Tonight marks the conclusion of the 2026 NBA season, and there’s a chance—however slim—that the New York Knicks could be lifting the NBA Finals trophy. This has significance for many fans. But before we get there, they’ve got one last opportunity to turn their fortunes around after facing their only defeat, bringing their series record to 2-1 in Game 4.
Now, let’s dive into Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
For those who aren’t fond of the Knicks, it’s worth noting that they should have been eliminated at least a couple of times during this series. They almost found themselves down 3-1, and perhaps they should have. The chances they got stemmed from some questionable choices made by the Spurs along the way, and their path to the Finals has been relatively easier than anticipated.
If the Knicks end up facing a more robust team from the Eastern Conference, they could find themselves fatigued. Instead, they’ve encountered a somewhat lackluster Hawks team, a worn-out 76ers squad, and an emotionally drained Spurs lineup. Fans also don’t necessarily deserve this outcome, given how poorly they’ve treated both Spurs fans and players throughout the series.
Honestly, I find myself agreeing with the essence of the first two and the last sentences of that last paragraph.
To Knicks supporters: your team shows resilience. Coming back from a 29-point deficit in the regular season is impressive, but can they do it in the Finals to lead 3-1 instead of just tying at 2-2? That’s significant. Their starting five is among the best in the league. Jalen Brunson has been consistently proving himself as a top player too—his poise is commendable. The Knicks have three opportunities to win over the San Antonio crowd and seal the deal.
There’s no paragraph for Spurs fans that feels unique to them—they’ve achieved a lot. It’s surprising that I even need to defend this, but blaming De’Aaron Fox alone for the loss doesn’t capture the full picture. They had a 29-point lead but couldn’t finish strong. In Game 2, they led for most of the match but ended up taking a poor shot against a massive opponent. It’s just not the way to approach the game.
Now, let’s go back to the pivotal play that’s been under scrutiny. The Spurs were scrambling, Fox went for a layup—it got blocked by OG Anunoby. Shortly after, the Knicks hit a clutch 3-pointer, and Anunoby scored within the final moments. They had been ahead by 15 points just 12 minutes before the end, yet they lost the game. A 14-point lead with seven minutes remaining just vanished. This isn’t just another regular-season game; it’s the NBA Finals.
Fox’s shot wasn’t his finest moment, but it’s not as if attempting a layup was that terrible of a call. He could have easily run down the clock. Missing two free throws could have resulted in just as dire a situation. Making that layup would have put them ahead by three.
Winning against the Spurs is no easy feat. Did they put up a valiant struggle? Absolutely, but there’s definitely room for growth. That’s why I’m leaning toward the Thunder to take Game 7. If you want to put your faith in the Spurs, well, that’s up to you. The Knicks, though? They shouldn’t be overly concerned about winning on the road or at home.
Considering how fans in New York typically react, should the Knicks win, it might just ignite some chaos in the city. Perhaps it’s best if they pull off this win away from home. Give the Knicks +5.5; they certainly can’t bounce back from a loss like the Spurs did—it feels done.
