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Knicks Postseason 2026, NBA Finals vs. San Antonio Spurs


Part of me is in disbelief that we are here...the other part is raging and ready to go.

Four more wins! Let's. GO!

So much of this NBA Finals feels poetic, historical, and dream-worthy, for so many reasons, to so many different parties. This includes the NBA office. I'm sure they are loving this matchup for their biggest stage. 

While defeating the Spurs does exercise some demons from 1999, I'm not sure I care about that at all. As noted from my thoughts in the Eastern Conference Finals, at this point, just win.

Review Thoughts from Round 1
Review Thoughts from Round 2
Review Thoughts from Eastern Conference Finals

Just. Win. 

I don't care who the opponent is. The narrative that comes with it, or how we do it. 

Just. Win.

The NBA Cup win seems like whiteboard material for them, yet a serving example for us to match up with them. Again, it doesn't matter. Both teams are completely different beasts since November, through growth and experience. 

This all comes down to how we adjust our offense to the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama, and how the depth of the team can make it difficult on a young Spurs team. 

And of course, there is Jalen Brunson against the Spurs (as a Knick):

And of course a memorable, but heartbreaking night...

But again, none of this matters.

Just. Win. 

  • My Key Matchup: Stephon Castle vs. Jalen Brunson
    • The obvious answer feels like, "Anyone vs. Victor Wembanyama."
    • I fully expect Josh Hart and/or OG Anunoby to get the call in defending Wemby in the NBA Finals with a sprinkle of Mitch Robinson...pinky finger pending. I don't expect the match-up to be viewed as a win/loss prospect, but rather how you can make him work on defense in actions and movement, all while possibly keeping him away from the paint. I know....bruh, it's the gameplan for everyone!!!
    • However, we just saw Stephon Castle come off a series in defending the 2x League MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. A series in which SGA wasn't entirely himself. He now carries that experience and confidence into a matchup with stopping JB11. The Knicks have wings and bigs that present a problem for the Spurs. If JB gets going....oh boy. If he doesnt, the Spurs have a chance to crush the head of the dragon. 
  • My Key Stats: 123.0 - Knicks Offensive Ratings versus San Antonio Spurs this year. 
    • The Spurs allowed the most points per possession to the Knicks this season than to any other opponent this season. This is a Spurs team that was 3rd in the NBA in defensive rating (111.3 rtg). 
    • However, in the Playoffs, the Knicks have - somehow?! - increased their offensive efficiency to that of 124.5 in the NBA Playoffs. We know the historical run. Can the Spurs solve the defensive mismatches on an evolved Knicks offense from the one they saw in the regular season, which they had issues defending then?
  • My Key Player: Jalen Brunson
    • The hoops nerd in me wants to say OG Anunoby, as he will be a huge x-factor in all of the X's and O's presented by both teams throughout these finals. 
    • We can give a nod here to Josh Hart as well if they go the 76ers route of having Wemby defend him.
    • HOWEVER, I find it too difficult to bet against the Captain.
    • If we're winning the 2026 NBA Championship...you best believe Jalen Brunson is going to be a huge part of that reason. 
The next two weeks are going to be stressful. 

Just win. Just. Win. 

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