Knicks and Spurs face off again after taking different routes following NBA Cup

Knicks vs. Spurs: A Game to Watch

There’s definitely something special about the Knicks taking on the Spurs. It seems like whenever these two teams clash, some big drama unfolds.

This Sunday, they’re set to meet at Madison Square Garden for their third and final regular season game. Excitement is in the air.

Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox commented after practice, “I heard about last year’s Christmas game. There seemed to be a little something extra in that first matchup. This year, we had a tournament win. That might not breed hatred, but it can give you a little extra motivation.”

The last time they played, the Knicks came out on top in a nail-biter, winning the NBA Cup back in December. It was a standout moment, especially since they mounted a tremendous fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring the Spurs by 16 points—an incredible highlight for their season.

However, things have changed quite a bit since then for both teams. They faced off again just a couple of weeks later on New Year’s Eve in San Antonio, where the Knicks let a double-digit lead slip away, resulting in a significant loss. Up until then, they seemed like a top contender in the East, but that game shifted the tide. Following that defeat, they struggled, losing nine out of eleven games.

Coach Mike Brown didn’t hold back after that rough game. He said, “They outplayed us in a lot of ways. [Spurs coach Mitch Johnson] kicked my ass. We just didn’t hold it together.” He pointed out their physical play was lacking. “We have to be tougher for the full 48 minutes, and yet we keep making silly fouls. It’s frustrating.” He seemed to understand that if things didn’t improve defensively, the rest of the season could be quite rough.

Brown’s comments were a bit prophetic, hinting at those persistent defensive issues that would indeed catch up. As of this season, the Knicks have recorded 15 wins and 12 losses. Meanwhile, the Spurs are thriving, having won 11 straight games and boasting a record of 19 wins and 7 losses. Fox, despite falling short in the Cup, feels that their experience has been invaluable.

“Being able to be together in a high-stakes situation definitely helps us,” Fox said. That’s pretty much how it feels for any team; those moments are crucial.

Last Christmas, the Knicks narrowly edged out Victor Wembanyama’s impressive 42 points for a thrilling three-point win, with Mikal Bridges shining as he scored a career-high 41 points. A year ago, Jalen Brunson and Wembanyama had an epic showdown, with Brunson racking up 61 points in a captivating overtime loss.

There’s just something about these teams that leads to unforgettable matchups. Wembanyama himself has acknowledged the Knicks as a team he admired growing up, noting their rich history and making any game in New York an exciting affair.