NBA Finals Preview: Spurs vs. Knicks
This year marks the eighth straight time the NBA will crown a different champion. The unexpected matchup in the 2026 NBA Finals is between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, a scenario few anticipated. Historically, between 1975 and 1980, the league had never seen more than six unique champions in a row. In fact, for the past eight years, no team has managed to win successive titles, and since the Golden State Warriors in 2019, no squad has taken the conference championships twice.
So, what’s driving this level of parity in the league? A mix of changes to the salary cap and the impact of injuries has played a big role. Take the Oklahoma City Thunder, for instance—they seemed destined for a dynasty after last season’s championship, but the Spurs turned the tables on them by winning a thrilling Game 7 in the Western Conference Finals, despite missing key players Jaylen Williams and Ajay Mitchell.
Now, the NBA gets to revisit the 1999 Finals, where the Spurs triumphed over the Knicks in just five games. It’s going to be intriguing to see how Victor Wembanyama handles the pressure of trying to secure his first championship at Madison Square Garden, especially with Knicks fans yearning for their first title since 1973. It will be essential to explore both teams’ strengths and weaknesses as the series unfolds.
The Knicks have made history by winning 11 straight games—not an exaggeration, surprisingly enough. Their momentum is fierce, and they fully believe they can clinch a championship for New York.
Interestingly, the Spurs haven’t faced a strong five-player this postseason who can keep Wembanyama from dominating the paint. Karl-Anthony Towns stands out, being acclaimed as the best three-point shooting center—lately, he’s been excelling in a way that makes him crucial for the Knicks in this series. His threat from beyond the arc could pull Wembanyama away from the basket, complicating the defense for San Antonio.
While Jalen Brunson may be underestimated by some, he’s led his teams to championships at both high school and college levels and thrives in clutch moments. The Spurs managed to contain another mid-range sniper, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, in the West Finals, but Brunson’s different approach may provide an edge, given his solid three-point shooting percentage. His ability to pull up for threes could be pivotal—Wembanyama will have to step out to guard him, which might leave him vulnerable inside.
A question that intrigues me is how effectively OG Anunoby can defend Wembanyama. He seems like the prototype defender—long and fast enough to challenge Wemby effectively. The Knicks could benefit from having Anunoby keep Wemby from establishing deep positions in the post, which is crucial for them to gain an upper hand.
On the fitness front, the Knicks come in relatively fresh, while the Spurs are recovering from a taxing seven-game series. The Knicks have had some downtime after winning back-to-back games, which can provide a much-needed advantage as they head into Game 1.
It’s pretty apparent that the Knicks’ offense has the edge over the Spurs at this point. Brunson and Towns form a formidable scoring pair, and with Mikal Bridges and Anunoby, the Knicks can ramp up their offense during critical moments. De’Aaron Fox hasn’t performed at his best this season, and it’s a tall order to expect the 20-year-old Dylan Harper to step up significantly as the team’s No. 2 option. The Knicks have an impressive scoring ability with their solid rotation, which might challenge even Wembanyama’s defensive prowess.
The energy inside Madison Square Garden is about to reach an all-time high. Knicks fans are eager for a championship, and the team is ready to deliver.
Wembanyama has certainly made a name for himself, even being touted as the league’s most valuable player during the Western Conference Finals. It’s intimidating to think he’s just 22 and has even more potential to develop. At his best, he reminds one of a 7’5 Kevin Durant, able to make difficult shots and being an exceptionally impactful defender.
How the Knicks handle Wembanyama will likely influence the series’ outcome. New York has two 7-footers, but Mitchell Robinson’s recent injury poses a challenge. They might lean on Anunoby to guard Wembanyama, and while he may hold his own, that matchup could play into the Spurs’ favor if Wemby can shoot effectively.
Wembanyama’s defensive strength is considerable, especially with skilled perimeter defenders backing him up. He’s made life difficult for shooters like Brunson, who relies on mid-range shots. The Spurs appear well-equipped to contrive defenses against that style.
The Spurs’ supporting cast is also in good form. Julien Champagnie’s standout performances in the Conference Finals, along with Devin Vassell playing his best basketball to date, adds depth to their squad. Dylan Harper is gaining playoff experience, while Luke Cornette is a reliable backup center who could bounce back from recent struggles.
Expect San Antonio’s defense to be scrutinized closely, especially considering how the Knicks’ offensive efficiency soared in the playoffs. The Knicks improved their offensive rating significantly, while the Spurs solidified their defensive position. If the Spurs can restrict New York’s three-point shooting, Wemby might be able to do the rest inside with relative ease.
If it feels like a close matchup, the decisive factor might just be the player with the most talent: Wembanyama.
Personally, if I had to pick a winner, I’d lean toward San Antonio in seven games for a few key reasons.
While the Knicks have made an impressive run through the East, the Spurs present a unique challenge unlike any they’ve faced. Other East teams like the Hawks, 76ers, and Cavaliers didn’t pose as formidable a challenge as the Spurs do. I’m skeptical about whether the Knicks can maintain their blazing three-point shooting streak—Landry Shamet’s unbelievable 91.7 percent shooting in the Eastern Conference Finals is a hard benchmark to replicate. Sure, the Knicks have many capable shooters, but a defensive force like Wembanyama changes the dynamics significantly.
There was certainly a temptation to predict the Knicks can take this in six games. They have a clear path to victory, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see them overrun the Spurs as they have done with other teams.
But if the Spurs can stretch it to a seventh game, they’ll have the home-court advantage. Game 7s can be unpredictable, and I generally favor the team with the most outstanding player—which is Wembanyama here. Having already overcome the biggest challenge in the playoffs, I think he’s primed for a championship win.
