The San Antonio Spurs will face off against the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals starting Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 8:30 ET on ABC, marking a historic rematch of the 1999 Finals. This matchup comes after the Spurs defeated the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling Game 7.
Why it matters: This Finals series features two storied franchises with rich histories, both aiming for a championship. The Spurs are back in the Finals for the first time since 2014, and the Knicks are making their first appearance in 27 years. The stakes are high as both teams vie for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
- The Spurs earned their Finals berth by defeating the Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on May 30, 2026.
- The Knicks, who swept their playoff series, are looking to capture their first championship in 53 years.
- This matchup is particularly notable as it revives the rivalry between the Spurs and Knicks, reminiscent of their classic 1999 Finals.
Driving the news: The Spurs’ victory over the Thunder was led by Victor Wembanyama, who scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in the decisive Game 7. His performance throughout the playoffs has been stellar, averaging 23.3 points, 11 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3.7 blocks per game prior to Game 7.
- Wembanyama’s emotional celebration after the Game 7 win underscored the significance of this moment for him and the Spurs.
- He described winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy as a “childhood dream” and emphasized the importance of this opportunity.
- The Spurs are the second-youngest team to reach the Finals in the shot clock era, with an average age of 25.06 years.
State of play: The Spurs enter the Finals as the No. 2 seed, having overcome a tough playoff path. They faced the Timberwolves and Thunder, both of whom pushed them to their limits.
- San Antonio has a balanced roster, with several players stepping up in key moments throughout the playoffs.
- In the Western Conference Finals, seven Spurs players scored in double figures in Game 7, highlighting their depth.
- Meanwhile, the Knicks, seeded No. 3, have dominated their playoff run, winning 11 consecutive games.
The big picture: This Finals series will be historic, as it will feature the Larry O’Brien Trophy logo painted on the midcourt for the first time since 2009. The NBA aims to restore some traditional elements that fans have missed in recent years.
- The league faced criticism last season for not including the Finals insignias, leading to a fan outcry.
- Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the importance of these traditions and has reinstated them for the Finals.
- Both teams are looking to add to their legacies, with the Spurs aiming for their fifth title and the Knicks seeking their first since 1973.
What they're saying: Analysts and fans are buzzing about the matchup, drawing parallels to the 1999 Finals.
- “This is the best basketball on the planet that’s being played right now,” Wembanyama said after clinching the West Finals.
- Experts predict a competitive series, with many noting the contrasting styles of play between the two teams.
- “The Knicks have been ridiculously good through the first three rounds, but they face a different challenge in the Spurs,” one analyst commented.
By the numbers: The Spurs and Knicks are part of a trend in the NBA where new champions emerge frequently.
- The NBA will have its eighth different champion in the last eight years, extending the longest streak in league history.
- The Spurs are the seventh different team to represent the Western Conference in the Finals over the last seven years.
- The Knicks represent the East’s seventh different conference champion in nine seasons.
What's next: The Finals will kick off with Game 1 on June 3, 2026, in San Antonio.
- Follow along for extensive coverage, including media day events and predictions from analysts.
- Games 2 and 3 will follow quickly, ensuring a packed schedule for both teams as they vie for the title.
- Fans are eagerly anticipating the clash of stars, including Wembanyama and Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, who leads his team with an impressive playoff average of 26.9 points per game.
The basketball world is counting down the days until the tip-off of this highly anticipated Finals matchup, where history, pride, and dreams collide.