielder Carter Trice hit a solo home run in the second inning, his eighth on the year. Trice went 1 for 3 with the home run and a sacrifice fly for two total RBI.
Right fielder Alex Ramírez connected with the bases empty in the fifth, his fourth on the year. Ramírez went 2 for 4 with a double and the home run. He scored twice.
Center fielder Andy Garriola was 3 for 4 with a double. He scored one run and drove in one.
Koen Moreno got the start and went four innings. He allowed just two hits. Moreno walked four and struck out four.
Eli Jerzembeck pitched the next two innings and got the win because Moreno didn’t pitch five innings. Jerzembeck gave up no hits, but he walked two and struck out two.
Mason McGwire made his High-A debut in this game and was impressive in collecting a three-inning save. He allowed just one baserunner, a two-out single in the seventh. McGwire struck out six.
For the second-straight game, first baseman Drew Bowser hit a grand slam. This one came in the sixth inning. It was Bowser’s third overall home run this year. Bowser went 1 for 4.
Third baseman Matt Halbach was 1 for 1 with two walks and a hit by pitch. Halbach scored twice and his single in the third drove in a run.
Center fielder Josiah Hartshorn was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.
Here’s an RBI double by Jose Escobar and an RBI single by Justin Stransky. Escobar was 1 for 4 and Stransky went 1 for 3 with a walk.
Noah Edders started and gave up four runs on five hits over 3.1 innings. Edders walked two, hit one batter and struck out three.
Riely Hunsaker allowed the game to stay close, giving up just one run on three hits over 4.1 innings. Hunsaker walked two and struck out three. He also hit a batter.
Braylon Myers threw the final 1.1 innings, allowed no runs and got the win after the Pelicans took the lead with three runs in the bottom of the eighth. Myers gave up just one hit. He struck out one and walked no one.
Left fielder Geuri Lubo hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to give the Pelicans the lead for the first time. It was Lubo’s second home run of the year. Lubo went 2 for 4 with a double and the home run.
Third baseman Yahil Melendez clubbed a two-run home run in the fifth to tie the game up 4-4. It was Melendez’s first home run of the year. Melendez finished 1 for 4.
Center fielder Alexey Lumpuy went 2 for 4 with two steals. He scored on a wild pitch in the third inning.
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.
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