Jun 3, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Ben Williamson (15) fields a ground ball in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
After so much time spent winning to start the season, defying expectations and climbing to the top of the American League, it’s safe to say no one had “lose a whole series to the worst team in the league” on their June bingo card. Yet the Rays have struggled consistently against the Tigers in this series, either forcing them to claw back runs to almost tie up a game, or to go completely shut-out against one of Detroit’s most inconsistent pitchers. It’s The Outer Limits. It’s Weird Baseball. And frankly, we don’t want it to continue. The Rays were just hoping to come away with a win in the series heading into Wednesday afternoon’s game, and they were doing it with Nick Martinez on the mound, up against a recently returned from the IL Troy Melton for the Tigers.
Gleyber Torres got things going in the first with a leadoff double. A Kevin McGonigle flyout advanced the runner to third, and then a Dillon Dingler single brought Torres home for the first run of the game. With two outs, Riley Greene singled, but the Tigers weren’t able to convert another runner for the inning. In the home half, Junior Caminero got a one-out single, followed by a Jonathan Aranda walk. Yandy Diaz then singled, bringing in Caminero and tying the game. They’d have to settle for just the one run, but it was the first time the entire series they weren’t trailing the Tigers.
The second inning started with two outs, but Jake Rogers then hit a solo home run to left to push the Tigers back into the lead. Cedric Mullins fought back in the bottom of the inning with a leadoff home run to re-tie the game. Nick Fortes then followed that with a single, but the Rays weren’t able to convert another baserunner.
Kevin McGonigle got the third started with a single. With one out, Kerry Carpenter singled into center, the ball deflected off the glove of Chandler Simpson. Riley Greene walked, and then a Spencer Torkelson sac fly brought McGonigle home. In the home half, Aranda used the ABS to get himself a leadoff walk, but Yandy Diaz then grounded into a double play. That made things a fair bit easier for Melton to get out of the inning.
Matt Vierling started the fourth with a single, then advanced to second on a sac bunt from Rogers. Gleyber Torres then singled. With two outs, Dillon Dingler hit a three-run home run to push the Tigers into the lead by a wide margin. The Rays did little to fight back in the bottom of the inning as they went 1-2-3 back to the dugout.
Martinez’s day was done after four, and he was replaced by Mason Englert. His final line for the game was 4.0 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 HR on 5o pitches. A really rough start. Those numbers pretty much tell you the whole story, as does the short leash Kevin Cash used before pulling him. Greene got a leadoff single, but was then eliminated in a double play off the bat of Torkelson. A pop-out ended the inning. In the home half, the Rays once again went three-up, three-down.
In the sixth, Jake Rogers got a one-out single. A wild pitch from Englert allowed Rogers to advance to second. Two outs followed though, leaving the baserunner stranded. The Rays had another 1-2-3 inning.
Dingler got a free bag in the seventh after getting hit by a pitch. That’s certainly one way to keep him from hitting home runs. Carpenter grounded into a force out to eliminate Dingler. Then, with two outs, another wild pitch by Englert allowed Carpenter to advance to second, but the Tigers left another runner stranded. Bold of them to think a four-run lead is enough considering history. The Rays, however, didn’t do much to stage a comeback in the bottom of the inning, as they were set down in order.
In the eighth, the Rays got the Tigers out in order, which was a rare treat in this game. Unfortunately they did the same thing themselves in the bottom of the inning. Hard to make a comeback when you can’t even get a baserunner on.
Torres started the top of the ninth with a single, continuing his hot streak in his first series back from the IL. McGonigle doubled right behind him, pushing Torres to third. Dingler lined out directly to Caminero on third but Torres snuck back, narrowly avoiding the double play. A sac fly from Carpenter brought Torres home. The Tigers would have to settle for one, but it was another run the Rays would have to try to get back. Melton was done after eight, and Drew Anderson came out of the pen to replace him. Anderson got the side out in order, and the Tigers walked away with a sweep, while the Rays would have to ask themselves some difficult questions.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 07: Rhett Lowder #25 of the Cincinnati Reds delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field on May 07, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Rhett Lowder took the mound in a professional baseball game on Tuesday night for the first time in nearly a month. What he produced didn’t matter nearly as much as how he felt after getting in the work with AAA Louisville, and apparently he’s feeling just fine.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon, Lowder came out of his 5.0 IP outing against the Memphis Redbirds feeling as he was supposed to feel as a starting pitcher, and will rejoin the Cincinnati Reds to make a start on Sunday when the team is in St. Louis facing the Cardinals. So said manager Terry Francona, per Sheldon.
Lowder yielded a trio of runs in his rehab outing, but he threw 70 pitches, logged 8 strikeouts, and didn’t walk a soul in an outing more reminiscent of him at his finest.
What we’ll be anxious to see now, though, is just how much the ‘clicking’ in his shoulder that shut him down early in a May 7th start against the Chicago Cubs was something that caused him to stumble a bit against big league pitching prior to hitting the shelf. Between that start and his previous one – a brutal 1.1 IP outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates in which he was hammered for 8 ER while walking the world – he allowed a whopping 11 ER and 8 walks against just 2 K in 4.1 IP combined.
In part due to Lowder’s scheduled return, Chris Paddack has seemingly been bumped from the starting rotation for the time being. He’ll be available in relief in the meantime, though it remains to be seen what kind of role he’ll have when Lowder is activated in time for Sunday’s game.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 20: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoes in warm ups against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 20, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Matthew A. Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
An arbitrator ruled last month that NBA free agent Terry Rozier violated his player's contract and will forfeit his 2025-26 season salary of $26.6 million after being indicted for his role in a sports gambling scandal.
According to court documents obtained by USA TODAY Sports, an arbitrator said Rozier should not be paid. The guard did not play for the Miami Heat during the 2025-26 season, and as a condition of his bond after his October arrest, he was not allowed to travel with the team or contact the Heat or the Charlotte Hornets, for whom he played when the alleged scheme took place.
The arbitrator's ruling was included in documents filed in the Eastern District of New York in connection with Rozier's motion to modify the conditions of pretrial release. He was arrested in October and charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
Rozier was put on immediate leave by the NBA after being accused in a wide-ranging illegal gambling scheme that includes ties to organized crime and involves more than 30 individuals. Federal authorities allege in court documents that Rozier provided insider information that gamblers used to place wagers on the Los Angeles Lakers, Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors over the span of a year. The National Basketball Players Association filed a grievance on his behalf, and an arbitrator originally ruled that Rozier should be paid his full salary while on leave.
Rozier allegedly schemed to leave early during a March 23, 2023 game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a foot injury. Rozier played less than 10 minutes in the game and did not return, finishing with five points and two assists. The accusation is that Rozier told co-defendant Deniro Laster he would leave the game early, and that information was sold to others, who made the "under" bets.
Rozier, who is free on a $3 million bond, is due back in a Brooklyn federal courthouse on June 10 to face additional charges of sports bribery and honest services fraud for that March 2023 game.
Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned on his podcast, 32 Thoughts, that Florida Panthers winger A.J. Greer will likely test the free agent market this off-season.
It’s a wise decision for the 29-year-old, who is coming off a career season in an elevated role with a rising salary cap. In 2025-26, Greer posted 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points in 78 games.
With his physical nature, scoring touch around the net, and experience helping the Panthers win the Stanley Cup during the 2024-25 season, Greer could be in line for a major payday.
With all that being considered, today we are going to look at three teams that could sign Greer this off-season.
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils missed out on the playoffs again last season, largely due to the fact that they couldn’t produce enough offense when Jack Hughes went down with an injury.
The Devils need to get stronger and more difficult to play against in their bottom six, and the addition of Greer would do so.
The Devils received fairly strong depth scoring from players like Connor Brown, Cody Glass, and Arseny Gritsyuk, but it simply wasn’t enough to change the fortunes of the Devils. If Greer replicates his production, he could be a game-changer for the Devils.
Few teams are as familiar with Greer as the Edmonton Oilers are. Facing off in the finals, Greer was a thorn in the side of every Oilers player he came across.
The Oilers are a match for Greer because he provides all the elements they are missing and that they were hoping to receive from Trent Frederic. The Oilers want players who play physically, hunt down pucks on the forecheck, and can also provide depth scoring in a third- or fourth-line role.
Greer has done so with Florida, and out West in the Pacific Division, there are plenty of reasons to believe he can do so with the Oilers.
Dubas and the Pens had plenty of success finding players similar to Greer last season and getting the best out of them. Could Greer be the next case of the Penguins doing so?
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The NBA Finals is here and for the next one to two weeks, we're going to party like it's 1999, which was the last time the Knicks made the Finals. Make sure to follow on X for more picks @VmoneySports. All odds are courtesy of DraftKings. Best of luck!
Knicks vs Spurs (-4.5): O/U 217.5
Game 1's are usually for the underdogs in the first three rounds of the playoffs, but in the NBA Finals, the favorites have gone 10-2 on the ML and 9-3 ATS in the last 12 Game 1's. Yet, I am going to ride with a well-rested New York Knicks squad.
The Knicks did have the luxury of playing two teams, the Cavaliers and 76ers after they had seven-game series. New York was able to wear them both down and sweep after winning the final three games of the first round series against Atlanta (4-2).
San Antonio on the other hand played five, six, and seven game series versus Portland, Minnesota, and Oklahoma City. The Spurs have played 18 games this postseason to the Knicks 14, which can come in handy for the underdogs.
New York is the hotter team with 11-straight wins and are rested with nine days off. However, most people would agree San Antonio is the better team and has the best player in the series, Victor Wembanyama. The Knicks have a lot working for them ranging from the regular season success guarding Wembanyama to the rest advantage to the age gap between the two teams. Everyone will play the Spurs after they knocked off presumably the best or second-best team in the NBA (Thunder).
I will ride with the Knicks for Game 1 at +160 on the ML. Over the last 11 seasons, teams that win outright in the NBA Finals also cover 95.4% of the time (62-3-3 ATS), so if you like the Knicks, might as well take the ML for +160 rather than the +4.5 at -110 odds.
Pick: Knicks ML (1 unit)
De’Aaron Fox O/U 9.5 Rebounds and Assists
Versus Oklahoma City, De'Aaron Fox averaged 6.2 assists and 5.2 rebounds for 11.4 total rebounds and assists per game. For his rebound and assist chances, Fox averaged 11.4 potential assists and 10.0 rebound chances per game.
Fox started hot going 4-0 to the Over on his rebounds and assists prop, but he went way Under in Game 7 at Oklahoma City with five assists and no rebounds. The Knicks were No. 1 versus point guards when it came rebounds per game in the regular season and second in assists.
Fox recorded 11, 8, and 9 rebounds and assists in three meetings versus the Knicks this season. I like Fox to go Under 10 combined rebounds and assists in Game 1.
Pick: De'Aaron Fox Under 9.5 Rebounds and Assists (1 unit)
Josh Hart O/U 1.5 Made Three-Pointers
Versus Cleveland, Josh Hart was left wide open from distance as part of the Cavaliers game plan. There is no telling if San Antonio will play it the same way, but I'd expect the Spurs to have a different idea. Outside of Hart's 5-for-11 three-point night in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Hart went 4-of-15 (26.%) in the other three games.
In the playoffs, Hart is 10-4 to the Under on a 1.5 three-point prop and went Under in all three Game 1's. He is 3-2 to the Over in the last five games, but the Spurs are top 10 against forwards when it comes to made three-pointers and held the Thunder to 16-of-73 (21.9%) from three in the last two games in San Antonio. I will go Under on Hart from deep for plus-money (+127 odds).
Pick: Josh Hart Under 1.5 Made Three Pointers (1 unit)
NBA Finals Futures Best Bet
Series O/U 5.5 Games Played: Over 5.5 (-170)
Since 2019, five of the seven NBA Finals series have gone six or more games and 15 of the last 26 Finals dating back to 2000. I think the Spurs vs Knicks could be another six or seven game series.
New York won the NBA Cup over San Antonio this season and won two out of three meetings. The two have a familiarity with another and both are riding sky high when it comes to confidence. For San Antonio, they are knocking on the door of greatness and potentially the beginning of a dynasty built throughout the draft, whereas New York has been gearing up for this moment via trades and free agency.
The matchups for this series could be a chess match. OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns found success against Victor Wembanyama in the regular season, then there's Stephon Castle guarding Jalen Brunson after giving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander problems in the Western Conference Finals. Get your popcorn out because this series could go the distance. I like Over 5.5 Games Played at -170 odds.
Pick: Knicks vs Spurs Over 5.5 Games Played (Risk 2 units)
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Fans who tune in to watch the 2026 NBA Finals on ESPN might notice something a little different before tipoff.
ESPN created seven unique opening segments to precede each game of the San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks series, starting with Game 1 on June 3 (you can watch that video above). The 80-second videos depict different defining moments from NBA Finals history inside the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
This is the ESPN's 24th year broadcasting the NBA Finals, but the first year of the network's new 11-year media rights agreement with the NBA. The opens mark the relaunch of that relationship and celebrate the Finals.
"This was time to reimagine what we have been doing most recently, and I love that we landed here," said Tim Corrigan, ESPN's senior vice president of sports production. "You want to look at teams that are there and respect them for their journey and how they got here, and I think the idea here is introducing that you're part of something even bigger when you do get here and this is the legacy of it."
The Game 1 open features clips of LeBron James’ block of Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals and Kevin Garnett’s iconic “Anything’s Possible” moment in addition to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Other legends highlighted are Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Erving. More recent moments include the Spurs dynasty, Dwayne Wade celebrating the Miami Heat's first title, Kawhi Leonard celebrating the Toronto Raptors' first title, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading their teams to championships and Steph Curry's dagger 3-pointer against the Celtics.
ESPN had a team of about 20 people working on the opens for the last six months, a process Corrigan described as a "fun NBA history lesson."
"The whole concept of these historic moments, from Bill Russell to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and everybody in between, living inside the trophy, I think we as a group felt like that was the right thought and dynamic," Corrigan said. "It just spoke to us a little bit in the way of, this is what would be inside that world and these are the people and the moments that would live there."
The Game 1 open also includes a globe inside the trophy in recognition of the international players who have made their mark in the NBA, including recent MVPs Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic.
This year's NBA Finals feature two young faces of the league, Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Knicks star Jalen Brunson. Corrigan said ESPN intends to incorporate moments from this series into future Finals opens.
"We're going to have our eighth consecutive new NBA champion this year, right?" he said. "So we're looking forward to who will be the next player who joins this piece or what's the next moment that joins this piece."
Corrigan produced the last 18 NBA Finals in his previous role as a senior coordinating producer for ESPN, and oversaw the creation of the opens along with producers Steve Lawrence and Jeremy Anderson and design company MakeMake.
Corrigan said he hopes the opening segments elevate the entire Finals viewing experience and showcase the emotion inherent to the sport.
"When you get a chance to do this, it's so personal and there's images and moments you'll never forget," he said. "Nikola Jokic is holding his daughter as confetti pours down all around him after the Finals. There's just these moments of unbridled joy that happened with all these players because this is what they've worked their lifetime for, to have this moment."
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Anthony Seigler #48 of the Boston Red Sox reacts as he takes batting practice during a spring training workout at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 12, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Note: a version of this article was originally published on February 25, 2026.
Who is he and where did he come from?
He’s Anthony Seigler. Do you think the Red Sox don’t have enough infield depth pieces? You’re in luck, because here’s another one.
This particular infield depth piece started 25 games at third base for the playoff-bound Brewers in 2025 after making his MLB debut in July. The 26-year-old lefty from Cartersville, Georgia was a first round draft pick for the Yankees (three picks in front of Triston Casas!) and spent the first five years of his professional career in that organization. The Yankees-Red Sox crossover comps don’t stop there, because he is just the second Navajo player of all-time to make a Major League roster, joining none other than Jacoby Ellsbury.
Is he any good?
Stop me if you’ve heard thus one before: he’s exactly okay. Which is fine! Seigler has not quite found it yet at the plate in his short Major League career, batting just .194 with one extra base hit (a double) in his 62 at-bats. He fared a lot better at Triple-A, slashing .285/.414/.478 in 2025 and then a similarly healthy .295/.425/.471 this year. This is bolstered by his ability to draw walks, as his percentage as a pro approaches 20 percent. He’s patient, quick, and can pull a ball when he does hit it. Check out his Prospect Savant page for this hot chart (minimum 700 pitches seen.)
Clearly, Seigler has more work to do about getting that ball out of the park.
One more thing about Seigler: he’s played all over the diamond, splitting most of his minor league innings between catcher and second base before spending more time at third in 2026. And if that’s not enough versatility for you, he was drafted as a two-way player who also pitches, something that is great in, uhhh, emergency situation. But, I wouldn’t put too much stock in it, as he was only called upon to take the mound once in 2025.
Here’s his first Major League hit. He has a really interesting swing here, as he appears to choke down a little. Which, if you’re hitting well, great! With Seigler, though, you almost wonder if an adjustment is needed.
But believe it or not, Seigler has even cooler highlights than his first Major League hit. That’s because, not only is he a two-way player, he’s a two-way player who throws with both hands:
Debate over Jofra Archer’s absence after his IPL stint and at least one new face in Emilio Gay add to enticing storylines
Lord’s hosts its 150th Test match this week and, like its famous lunch menu, there are plenty of enticing options as regards storylines. England are seeking redemption and refinement, apparently, following that god-awful Ashes winter. New Zealand are both familiar opponents and a tricky first assignment.
There is at least one new face for England, with Emilio Gay confirmed to make his debut at opener after patience with Zak Crawley finally snapped. There is an old one too, with Ollie Robinson back from the cold and set to take the new ball after convincing the management that he is now a committed professional.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks in action during the fourth quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2026 in New York City. 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Knicks are back in the NBA Finals, taking on the San Antonio Spurs for the first time in 27 years.
With the game inching closer, we spoke with Pounding the Rock contributor Mateo Mayorga to learn more about the Spurs’ current state of affairs going into the matchup.
The Spurs had a tough seven-game series against the Thunder before reaching the Finals. What was the biggest takeaway from the Western Conference Finals?
Stephon Castle’s issue is turnovers, and the offense makes fewer mistakes with him being the secondary playmaker, next to De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper. I like Harper more in the lineup with the starters because the defensive ceiling is higher, in part because he’s bigger and stronger.
Who is the Spurs’ X-Factor?
Devin Vassell is their unsung hero. He got a good chunk of the minutes guarding Chet Holmgren in the Western Conference Finals, while making 39.6 percent of 3-pointers (7.6 attempts). He rarely turned the ball over as well. He’s as good as gets for a release valve because he can put the ball on the deck, too.
Does the NBA Cup Final have any weight on this series or is it a new slate?
Not much, so it’s a new slate. The Knicks have been playing differently in the playoffs, and one of the features is using Karl-Anthony Towns more as a playmaker for his teammates, with him more than doubling his playoff assists average. On top of that, Mikal Bridges has been on a heater in his last 11 games, putting more pressure on defenses with his transition work and off-ball movement. The Knicks are much mightier than they were during the Cup.
If the Spurs were to lose Game 1, what would be the reason why?
I could see it happening mainly because Wemby didn’t play enough minutes. There’s also Wemby wanting to sag off to play help defense at the expense of the 3-point line, or if they have a poor defensive game, not being able to stop fouling penetration. This is certain: Towns will make him work harder than Isaiah Hartenstein, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Clingan. Aside, as the playoffs go deeper, coverages get tighter, and those have affected Fox the most because he’s a leaner guy, and he’s probably still feeling a bit of the ankle injury that caused him to miss two games in the WCF.
What’s your prediction for Game 1?
Spurs take first blood. Either Julian Champagnie or Keldon Johnson provide the heavy lifting at a critical time, Knicks offense is forced to come back to earth and San Antonio takes control of the boards.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 02: Julio Rodríguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners leads off first base against the New York Mets during the first inning at T-Mobile Park on June 02, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Nine is a big number.
The Mariners will look to stretch their win streak to nine this afternoon with a third consecutive sweep. At about four games is when I start to consider consecutive wins a streak, though I’d listen to arguments that three or five should be the minimal threshold. But it’s not until now, where eight turns to nine, that I start to really pay attention. There have many eight-game win streaks in franchise history. The ongoing streak is the 13th.
But there have only been seven streaks of nine or more (eight if you want to count the one that spanned 1994 to 1995), with the 2001 Mariners (15) and 2022 Mariners (14) topping the list. A win today and yeah, this is officially one of the best streaks in team history.
George Kirby will get the chance to do it. He was having an impressive, albeit bizarre start to the season, with a 3.23 FIP on the back of a league-leading 57% grounder rate through his first nine starts. His last three, however, have been harder to watch, plagued by homers and whatever alchemy the Royals are performing in Kansas City. This would be as good a time for a classic Kirby bounce back outing as any.
The lineup looks fairly standard. Josh Naylor is back, after spasming is back with a monster homer Monday. Jhonny Pereda will get the start behind the dish after a monster homer Tuesday. And Julio Rodríguez, Cole Young, and Randy Arozarena are still in there, for the 63rd game of the season. The Mariners and the Braves are the only teams with at least three players who have played in every game this season.
In other news, three Mariners prospects (including Wednesday’s nine-hole hitter Colt Emerson) ranked in Baseball America’s Top 100 Prospect List. Emerson (3rd) is joined by Ryan Sloan (7th) and Kade Anderson (9th — there’s that number again) to round out the best, top-level prospect group in the league. For more, Max Ellingsen has you covered.
Lineups
Game Information
First Pitch: 12:40 p.m. PDT
TV:Mariners.TV, with Aaron Goldsmith, Ryon Healy and Angie Mentink
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning has won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s coach of the year.
The Lightning announced the honor Wednesday. Cooper finished ahead of Buffalo’s Lindy Ruff and Pittsburgh’s Dan Muse in voting by members of the NHL Broadcasters' Association.
It is the first Jack Adams Award for Cooper, the longest-tenured coach in the league at 13 years. He is widely considered among the best at the profession and has two Stanley Cup rings to show for it.
Cooper led the Lightning into the playoffs despite missing several key players for long stretches because of injuries.
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 16: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs look on during the game during the NBA Emirates Cup Final on December 16, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This week, I became friends with J.R. Wilco of Pounding the Rock. It’s a strange relationship. We enjoy each other’s banter, and he’s a thoroughly likable dude, yet at the same time, I want the thing I love to destroy the thing he loves—and vice versa. There’s probably a Marvel movie logline in there somewhere.
With Game One of the NBA Finals between our New York Knicks and Wilco’s San Antonio Spurs about to tip off, we two SB Nation site editors put our heads together for your entertainment. (Mostly our own, really, but if you dig it too, cool.)
J.R.
I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling strong 20th century vibes right now. As if I want to party like it’s 1999, or at least watch basketball like it. Twenty-seven years have passed since the Knicks and Spurs met in the Finals and here we are in the year that the NBA Finals validate the in-season NBA Cup Tournament.
Ever since San Antonio eliminated Minnesota, I’ve been saying that New York scared me more than OKC. But during games 1, 2 & 7 against the Thunder, I was more tense than I’ve been for any game in over twenty years, so I don’t know that stack ranking teams by induced fear will accomplish much. Before the OKC series, people were saying how much both teams had developed since they last played, but the Knicks have undergone the same kind of improvement since SA and NY have met. Which makes me wonder, with all of these changes on both sides, how long a series do you expect?
R.R.
Pleased to meet you finally, J.R. I have three tickets to see Wilco this month, so when a message arrived from Wilco, I assumed Jeff Tweedy was checking on my choices for the setlist.
Funny story: My reason for picking the Knicks to win in five games is not rooted in basketball logic. A few months ago, my wife and sister-in-law asked about attending a Wilco show at Beak and Skiff (an excellent venue). With a date of June 16, a potential Knicks conflict didn’t register. Why? Because it’s been decades since the Knicks last played in June, and they weren’t exactly living up to expectations this season. I bought tickets. Child care was arranged. Now, I’m in a pickle: either the Knicks wrap this up in five, or I’ll need to fake an injury so I can watch Game Six. What’s the marital equivalent of an SGA flop?
Your memories of the 1999 Finals must be fonder than mine. For one, I was inebriated throughout the series, watching from a Belmar barstool while my soon-to-be (and eventually ex-) wife drowned me in whiskey. Suffice it to say, my recollection is blurry. For two, look at those box scores. Yikes! The Knicks scored 77 in Game One and 67 in Game Two. It’s crazy to remember that they averaged 86 points per game that season. Sure, that was nearly the lowest in the league, but the NBA was still a far cry from the point-paloozas of today. In 25 years, teams will average 150 and play exhibition games on Mars.
The current Spurs team has no trouble running up the scoreboard. And in the playoffs, they’ve looked more cohesive than the iteration New York beat in the NBA Cup. Even then, they were no pushovers; the Knicks had to rally in the fourth, winning the quarter 35–19. When the Thunder were favored in the WCF, I was skeptical. San Antonio proved me right. They’re truly the best in the West, and, truth be told, they’re a helluva lotta fun to watch.
I can’t wait for these two teams to lock horns. I’m here for all of your questions, although brilliant answers are not guaranteed (many brain cells died before this blogger sobered up). I’m curious to know what you think is different between the Spurs of this moment versus the team that NY beat in the Emirates Cup game. I have assumptions (a young team coming to understand each other’s rhythms and style after playing more games together, for instance) but you’ve watched them more than I.
J.R.
The changes the Spurs have undergone since the Knicks beat them on December 16 is a fun topic because some started soon after, and some have just been completed in overcoming Oklahoma City.
The first transition was in the team’s approach on offense. Early in the season, the offense ran through Victor, and opponents were selling out to stop him at all costs. Sometimes this would work (the early-season games against Phoenix are great examples) and San Antonio’s offense simply cratered. Even in the games they won, the Spurs would go through extremely long offensive droughts. This continued until the all star break after which Wemby suddenly showed that he’d learned that he didn’t have to be the center of the offense for the team to win.
Suddenly, instead of calling for the ball while 20 feet from the basket, going on-on-one, and driving into loads of help defense and turning the ball over (which he’d done a lot of last season), he would set screens and roll while the defense stretched to keep him from the rim, which opened up all kinds of opportunities for the Spurs shooters and drivers to exploit. That’s the environment in which Wemby would then attack, and defenses have a hard time defending so many threats and that explains the run they went on from February through the end of the season.
Then the postseason came, which taught the coaching staff and the team to deal with situational threats that are rarely seen during the regular season. The OKC series was an advanced education in developing new offensive strategies on the fly, and if they hadn’t passed that test we wouldn’t be talking right now.
So that’s what’s changed since we met. There was the final meeting of the year in that stretch, which New York won, and it’s apparent that the Knicks are a different beast from any of the previous Spurs opponents because of how they handled SA during the 20+ game stretch in which their only loss was to the Knickerbockers. Then as if that weren’t enough, they unlocked KAT’s point center module and started tearing through teams. San Antonio made it past the defending champs largely through size and physicality, but New York has shooting AND length. They have size at the wing that can dwarf the Spurs, and they’re on a win streak longer than the Thunder’s 8-0 run to start the playoffs.
All that to say, I haven’t seen enough of the Knicks’ recent games to have anything close to a good foundation to make an educated guess from. So I have some questions that would help me get ready for the series; some about basketball, some about the fanbase, and some about you: Has point KAT been that big a deal? In other words, was placing the ball in his hands the move that facilitated the 9-0 win streak? How much point KAT have they been using?
R.R.
Indeed, like the Spurs, New York has improved since December—and not just by dumping Guerschon Yabusele. It took a while to get cooking, though.
Wemby suddenly showed that he’d learned he didn’t have to be the center of the offense for the team to win.
You could say the same about Jalen Brunson.
Throughout the season, many complained that Mike Brown should play Brunson off the ball more often, for multiple reasons. It saves his legs, and it diversifies the offense. But the Knicks kept drilling the same formula repeatedly.
Through two seasons, the Towns-Brunson pairing was never as successful as it could have been. Countless games started stale and didn’t improve until the reserves came in to mix up the lineup. Usually, KAT would flourish while Jalen rested in the second quarter, and he’d get some buckets in the third, letting Jalen take center stage in the fourth.
Here’s another gripe: For whatever reason (either by his choice or the coach’s) KAT doesn’t post up. It didn’t happen under Thibs, either, so you can draw your own conclusions. We came to accept it, but it drove some of the fanbase nuts.
Anyway, the first three games of the playoffs followed the same script they tried all season. And after falling behind 1-2 to the clearly less-talented Hawks (losing each game by one point), many fans wondered if our hopes had been too high.
Then, a change. Point-KAT was unleashed; the team started playing faster, exploiting more fast-break opportunities; the scoring load was shared across all five starters (plus one sharpshooting Shamet); and their defense has bordered on criminally abusive. They unlocked an unprecedented level of beautiful basketball during their 11-game winning streak—and their historic numbers back it up.
Some specific changes we’ve seen is Mikal Bridges bringing the ball up the court more often, and Hart taking off on a sprint if he’s hauled in a rebound. That means a good defender has to chase Jalen around away from the ball, while the other four starters go to work—and each can shoot or attack the rim.
Karl is an exceptional passer. As the hub, he can thread a pass to a cutter, zip it out to a corner (and from there it swings until an open shooter is found), rise up for a high-percentage shot, or put his shoulder down and drive to the cup.
So the Knicks unlocked basketball nirvana by relying less on Brunson as the primary ball handler, rocketing defensive rebounds down the court for fast-paced buckets, and letting KAT operate as a hub. Just as the Spurs learned to rely less on Wemby, the Knicks did the same with Jalen. And, lo and behold, both players became even more valuable to their teams.
A few Q’s for you. Where do you think the Spurs will most surprise the Knicks? What vulnerabilities worry you the most? (You mentioned size, but most of your key guys are 6’5” and up—and Wemby is a friggin’ tree.)
J.R.
When the NBA Cup final was over, who could have expected that both teams would be in the Finals because their centers started initiating their offense as 7-foot point guards? Well it’s happened. I know that KAT has spent far more time in that role, but Point Wemby made a significant contribution at the beginning of Game 7 in OKC and it helped the Spurs build their first lead. So I’m wondering how much of that we’ll see in the Finals, and I’m enjoying with anticipation the media losing their minds over a series in which centers are leading their teams in assists. With how much of a copycat league this is, it would be interesting to see how far the idea can go.
As to how the Spurs will surprise the Knicks, I think it has to be with Dylan Harper. The rookie has played well all year, but there’s nothing about his play in the playoffs that looks the slightest bit like it’s his first season in the league. Of all the changes the Spurs have made since they’ve played NY, Harper’s emergence has to be the one that I think will have the biggest effect on the Finals because he’s like no one else at his age in ages, literally. When his numbers aren’t matching Magic Johnson’s rookie playoff stats, they’re setting rookie postseason records. If he hadn’t gotten an adductor injury during the WCF, there’s no way he’d be able to surprise anyone because I believe that it would have been a shorter series, and he’d have been one of the major Spurs stories heading into the Finals. Even with the 3-4 subpar games from Dylan as he recovered his health, you can make a strong case that San Antonio doesn’t eliminate OKC without him.
On the vulnerabilities front, it’s all about New York’s size for me. You’re right that the Spurs have big guards, but their forwards are undersized against most teams in the league. Against Anunoby and Robinson, they’re almost tiny. Also, San Antonio likes to guard opposing centers with a guard or a wing, so that Wemby can roam the paint and play Gandalf (You shall not pass!) If they do that in the Finals then that’s another matchup the Spurs are small in, which could create rebounding problems and a bevy of other issues, crossmatching, etc.
Ok, my questions for you: Who did you want to advance between the Thunder and the Spurs and why? And are you concerned about one of the consistent issues over the past few postseasons: rest-induced rust for the team that ended its series early?
R.R.
Cooper Flagg deserves his flowers, but Harper deserved more votes for Rookie of the Year. His skills and poise in the biggest moments have impressed us at P&T. Wemby, Castle, and Harper: three excellent drafts for you, my friend!
Upon examining the strengths and weaknesses of both Western Conference finalists, I argued that the Knicks should want to face the Spurs. Not the greatest take, in hindsight. I assumed that San Antonio’s youth and mounting fatigue after a grueling three rounds would make them less formidable than the defending champion Thunder. Furthermore, many of these young Spurs had never played so many games without a break, counting both the regular season and the postseason. After watching them lay out OKC on the road in a closeout game, I should probably surrender my sportswriting license.
Now I’m a little worried that the Knicks have had too much time off. It wouldn’t astonish me if New York loses Game One. They’ve played just eight games in the past month, and while that absolutely keeps them fresh, allows for injury recovery, etc., I wonder how they can maintain their game conditioning. Playing 40+ minutes of NBA basketball is different from 40 minutes on a stationary bike. You’ll recall that they were pretty rusty early in Game One against Cleveland after nine days’ rest. They fell behind by 22 points before their amazing, miraculous, one-for-the-ages comeback to win in overtime.
Excuse me while watch that fourth quarter and overtime again.
Phew, I’m back. Needed a shower after that. . . . Yeah, so, this break between Game Seven and the Finals might actually be the perfect length for San Antonio—long enough to get healthy and prepare for its opponent, short enough not to lose momentum—while eight days off might not be ideal for New York.
Question for you: Has there been any word on De’Aaron Fox’s high-ankle sprain? He seemed really limited in the Thunder series, but I’d imagine he’s getting better all the time (forgive the obligatory Beatles reference). How do you feel when Castle plays lead guard? I recall he had an 11-assist, 11-turnover double-double in Game One of the WCF.
J.R.
Your request for an Official Sportswriting License from the Guild of Legitimate Sportswriters was approved? Lucky! I guess I shouldn’t wonder; you live in New York state after all. Must be nice to cover the largest media market in the hemisphere. Meanwhile, we small market folk have to make do with the sportswriting licenses we find at the bottoms of a cereal boxes. But that didn’t stop me from getting mine laminated and displaying it proudly in my home office workstation right next to my typewriter, my dogeared copy of the AP Stylebook, and my horn-rimmed glasses with the old prescription that I only use to focus the sun to burn ants after the Spurs lose.
As for the Knicks’ Game 1 comeback win, there is no shame in re-re-watching those recaps, particularly when you have so much time to wait before your team can generate new highlight reels. I’m only a couple days removed from Game 7, and I found myself going down the rabbit hole of one video after another and had to tear myself away when you messaged me to say it was my turn to write. That said, isn’t it interesting that both the Knicks and the Spurs had to endure overtime in the first game of their conference final series? Makes me wonder what other kinds of similarities there are to be uncovered over the next two and a half weeks.
In order to answer your question about any news concerning the condition of Fox’s ankle, I need to introduce you to the Spurs media landscape. This isn’t like the Big Apple where the media is strong enough to get a coach fired if they don’t get complete enough answers to their questions. In San Antonio, the tenure of the head coach doesn’t rely on anything except the good will of the owner, and that good will has essentially been granted to Gregg Popovich for life. (In case you don’t know, Popovich is still the president of basketball operations which means that he is the one in charge of hiring the general manager. In other words, Pop named his successor.) In this environment, we find out about the news concerning injuries at the same time that everyone else does: an hour and 15 minutes before tip off. So, no, there’s no additional word outside of our own speculation surrounding what kind of advanced treatment he’s receiving. (No need to apologize for Beatles references. I love the Fab Four.)
My feelings about Castle are not particularly complicated. Rookies aren’t known for being able to avoid turnovers, and Stephon is no exception. His exceptional qualities are so many and varied that I happily classify the turnovers as the price for entry. I remember hearing Steve Kerr, at the beginning of the Golden State dynasty, discuss the Warriors’ turnovers in terms that I’d never heard a coach use before. He said something to the effect that the team was at its best when the ball moved, and he would prefer that his players made mistakes while passing for advantage, as opposed to mistakes of passing omission. It sounded revolutionary at the time because Pop always considered turnovers an existential threat. Castle turns it over less frequently when Fox is out there to calm things down. The problem at the beginning of the Thunder series was Fox‘s absence which hopefully won’t happen again.
For my next queries, I have to go back to the All-Star game for the set up. Wemby and KAT played together and Victor got quite upset about more than one of Towns’ … defensive choices. Much seemed to be made about Wemby’s body language with people interpreting it as him blaming KAT for the loss. This also seemed to play into a reputation for a certain lack of focus on defense in high leverage moments.
So my questions are: is this reputation earned, what forms do his miscues take, and are you concerned about how he’ll handle the kind of complex and fluid defensive schemes that success in the Finals requires?
R.R.
Ah, yes, I heard tales of sportswriters sharing malteds with Gregg Popovich on a bench outside the Alamodome while watching tumbleweeds roll by. Meanwhile, in the metropolis, writers interviewed players in the Champagne Room at Scores (allegedly). Alas, everyone’s too brand-conscious for such extracurricular hijinks these days, or at least they don’t invite me along for the fun.
True confession: I loved Pop as a coach. He was a gruff, fundamentals-focused skipper like Thibs, who deserves credit for laying the foundation that made this Finals appearance possible. Pop always seemed both perfectly suited to San Antonio and an odd fit. He got far more rope than he would have in New York thanks to the small market and his winning record, yet he was also outspoken, unconcerned about offending the season-ticket-holder base. We saw one aspect of the man in front of the camera. The fact that former players like Tim Duncan are helping him recover from his stroke speaks volumes about his character (and theirs).
On the subject of injuries, the Knicks are notoriously tight-lipped as well. We may never know how Mitchell Robinson broke his finger. If Leon Rose & Co. hadn’t done such a tremendous job building the roster, they’d be pilloried for their silence. I believe Leon has sat for one interview in six years as president of basketball operations. Try getting away with that in any other city, or any other profession.
In my Game Two preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, I wrote something like, “Lord Silver must be smiling.” Early on, both conference finals looked destined to be epic when each began with an overtime thriller. Then the Cavs folded like laundry. While we were ecstatic that New York steamrolled the next three games, there wasn’t much drama to it.
The Finals should be a helluva show. I wouldn’t be surprised if both teams rip off a 15-point run every game, but a blowout either way feels unlikely–if the teams take turns, winning one, losing one, etc. My family and I live about three hours from the city, though my son in Brooklyn insists we’d be safer farther away during the Finals—maybe bunkered in an Airbnb in Buffalo. If the Knicks win, the fans might steal the Statue of Liberty. If they lose, City Hall could burn to the ground.
Regarding Castle’s turnovers: I’m too lazy to look it up, but Mike Brown recently explained why some turnovers are better than others. His logic shared the spirit of your Steve Kerr reference. Still, 11 giveaways is an Ooof. I hope Stephon will be as generous to the Knicks. You’re right, though; with Fox back, Castle will have fewer opportunities to cough up the rock.
Here’s the thing about Towns. Knicks fans have pulled out copious amounts of hair over two types of fouls: Karl’s occasional brain-fart foul and, worse, his hook-on-the-drive foul. His teammates didn’t care for them, either. You could see the blood drain from their faces when he hooked his way into another offensive infraction and then argued that he was the victim.
During this 11-game winning streak, however, Karl has played with discipline. We pray it continues. If he gets into foul trouble early against the Spurs, New York will be in trouble. Why? Mitch hasn’t exactly wowed us this postseason and has claimed to be dealing with mental health issues. Add a broken finger and he’s a real wildcard. Ariel Hukporti is the team’s third-string center. If you haven’t heard of him, there’s a reason for that.
Cleveland’s size neutralized Point-KAT early on in the conference finals. New York still won the battle in the paint, however, and pushed the pace to great effect. This series will be different, of course. We expect that Mitch Johnson will strategize to limit KAT, points in the paint will be hard won, and the Spurs will have springier legs than the Cavs, but we’re also sure that Mike Brown knows all this and will plan accordingly. The Knicks have so many offensive weapons, a stifled KAT just means that one of the other guys gets to eat.
I’m curious what similarities, and differences, you’ve seen between Johnson and Pop. And finally, what’s your pick for the series? Who wins, and in how many games?
J.R.
The best description I have of Mitch Johnson is that he’s an updated version of Pop. There are so many similarities between them that it’s easier to describe the differences. Pop was famously against ever giving another team points. He lost a number of games over the years because he wouldn’t foul when up three, which allows the opponent to tie with a three and win in overtime. Johnson has ended my agony by handling end game strategy more to my liking. Also, San Antonio’s defense is far more modern than it was toward the end of Pop’s tenure.
Before I make a prediction, I have to address the Jose Alvarado situation: SA’s coaches better have the guys trained up on his gambits so he can’t create extra possessions with his wonderful sneakiness. Also, there’s the fact that we haven’t yet discussed the player who’s guaranteed the championship ring this year, Jeremy Sochan. Just putting this here for the moment, so we remember to chop it up before the series is over.
Now to the series: I like the Spurs in 6, but I could see them winning in 7 or 5 depending how things break. First, they have the rust/rest early advantage. Second, I don’t think the Knicks have had to face the same quality of opponents that the Spurs have had to overcome and the adjustment to the level of play might be worth something in a series. Third, if San Antonio can keep Wemby off KAT and near the basket, then his ability to lock down the paint throws a major wrench into New York’s offense.
So there you have it; I hate making predictions and you got one out of me. Anyway, here’s to an entertaining series opener, and I’ll see you on the other side!
R.R.
May the best team win, and may The Extender remember that he has a grand riding on the Knicks!
Knicks guard Josh Hart's wife, Shannon wasn't sure what was happening during a ride share while in San Antonio for the 2026 NBA Finals.
Knicks guard Josh Hart’s wife, Shannon, wasn’t sure what was happening during a ride share while in San Antonio for the 2026 NBA Finals.
Taking to her Instagram Story Tuesday night, Shannon shared a video of a driver singing karaoke and said he wouldn’t operate the vehicle until he was done with the song.
“San Antonio is really about to piss me off because wtf is going on here ???” Shannon wrote. “And he won’t drive until he finishes the song.”
Shannon Hart shared a video of her driver singing while in San Antonio. Instagram/Shannon Hart
Shannon did not elaborate further on the bizarre situation.
Earlier that day, she showed some behind the scenes of her arrival in San Antonio, as the Spurs host the Knicks for Game 1 of the finals Wednesday night.
She shared a snapshot of a plane and another image riding in a bus with a police escort.
Shannon Hart arriving in San Antonio in an Instagram Story posted on June 2, 2026. Instagram/Shannon Hart
The Harts, who were high school sweethearts, tied the knot in August 2021. They share 3-year-old twin sons Hendrix Aaron and Haze Dana
They have won 11 straight games — completing series sweeps of the Sixers and Cavaliers, respectively — en route to the Finals for the first time since 1999, when they lost in five games to the Spurs.
Knicks guard Josh Hart’s wife, Shannon at Madison Square Garden during the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Instagram/Shannon HartJosh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 3 of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals on May 23, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NBAE via Getty Images
New York had eight days off, while San Antonio had three before the start of the NBA Finals.
The Spurs beat the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals on Saturday.
“I deserve some credit, so I’m going to take it,” Smith said. “You know, when I called the Knicks out, I almost had a stroke on national television. They didn’t lose since. They’ve been 11-0.”
Stephen A. Smith looking at the camera on “First Take” during Knicks rant after Game 3 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. ESPN YouTube
“Let me tell y’all something right now. Change is coming to New York City. There’s going to be another head coach in New York City if they lose this series.” Smith said on “First Take” at the time. “Several players are going to be gone from New York City if y’all lose this game.”
Mikal Bridges did not score in the Game 3 loss, Josh Hart had only two points and the bench provided just 30 points.
The Knicks shot 40-of-93 (43%) from the field and 10-of-35 (29%) from behind the arc in the game.
Stephen A. Smith speaks at SiriusXM on Radio Row at Super Bowl LX. Getty Images for SiriusXM
“Bunch of sorry asses right now. I’m so sick of what I’m seeing right now. I’m losing my damn mind,” Smith said while continuing his rant for nearly five more minutes.
Since then, though, the Knicks have won 11 straight, including the sixth-largest playoff victory in NBA history in a 41-point Game 6 win over the Hawks.
Bridges has improved since Game 3 as well, averaging 14.6 points per game, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the playoffs.
Smith said Wednesday that the Knicks aren’t winning the Finals without him.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson speaks with the media prior to the start of the NBA Finals basketball series against the San Antonio Spurs, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in San Antonio. AP Photo/Eric Gay
Despite more optimism from recent performances, Smith added a warning to the Knicks on Wednesday that the job is far from over.
“There’s a level of urgency that’s not just because it’s the NBA finals. The Spurs can kick your ass,” Smith said Wednesday. “You got to show up.”
Stephen A. Smith says he deserves credit for the Knicks’ NBA Finals run
“I deserve some credit, so I’m gonna take it. You know, when I called the Knicks out…They haven’t lost since.”
