2026 NBA Finals Knicks Vs. Spurs Game 1: What To Know

NEW YORK CITY — Knicks fans, the NBA Finals are finally here!

The 2026 NBA Finals will be a rematch of the NBA Cup Final between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.

The Knicks are now four wins away from ending the franchise's 53-year championship drought. This will be the franchise's sixth NBA Finals appearance.

Here's What You Need To Know

The Spurs and Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanya are fresh off defeating the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunders in a tough seven game series in the Western Conference Finals.

Wembanya will be trying to follow in the footsteps of Spurs legend Tim Duncan and create a new powerhouse team for years to come with a title win.

For the Knicks, they will enter the NBA Finals having won 11 consecutive games after sweeps of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers in the previous two rounds.

Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony-Towns will lead the charge for the Knicks and will be key if New York comes out on top.

OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges will need to continue to shoot well from the 3-point line with the Spurs' defense focusing on Brunson.

Arguably the biggest key to the series will be the matchup of Knicks center Mitchell Robinson versus Wembanya.

Robinson recently underwent surgery on a fractured pinky finger and will be vital in containing Wembanya and providing much needed defense and offensive rebounding.

In addition, the bench play from both teams will be key for whoever wins this series.

If the Knicks' bench can outscore the Spurs' second unit in important stretches it could help win the team's first title since 1973.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals will be broadcasted live on ABC and the ESPN App.

NBA Finals schedule (Games 5-7 if necessary):

• Game 2: Friday, June 5 at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 3: Monday, June 8 at New York, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 4: Wednesday, June 10 at New York, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 5: Saturday, June 13 at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 6: Tuesday, June 16 at New York, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 7: Friday, June 19 at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.