Brunson secured his first ring three years older than Curry, who was just 26 when he won his first NBA Finals. However, the Golden State Warriors legend shares the distinction of winning the title in his very first Finals appearance.

Compared to James, Brunson is two years older than the Lakers star was during his first championship run. James was 27 when he got his first ring against Oklahoma City. Had Brunson not won, Victor Wembanyama could have done it at 22 but he came up short in his first trip to the Finals.

Brunson left his mark on the Finals

Brunson didn’t just help bring a title to New York; he also posted some massive individual numbers this postseason. He logged his fourth-highest playoff scoring average while pulling down a postseason career-high 4.1 defensive rebounds per game.

In the decisive Game 5 against the Spurs to clinch the title, Brunson dropped 45 points, another feat that holds up against James and Curry. It’s a performance that will undoubtedly go down in franchise history as an iconic moment, anchoring the team’s comeback to win the Finals.

Brunson didn’t cruise to this ring, either. The Knicks battled through some regular-season turbulence and missed out on the top seed in the Eastern Conference. But once the playoffs started, they found a second gear, dropping just three games total and avoiding a single Game 7.

New York seized control of the series after a dramatic 107-106 victory in Game 4, putting the Spurs on the brink of elimination. The game will be played in San Antonio, where the Spurs hope to extend the series and keep their title hopes alive.

With the Larry O’Brien Trophy potentially on the line tonight, here’s what each possible outcome would mean. After a historic 29-point comeback by the Knicks, anything is possible.

What happens if the Knicks win Game 5?

If the Knicks win tonight, they will capture the 2026 NBA championship. The victory would give New York a 4-1 series triumph and secure the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973. It would complete one of the most memorable playoff runs in team history and cement this group among the greatest Knicks teams ever assembled.

What happens if the Knicks lose Game 5?

If the Spurs win, the series would shift back to New York for Game 6. The Knicks would still lead the Finals 3-2, but San Antonio would gain momentum and another opportunity to extend the series.

Game 6 would be played Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks would have another chance to clinch the championship in front of their home fans. Should the Spurs also win Game 6, a winner-take-all Game 7 would be necessary.

What happens if Knicks vs Spurs is tied after regulation?

If the score is tied at the end of regulation, Knicks and Spurs would play a five-minute overtime period to determine a winner. If the game remains tied after the first overtime, another overtime period would be played.

That process would continue indefinitely—double overtime, triple overtime, and beyond—until one team finishes with more points and wins the game. Every NBA Finals contest must produce a winner.

How close are the Knicks to the championship?

The Knicks enter Game 5 in a commanding position, needing just one more victory to secure the title. Historically, teams leading an NBA Finals series 3-1 have gone on to win the championship the vast majority of the time. It has happened 38 of 39 times with the only exception in 2016 when LeBron James and the Cavaliers came back against the Golden State Warriors led by Stephen Curry.

The result marked the largest comeback ever recorded in an NBA Finals game and gave New York a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. The loss leaves San Antonio needing three consecutive victories to capture the championship. While Game 5 will be played in San Antonio on Saturday, the Knicks have already guaranteed that, at minimum, the series will return to Madison Square Garden for a potential Game 6.

Following the heartbreaking defeat, Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama addressed the team’s mindset moving forward. “What’s going through my mind right now? I think it’s going to go one of two ways. A bad one and a good one. The bad one would be giving up. The good one would be getting stronger through this, getting more together. I know this is what we’re going to do.”

What did Victor Wembanyama say after the Spurs’ Game 4 loss?

Victor Wembanyama’s comments reflected a player determined not to let one painful defeat define the series. However, the young star was also honest when discussing how the Spurs allowed such a massive lead to disappear.

When asked about the collapse in the second half, Wemby did not hide his frustration. “I think it began before that. I can’t really explain it right now. I think it’s just execution, greediness. We clearly weren’t the most hungry in the second half.”

Whether the Spurs can recover from one of the most painful losses in franchise history will be determined in Game 5, with their championship hopes hanging by a thread.

In NBA playoff history, teams that trail 3-1 in a series have a very hard time coming back. If San Antonio manages to overcome its 3-1 deficit against New York, it will accomplish what only LeBron and Cleveland could. As for 3-0 deficits, no team has ever overcome such a disadvantage in Finals history. Not only that, no team has ever come back from down 3-0 in any playoff series.

If Victor Wembanyama achieves such a milestone in only his third year in the league, comparisons to LeBron will be off to a great start. Needless to say, no other team aside from the Cavs has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.

Those who came close to 3-1 comebacks in NBA Finals

Throughout league history, 23 teams managed to extend the series to seven games after falling behind 3-1. Only LeBron and Cleveland were able to come away with a win in Game 7.

For instance, the Knicks forced a Game 7 after falling behind 3-0 against the Rochester Royals (now the Sacramento Kings) in the 1951 NBA Finals. The Los Angeles Lakers also forced a Game 7 after trailing 3-1 against the Boston Celtics in the 1966 NBA Finals. However, neither team could complete the comeback.

It felt impossible until LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and company rallied from a 3-1 deficit against Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and the Golden State Warriors in 2016. The odds of such a comeback ever happening again are low, but if there’s someone who could pull it off, it might be ‘Wemby’ and the Spurs.

Almost made NBA history

Had San Antonio not blown a 29-point lead in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, the Knicks and Spurs would have found themselves on the wrong side of an unprecedented mark in league history. Never before had both NBA finalists lost their first two home games of the series.

Home court could have been considered a disadvantage, but New York rallied from an improbable deficit to put itself one win away from its first championship since 1973.

Last sweep in NBA Finals

Just as they were responsible for the most remarkable and memorable comeback in NBA Finals history, LeBron James and the Cavaliers were also involved the last time a team was swept in the championship round. The Warriors played a role in that one as well.

The last sweep in the NBA Finals was in 2018, when Golden State blew Cleveland out of the water in four games en route to the Warriors’ sixth NBA championship. Throughout league history, a total of nine NBA Finals have ended in a four-game sweep.

The last time a Western Conference team was swept in the NBA Finals was in 1989, when the Los Angeles Lakers fell at the hands of the Detroit Pistons. Since, four Eastern Conference sides have been in the losing end of sweeps, including the Cavs being swept twice.

Wu-Tang Clan will be in charge of keeping fans on their seats during the intermission in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals. Thus, in addition to the local celebrities regularly spotted courtside and in suites at Madison Square Garden, the hip-hop collective from Staten Island will also be representing the hometown Knicks.

New York is vying to win its first NBA championship since 1973, and with San Antonio pushing back on the road, it’s clear the Knickerbockers need all the help they can muster. Three decades after the release of the iconic album, ‘Enter the Wu-Tang’ once again takes center stage. In Game 4, the group formed by RZA, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon the Chef, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna will have the spotlight fixed upon them at halftime.

How long is halftime in NBA Finals?

Although NBA rules state, “Fifteen minutes will be permitted between halves of all games,” that limit is sometimes exceeded during the Finals. Because of broadcast segments, player and coach interviews, ads, and halftime shows, it is not too rare for the intermission between the second and third quarters to extend a bit longer and range from 17 to 20 minutes.

Considering just how many New York anthems Wu-Tang Clan has in its discography, halftime of Game 4 may last even longer. Still, officially, halftime lasts 15 minutes, and that is the benchmark the league aims for.

Celebrities in attendance at MSG for Game 4

Coming off a star-studded turnout in Game 3, which included President Donald Trump, New York City mayor Xohran Mamdani, Jay-Z, Spike Lee, Eli Manning, Derek Jeter, Mariska Hargitay, Larry Dacid and many more, Game 4 between the Knicks and Spurs will be no different.

Taylor Swift is attending Madison Square Garden, though without fiancé Travis Kelce. That’s in addition to Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, and Ben Stiller, who have become regulars at MSG.

Moreover, a large party of New York Giants, including Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston, and Cam Skattebo were also spotted making their way into the “World’s Most Famous Arena”. Hailey Bieber, Tate McRae, Aaron Judge, Carmelo Anthony, and Nas are other household names making an appearance in New York City for the high-stakes showdown. The VIP list, however, is a lot longer.

Previous halftime show

Game 3 didn’t end how Knicks fans expected, but they were still in for a treat. The halftime show was also headlined by a fellow New Yorker, as Cardi B (born in the Bronx) took center stage. Now, it’s time for Wu-Tang Clan.

Though New York hopes the series won’t go that far, the Knicks are guaranteed to be back at Madison Square Garden for Game 6 if they lose either Game 4 or Game 5. Thus, fans who make their way to the arena above Penn Station can expect another top-notch artist to perform at halftime.

“[Swift is] a huge fan of the Knicks and really wants to be there to support them. She is going with friends,” as reported by Page Six. Whether Kelce is included in the friend group or not, that’s unclear. Perhaps, if Kelce were to join her, the source would’ve noted it. The fact there is no mention of Kelce suggests he won’t be in New York.

Most signs suggest Kelce isn’t making the trip to the Big Apple to catch Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs. First, he is currently participating in the Kansas City Chiefs’ mandatory minicamp back in Missouri. Second, the Cleveland Heights native may still not be over his Cavaliers’ 4-0 defeat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Kelce is staying loyal to both his NFL organization and the basketball team he grew up rooting for. Most likely, Swift won’t be joined by Kelce at the “World’s Most Famous Arena.” Still, there will be no shortage of celebrities in attendance. In addition to Swift, MSG regulars Timothée Chalamet, Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Mariska Hargitay, and many others may also be sitting courtside during Game 4.

Is Taylor Swift a Knicks fan?

Born in West Reading, Pennsylvania, Swift grew up somewhat close to New York City and well within Knicks territory. Over the years, she has repped the orange and blue countless times and has attended games at Madison Square Garden.

Most notably, Swift and Kelce sat courtside at Rocket Arena during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, when the soon-to-be-married couple’s childhood teams—the Knicks and Cavaliers, respectively—met. Ultimately, Swift had the last laugh as New York swept Cleveland en route to the organization’s first Finals appearance since 1999.

MSG will host Swift and Kelce’s wedding

Swift may have also gotten her wish regarding the wedding venue. According to reports, Swift and Kelce will get married on July 3 at Madison Square Garden. Thus, as she watches the Knickerbockers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Swift may also have time to analyze the venue and make any last-minute adjustments.

As for Kelce, he’s busy gearing up for the 2026 NFL season. While his fiancée enjoys a night out in the City That Never Sleeps, he’ll remain in the City of Fountains working on his craft.

Trump was once a courtside regular at Knicks games at Madison Square Garden. However, he has largely put that fandom aside since entering national politics. In fact, a Trump hasn’t attended a Knicks game at MSG in more than a decade. Fans in attendance for Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals will witness an exceptionally rare Trump sighting.

According to reporter Evan Sidery, the last time Trump attended a Knicks game at the “World’s Most Famous Arena” was on December 4, 2014, when the Cleveland Cavaliers were in town for a regular-season matchup. When the Knicks take on the Spurs in Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, Trump will be back at MSG for an NBA fame for the first time in 12 years.

Trump’s appearance will make NBA history

With his presence during Game 3, Trump will set a precedent. Trump, who was born in Queens and grew up in New York City, will become the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals showdown.

As reported by the NBA at the time, Barack Obama was the last president to attend a game, as he sat courtside during Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors.

However, Obama attended that game after leaving office, and it took place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. Another notable difference is that Trump has opted against sitting courtside and will instead watch from a suite, according to Shams Charania.

Knicks’ final score last time Trump attended a game

The last time Trump was in attendance to watch the Knicks, New York fell 90-87 to Cleveland, led by the likes of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. According to The Sporting News, the last time Trump was in attendance for a Knicks victory was March 26, 2012. More than 14 years later, he hopes to bring good luck as New York looks to close out the series quickly and capture its third NBA championship in franchise history.

With the Spurs down 0-2 in the NBA Finals, Harper and his teammates want to show they can play hard on the road. “Desperation. I think for me, I feel like I’m at my best when I play with that type of desperation, and I think that’s what’s kind of needed for this occasion,” he stated.

Harper is more than ready for the ultimate sacrifice in a pivotal Game 3, because if the Knicks win, it could spell the end for San Antonio. “I feel like I’m going to go out there and no matter what the circumstances, if I’m not playing with that type of fire or grit, I’m doing a disservice to everyone.”

Harper, Spurs on the Same Page

At least Harper isn’t alone in his mindset. After Gregg Popovich told the team to focus on Game 3 and leave everything else behind, it is highly probable that the Spurs will take a different approach playing in New York. After all, they lost the first two games by a close margin.

Harper, playing at guard, has done a solid job, averaging 5.0 points against the Knicks in the NBA Finals. While he could do a little more, his 2.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game stay in line with his season averages, and he has historically performed much better on the road.

The Spurs’ strategy shouldn’t change that much when playing at Madison Square Garden (MSG); they just need to avoid turnovers to prevent a collapse like in Game 2. Their road series against the Oklahoma City Thunder showcased the total focus they possess during a tight series, which they ultimately took in seven games.

With the Knicks fighting for a championship, Hart didn’t hold back when discussing the secondary ticket market. “I wish the ticket prices weren’t as crazy as they are,“ Hart said. “A lot of people who have been waiting for this moment for a very long time unfortunately aren’t able to get into the building. $7K, $8K is ridiculous.”

While his comments resonate deeply with the fanbase, the staggering prices haven’t stopped the arenas from packing out. The first two games of the series in San Antonio were completely sold out, drawing raucous crowds of 18,835 for Game 1 and 19,014 for Game 2.

What is the capacity of Madison Square Garden?

For basketball, Madison Square Garden features an official capacity of 19,812. It is a mathematical certainty that the building will be filled to the brim. Though Hart’s concerns about the average fan are entirely valid, the Knicks will have no shortage of loud, high-energy support on their home floor.

According to a striking report from The Kobeissi Letter alongside leading ticket marketplaces, NBA Finals Game 3 will be expensive. The absolute cheapest get-in price has soared to a staggering $10,622 per seat. To be clear, that five-figure sum won’t get you anywhere near the hardwood or the VIP courtside rows.

This isn’t the first time the biggest stage in basketball has commanded astronomical sums, but New York hits a bit different. In a city where many residents can barely afford rent, dropping thousands of dollars on a few hours of basketball simply isn’t feasible for the average fan.

During Game 2’s postgame press conference, Wembanyama detailed that the team needs to be better, especially late in the game. He also looked in the mirror and critiqued himself.

“I think we need to put ourselves in better conditions. We’re digging ourselves a hole. That’s been the theme so far,” Wembanyama said, specifically talking about the three last possessions of Game 2 of the NBA Finals. He then added, “I need to have more poise, more control over the game.”

Wembanyama made key mistake to give Knicks the lead late in the fourth quarter

With less than 15 seconds to play, Wembanyama grabbed a rebound after a missed Jalen Brunson shot. However, he then passed the ball to Stephon Castle, who wasn’t even looking. The pass hit Castle’s back, Brunson recovered it, and then Wembanyama himself fouled Brunson gifting him free throws, which ended up being the difference on the final scoreboard.

Then, Wemby had the chance to win it all, but his shot hit the rim and went out. It was just an unfortunate string of plays at the worst-possible moment for the Spurs star. Now, the Spurs are in deep waters.

Wembanyama’s performance vs Knicks was still stellar

While the last stretch of the game wasn’t his best level of play, the fact is Wembanyama was the reason the Spurs were still in the game at that point of the matchup. Wembanyama had 29 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and four blocks in Game 2 against the Knicks.

The NBA Finals is played in a best-of-seven series format. Teams that win the first two games have a 31-5 record, winning an 86.1% of the time. This is a massive precedent to state the Knicks are in a top-tier spot headed to the next two games at MSG.

Even better for the Knicks, no team in NBA Finals history has ever come back from an 0-2 deficit after losing the first two games at home. That’s the scenario the Spurs are facing right now. If they come back, it will literally be a history-changing moment.

Which teams came back from an 0-2 NBA Finals deficit?

The five historic teams that were able to come back are spread throughout decades. However, three of them are in the 21st century. The first to made it were the Boston Celtics, that trailed the Los Angeles Lakers. In 1977, the Portland Trail Blazers trailed the Philadelphia 76ers but managed to come back.

In 2006, the Miami Heat came back to beat the Dallas Mavericks. Then, in 2016 the Cleveland Cavaliers led by LeBron James did it against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors. Last but not least, the Milwaukee Bucks came back after losing the first two games vs. the Phoenix Suns in 2021.

Knicks are quite literally undefeated in these NBA Playoffs

The Knicks have won 13 games in a row during the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Game 2 against the Spurs was a narrow 105-104 win, but it doesn’t matter, they’ll take it. This is the second-longest single-postseason winning streak in NBA history. The 2016-2017 Warriors managed to win 15 straight games.

This Knicks’ streak also includes eight straight road wins. This puts them as the best-ever road-game winning streak in the NBA playoffs, tied with the 2001 Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.