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After a thrilling NBA Playoffs, the New York Knicks now know their opponent in the NBA Finals. The Knicks swept the Cleveland Cavaliers and patiently awaited the conclusion of the Western Conference Finals. Not only will they enter the series well-rested, but they have also had ample time to study their next challenger.
What may be most impressive about both conference champions is that they clinched their respective conference titles on the road. Facing a 3-2 series deficit, the San Antonio Spurs responded with urgency in Games 6 and 7, smothering Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder offense when it mattered most.
MORE: NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals preferred trade destination
Led by Conference Finals MVP Victor Wembanyama, Spurs completed their comeback against the Thunder on Saturday night. They earned a hard-fought Game 7 victory to advance to the NBA Finals.
May 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) controls the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) in the fourth quarter during game seven of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City rallied from a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit in the deciding game and briefly threatened to complete a dramatic comeback. However, the Spurs held firm. After overcoming a series deficit, San Antonio secured the final game on the road and punched its ticket to the Finals. In the process, the Thunder fell short of joining their NBA MVP in repeating as champions.
The Spurs have not had to wait nearly as long. San Antonio’s most recent Finals appearance came in 2014, when NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard led the franchise to a 4-1 series victory and its fifth championship in team history. Their first? In 1999 against… the Knicks–New York’s last NBA Finals appearance.
MORE: Draymond Green defends Shai Gilgeous-Alexander amid flopping controversy
This year’s Finals will also mark the first appearance for the Spurs without Gregg Popovich as head coach. Instead, Mitch Johnson will make his NBA Finals debut as San Antonio’s leader on the sidelines.
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Excitement has reached a fever pitch in New York, where the Knicks have an opportunity to bring home their first NBA championship in more than five decades. Meanwhile, Spurs fans could be witnessing the beginning of a new dynasty just 12 years after the franchise’s last title.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals is set for Wednesday, June 3, in San Antonio. The series will not shift to New York until Game 3, which is currently scheduled for Monday, June 8.
Who will capture the NBA championship? Will it be the long-awaited return of the New York Knicks to the top of the basketball world, or will the San Antonio Spurs add another chapter to their storied legacy?
Continue reading...
What may be most impressive about both conference champions is that they clinched their respective conference titles on the road. Facing a 3-2 series deficit, the San Antonio Spurs responded with urgency in Games 6 and 7, smothering Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder offense when it mattered most.
MORE: NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals preferred trade destination
Led by Conference Finals MVP Victor Wembanyama, Spurs completed their comeback against the Thunder on Saturday night. They earned a hard-fought Game 7 victory to advance to the NBA Finals.
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May 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) controls the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) in the fourth quarter during game seven of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City rallied from a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit in the deciding game and briefly threatened to complete a dramatic comeback. However, the Spurs held firm. After overcoming a series deficit, San Antonio secured the final game on the road and punched its ticket to the Finals. In the process, the Thunder fell short of joining their NBA MVP in repeating as champions.
Party like it’s 1999?
The Spurs have not had to wait nearly as long. San Antonio’s most recent Finals appearance came in 2014, when NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard led the franchise to a 4-1 series victory and its fifth championship in team history. Their first? In 1999 against… the Knicks–New York’s last NBA Finals appearance.
MORE: Draymond Green defends Shai Gilgeous-Alexander amid flopping controversy
This year’s Finals will also mark the first appearance for the Spurs without Gregg Popovich as head coach. Instead, Mitch Johnson will make his NBA Finals debut as San Antonio’s leader on the sidelines.
You must be registered for see images attach
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Excitement has reached a fever pitch in New York, where the Knicks have an opportunity to bring home their first NBA championship in more than five decades. Meanwhile, Spurs fans could be witnessing the beginning of a new dynasty just 12 years after the franchise’s last title.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals is set for Wednesday, June 3, in San Antonio. The series will not shift to New York until Game 3, which is currently scheduled for Monday, June 8.
Who will capture the NBA championship? Will it be the long-awaited return of the New York Knicks to the top of the basketball world, or will the San Antonio Spurs add another chapter to their storied legacy?
Continue reading...
