“I double down on this. Just like Becky Hammon said, prove me wrong. Getting out of the East has never been a sure fire thing to winning a championship. What you all talking about? You’re supposed to get out of the East. It’s the East. Of course you’re supposed to get out of the East.”

One of the key talking points heading into the NBA Finals is that New York didn’t face the same level of competition compared to the West. The Knicks defeated Atlanta, Philadelphia and Cleveland on their way to the 2026 Finals, while the San Antonio Spurs survived a brutal path that included Portland, Minnesota and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Can the Knicks win the 2026 NBA Finals?

The New York Knicks enter the NBA Finals as underdogs, but they have a very real chance of defeating the Spurs. They are currently the hottest team in the NBA, riding an 11-game playoff winning streak while dominating several competitive rosters, particularly in their series against the Cavaliers, who were led by Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.

Knicks vs Spurs head-to-head

During the 2025-26 season, the Knicks posted a 2-1 record against the Spurs. Their only loss came in an epic NBA Cup Final in December that ended in a 134-132 thriller. That track record should give New York confidence heading into the series and is one of the reasons many believe the Knicks have a legitimate chance to pull off the upset.

The defeat was particularly painful given the Thunder’s position as defending champions and favorites entering the decisive matchup. Oklahoma City had home-court advantage and the experience of last year’s title run, but San Antonio delivered when it mattered most to complete the series comeback.

Following the game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made it clear that the focus must now shift toward learning from the disappointment and preparing for another championship push. “They were just the better team tonight from start to finish. Hats off to them. They played better and deserved to win. We just have to take it one day at a time from here on out. Try to get better this summer and be a better team than we were this season and last season. Just try to get over the hump.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander believes Spurs have what it takes to win NBA title

While the loss was difficult to accept, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had nothing but praise for the team that ended Oklahoma City’s season. The Thunder star acknowledged that San Antonio earned its place in the NBA Finals and possesses many of the qualities necessary to win a championship. “They have the makeup for sure. You don’t beat us without the makeup and we’re here. They got the makeup to go get a championship.”

The comments carry significant weight considering Oklahoma City was widely viewed as one of the strongest teams in the league. For Gilgeous-Alexander, the Spurs proved their legitimacy by defeating a defending champion in a pressure-packed seven-game series.

He continued his praise by highlighting what makes San Antonio such a dangerous opponent heading into the Finals against the New York Knicks. “They’re young and they’re talented. They’re well-coached and play the right way.”

Speaking after the game in comments shared by Joel Lorenzi on X, Caruso said, “There’s nothing that needs to be solved. We could’ve won the game tonight. You would’ve been asking them the same thing. I don’t think there’s this narrative that this is a bugaboo.”

Caruso continued by emphasizing that the series could have gone either way. “We should’ve played better and won the game and been in the NBA Finals. They’re a good team, they’re young. We’ll both probably be around for a while. But we’ve gotta get better and try and win next time.”

Caruso knows what playoff battles look like

Throughout the series against San Antonio, Caruso once again showed why contenders value his presence so highly. While he may not always lead the box score, his defense, leadership, and ability to make winning plays helped keep Oklahoma City competitive throughout the matchup.

His perspective carries weight because of his extensive postseason experience. Caruso has played deep into the playoffs multiple times during his career and understands how thin the margin can be between advancing and going home. That experience likely explains why he refused to overreact to a single Game 7 defeat.

Looking ahead, there is every reason to believe the Thunder can return to the postseason with Caruso next season. Oklahoma City remains one of the most talented teams in the Western Conference, and veterans like Caruso provide the stability needed for long playoff runs.

The hilarious post-game declaration was captured and shared on X by Spurs Nation. “Someone from the bench yelled, ‘Who is it? LeBron James?’” Kornet said when describing the immediate sideline chatter after the play. The big man then jokingly added: “We’ll see which one has more staying power in the record books of history.”

Kornet provided critical minutes during the grueling playoff series vs OKC, averaging 5.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks off the bench. His reliable interior presence and veteran savvy will be crucial as he prepares to help teammate Victor Wembanyama win the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Kornet is a veteran of the NBA Finals

This upcoming championship series marks a familiar territory for the center, as this isn’t the first time Kornet goes to the NBA Finals. He has quietly built an impressive postseason resume over the last few seasons, making him one of the few players on the current roster with genuine championship experience.

Fans will easily remember the 2023-24 season when he won a ring with Boston from the bench as well, providing great energy and solid frontcourt depth. He also made a Finals appearance with the Celtics back in 2022-23, giving him a deep understanding of the intense pressure that comes with playing in June.

Ultimately, having an experienced veteran like Kornet can significantly help the Spurs win a championship against a tough Eastern Conference opponent. His ability to stay ready and produce in limited minutes ensures that head coach Mitch Johnson has a reliable backup option when foul trouble strikes.

The newly crowned Western Conference Finals MVP provided a profound perspective on what this moment signifies. “Winning the Larry O’Brien is a childhood dream and having a real shot at it, having a chance, a tangible chance at winning it realizing a dream, it’s a lifetime chance you never know what’s going to happen again,” Wembanyama shared.

The superstar center further emphasized how deeply tied his personal journey is to the quest for an NBA championship ring. “It’s almost like the meaning of my life,” Wembanyama added. His raw determination shows that San Antonio is entering the final stage of the postseason with immense purpose.

Can Wembanyama capture the ultimate NBA prize?

Wembanyama put together a historic performance throughout the intense Western Conference Finals, dethroning the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling Game 7 battle. Now that the roster is healthy and playing its absolute best basketball of the 2026 season, the Spurs possess a legitimate opportunity to capture another world title.

The French star credited much of this postseason success to the deep bond and chemistry he shares with his San Antonio teammates. “My life is amazing being with these guys, living these things with these guys that I love so so so much. It’s amazing. I want to have this feeling plenty plenty more times in my life,” he expressed.

If Wembanyama can finish the job against New York, he will join a historic list of legendary big men who captured the trophy in their first Finals trip. Hall of Famers like Magic Johnson and Tim Duncan famously won championship rings as young stars, a legacy the sophomore phenom now has a clear path to replicate.

The accomplishment places Gilgeous-Alexander in extremely rare company. The only point guards in NBA history to score 35 or more points in a Conference Finals Game 7 are Stephen Curry on May 30, 2016, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on May 30, 2026.

For Gilgeous-Alexander, the performance was another example of his ability to carry a team deep into the postseason. With everything on the line, he answered the challenge and produced one of the most memorable games of his playoff career, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s elite guards.

How dominant was SGA in 2026?

Throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander was the driving force behind Oklahoma City‘s success. He consistently led the offense, created scoring opportunities for teammates, and delivered in high-pressure situations. Night after night, he looked every bit like a superstar capable of leading a championship contender.

The comparison to Curry is significant because both players reached this milestone while serving as the unquestioned leaders of their teams. Curry‘s Game 7 performance in 2016 became part of his legendary playoff résumé, and Gilgeous-Alexander now has a moment of his own that will be remembered for years.

Regardless of the final outcome of the season, this playoff run should only strengthen Gilgeous-Alexander moving forward. Great players often use both success and disappointment as fuel, and there is little reason to believe this experience will be any different.

According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, there is growing optimism that Robinson could be available when the Finals begin. Bondy reported on X: “Mitchell Robinson’s injury identified: He suffered a fracture of his 5th metacarpal, league sources told The Post. Robinson underwent surgery and hope is he plays Game 1 of the Finals.”

Before the injury, Robinson remained an important part of New York’s frontcourt rotation this season. His rebounding, rim protection, and physical presence in the paint gave the Knicks valuable minutes on both ends of the floor, helping them reach their first NBA Finals appearance in decades.

Robinson sends message to Knicks fans

While recovering, Robinson also took time to thank supporters who have stood by him throughout the process. In a recent post on Instagram, he wrote, “I can’t thank you guys enough for the love and support most of you bring especially at a time like this in my life. It makes everything I’m fighting for 100x easier to deal with.”

The Knicks big man also addressed critics directly, showing the emotion that has accompanied his recovery. Robinson added, “The ones that want to see me down and hurt all I gotta say for you is f—- you,” making it clear he remains motivated to return stronger.

He concluded his message by expressing disappointment with some people who have not supported him during difficult moments, writing, “The ones that say they love and care about me but can’t be there for me when I need them but I’m always there when they need me god will get you.” If Robinson is able to return for Game 1, the Knicks would enter the Finals with a much more complete roster.

The Thunder enter the game as favorites thanks to home-court advantage and a roster led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, the Spurs have all the momentum after their dominant Game 6 victory and continue to lean on the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama, who is now one win away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in his career.

Waiting on the other side are the Knicks, who have already secured their place in the Finals after completing a sweep in the Eastern Conference Finals. The winner of Game 7 will earn the right to face New York beginning on June 3.

Is Jalen Williams playing for Thunder vs Spurs in Game 7?

No. Jalen Williams has officially been ruled out for Game 7 due to a hamstring injury. It’s a significant blow for the Thunder considering Williams has been one of the team’s most important players throughout the season and playoffs.

For San Antonio, the injury could create an opportunity to steal a road victory and complete an improbable comeback after trailing 3-2 in the series. With the NBA Finals awaiting the winner, every possession in Game 7 is expected to carry enormous weight.

Who is favorite to win Game 7 between Spurs and Thunder?

Despite the injury setback, oddsmakers continue to view the Thunder as favorites heading into Game 7. They are currently favored by 3.5 points at home, reflecting confidence in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates.

Koby Altman addressed the situation during a recent Q&A with reporters, responding directly to questions about a potential extension. “Understand the question. All I can tell you is Donovan has been steadfast in how much he loves it here. There hasn’t been any question of will he be here or does he want to be here.”

Altman continued, reinforcing the organization’s confidence in the star guard’s mindset. “I think the bigger question, is the one that’s been answered, is does he want to be here and does he want to be here long term, and I think he’s answered that.” The tone reflected stability around one of Cleveland’s most important roster decisions.

Mitchell and Cleveland’s long-term window

Mitchell has once again been the centerpiece of Cleveland’s offense this NBA season, delivering consistent scoring and leadership throughout the regular season while keeping the Cavaliers firmly in the Eastern Conference mix. His ability to create late-game offense has remained one of the team’s most reliable strengths.

From a roster-building standpoint, keeping Mitchell would solidify the Cavaliers’ identity around a proven playoff-level scorer who already fits within the system. The front office views him as a player who can anchor both the present and future, especially alongside the team’s existing core pieces.

On May 25, Mitchell was already clear about where he stands regarding his future, saying, “I love it here. I don’t know how else to say it, but I love it here. We have unfinished business. This city deserves a ring and we’re just gonna keep going.” James Harden also added that he wants to be back in Cleveland, further fueling speculation around the team’s evolving long-term plans.

The only time the Spurs ever played a Game 7 in a conference finals setting came back in 1979, when they were still competing in the Eastern Conference. In that matchup, San Antonio fell 107-105 to the Washington Bullets, narrowly missing a trip to the NBA Finals.

Fast forward to 2026, and the Spurs reached another defining moment, this time facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in a Western Conference Finals Game 7. They got there after a hard-fought series, using key performances, late-game execution, and the rise of their young core to push the Thunder to the limit.

Spurs and the weight of Game 7 history

Beyond conference finals, Game 7s have not always been kind to San Antonio in other playoff rounds either, with mixed results in first-round and semifinal appearances over the years. Even during their dynasty runs, every Game 7 has carried pressure, intensity, and moments that tested their championship identity.

That said, this is a very different Spurs team compared to previous eras, with a new foundation built around Victor Wembanyama. His presence changes the ceiling of the franchise, giving San Antonio a unique two-way force capable of shifting playoff dynamics in ways past squads could not.

If the Spurs manage to win this Game 7 against Oklahoma City, it would mark their first-ever Conference Finals Game 7 victory and only their second appearance in that situation since 1979. It would also signal a potential turning point for a franchise trying to write a new chapter with its emerging superstar at the center.

Irving made the comments during a live stream on Twitch, where he reacted to New York‘s postseason success. “The Knicks making the Finals is OD… Knicks fans gonna go bonkers man. Its gonna be one of those ones,” Irving said while discussing the atmosphere surrounding the franchise.

He continued by highlighting the people responsible for the run. “They done made it to the NBA Finals, done earned their ticket… I’m excited to watch them too… Mike Brown leading the helm, Jalen Brunson great PG… great pieces around him.” Irving’s comments reflected genuine respect for what the Knicks have accomplished this season.

Irving knows what it takes to reach the Finals

Irving’s praise carries extra weight because he understands how difficult it is to get there. Throughout his career, he has reached the NBA Finals four times, all during his run with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2015 through 2018. Those appearances helped establish him as one of the most accomplished playoff guards of his generation.

His greatest moment came in 2016 when he helped the Cavaliers capture the NBA championship. Irving famously hit the go-ahead three-pointer late in Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors, securing the only championship ring of his career and completing one of the most memorable Finals victories in league history.

For the Knicks, this Finals appearance represents a chance to end a championship drought that stretches back more than five decades. New York last won an NBA title in 1973, making this run one of the most significant moments in franchise history.