SAN ANTONIO — The Moment is Near

The Knicks’ chance at their first championship since 1973—and only the third in their history—is incredibly close. Their legacy in New York is teetering on a thrilling brink. Just a little more effort, and it could all be theirs.

With a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals as they prepare for Game 5 at Frostbank Center, they are just a step away from greatness.

“The key is to remain focused,” Coach Mike Brown noted recently. “It’s crucial to be in the moment and not to dwell on what might happen. Concentrate on the process, on the next play.”

Of course, thinking about the process might not always yield results. But it’s often necessary, especially against strong opponents. It’s easy for anyone to get distracted by what’s at stake.

This postseason, the Knicks have dominated in tight games. In the first three rounds, they outscored their opponents by a staggering 118 points in games that were expected to be nail-biters.

“I have mentioned this before: the toughest game to win is the one that ends someone’s season,” Karl-Anthony Towns said. “So tomorrow, I’ve got to show up as my best self.”

And despite Towns’ perspective, the Knicks have made winning look almost effortless. They’ve drained the competitive spirit from their challengers, leaving little room for perseverance. No one doubts their performance.

What allows them to do this? “It’s their maturity,” Brown asserted. “Sure, we’ve got veterans, but even they can show some immaturity at times. This group is remarkably mature, and that attitude permeates the whole team. It simplifies my job.”

“We’ve stressed all season about focusing on the next possession,” he added. “When you play in tight matchups, desperation rises for both the opposing players and fans. We need to maintain our best effort.”

For the Spurs, the sense of hopelessness is understandable as they fight for their title hopes. But it’s only natural for the Knicks to feel less pressure—with a 3-1 lead, especially after a dramatic comeback in Game 4.

“Win or lose, I think about our performance that night—the good, the bad,” Jalen Brunson explained. “But when morning comes, I turn the page. Yes, we won, but there’s so much work ahead. We need to keep analyzing our game to avoid finding ourselves in tight situations again.”

“We have to hold onto our beliefs. That’s crucial,” he added.

This desperate play was ignited back when they were trailing 2-1 in the first round. Since then, they’ve claimed an impressive 13 consecutive victories.

The Spurs, at least publicly, insist they still have confidence—unlike some of the Knicks’ recent adversaries. Victor Wenbanyama believes “everyone” understands they can either rally or not. Meanwhile, Stephon Castle aims to make history as well.

Yet, this series hasn’t been straightforward. The Knicks fell behind by double digits in every game, even facing a 29-point deficit in Game 4. Remarkably, the first four games were all decided by four points at the end—an occurrence not seen in the Finals since 1973 when the Knicks triumphed over the Lakers.

So, it’s clear: the series is likely closer than the 3-1 score would suggest.

“We’ve discussed it plenty,” Towns said. “We need to approach every game as if it’s 0-0. The urgency to win Game 1 of a playoffs is essential. We must recognize that comfort has no place on the court. Grit and high execution are non-negotiable. Our discipline must shine through in our game plan.”

On one side, a cloud of despair looms; on the other, the exhilarating prospect of victory is waiting.