The New York Knicks are the talk of the tri-state area as they have entered the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. After sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern conference finals, the Knicks head to San Antonio to face the Spurs, a highly anticipated rematch from the Knicks’ last finals appearance 27 years ago. The Knicks are seeking their first championship title since 1973, when they defeated the Lakers. The championship is played as a best of seven series: the team first to four wins will be the 2026 NBA champions.
Victor Wembanyama, the NBA’s No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023 and the Spurs’ star player, has the ability to lead San Antonio to victory with his build of 7-foot-4, leadership and brilliance. Jalen Brunson, the star player this season on the Knicks, has an average of 26 points per game and a total of 1,927 points so far this season. Being 6-foot-2, he may not be as tall as Wembanyama, but his skill level is just as competitive.
These games are scheduled from June 3 to June 19 at both Madison Square Garden and Frost Bank center in San Antonio. For fans who want to attend a game in New York, the cheapest tickets are around $4,000 for just a view from the nosebleeds. If it comes to the best two words in sports— “Game 7”—then the game will be hosted in San Antonio since the Spurs have home court advantage. The last time these teams met this season, March 1, the Knicks blew out the Spurs 114-89.
Despite those results and hopeful Knicks fans, the San Antonio Spurs are likely and favored to win the NBA Finals. With their balanced roster, disciplined defense and ability to stay steady while under pressure, it gives them an edge over their opponents.The Spurs finished their regular season ranked No. 2 in the Western conference with a record of 62 wins and 20 losses.
The Knicks gave it their all this season with a 53-29 final record. They faced tough teams, including the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Detroit Pistons, alongside their current NBA final opponents the San Antonio Spurs. They have had an impressive post season record, losing only two games to the Pacers in the playoffs and having an 11 game winning streak.
New York Knicks supporters, including celebrities sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden like Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller and longtime fan and filmmaker Spike Lee, are all expected to bring intense energy to the finals. For the rest of the New York fans that face a the constant cycle of disappointment in the Knicks, their expectations are higher than ever this year. Even NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed an executive order to repeal bedtimes so children are permitted to stay up late and watch the NBA Finals.
To many, the NBA Finals is more than just a game. Legacies are built, both teams lay it all on the line and history is made. Regardless of the final results, the Knicks and Knicks nation are walking away with a successful season.
