2026 NBA The Finals are set, and for the first time since 1999, the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks will meet with the Larry O’Brien Trophy on the line.
San Antonio reaches the title of Western Conference champion after eliminating the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a series of seven games, while New York passed the Eastern Conference playoffs and entered the finals with an 11-game postseason series.
It’s a fascinating clash of styles. The Spurs are led by generational talent Victor Wembanyama and one of the youngest players ever to reach the Finals.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are enjoying the leadership and scoring brilliance of Jalen Brunson, as they bid for their first NBA title since 1973.
It should be a great and challenging series. 101GreatGoals takes a look at the match in more detail.
Wembanyama is set to lead Tottenham’s attack
Everything good Tottenham does begins and ends with Wimpanyama.
The 22-year-old has already established himself as one of the league’s most dominant two-way players and has raised his game even further during the playoffs.
His impact goes far beyond the box score. He protects the rim, stretches the floor, creates mismatches and changes the way opponents attack.
The French star was named Western Conference Finals MVP after helping eliminate Oklahoma City and has been the driving force behind San Antonio’s meteoric rise from rebuilding franchise to championship contender.
New York’s biggest challenge is finding a way to slow them down without allowing the Spurs’ supporting cast to flourish.
Bronson heads the Knicks resistance
If Wimbanyama is the future face of the NBA, then Brunson is the player carrying New York’s hopes.
He was an outstanding leader for the Knicks throughout the postseason, and not only was his scoring top-tier, but his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments was what made the Knicks so powerful.
Brunson will likely be targeted by San Antonio’s athletic defenders, but if he can penetrate the Spurs’ defense and force Wimpanyama away from the basket, New York has a chance in this series.
Complete schedule for the 2026 NBA Finals
| game | date | Time (GMT) | place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Thursday, June 4 | 01:30 | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio |
| Game 2 | Saturday, June 6 | 01:30 | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio |
| Game 3 | Tuesday 9 June | 01:30 | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Game 4 | Thursday, June 11 | 01:30 | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| 5* game | Sunday, June 14 | 01:30 | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio |
| Game 6* | Wednesday 17 June | 01:30 | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Game 7* | Saturday, June 20 | 01:30 | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio |
*If necessary
Where to watch the NBA Finals in the UK
Viewers in the UK can watch the NBA Finals live on TNT Sports and through the NBA League Pass streaming service.
League Pass offers live coverage of every match, full replays and additional camera angles, while TNT Sports will provide TV coverage throughout the series.
prediction
This series looks much closer than many expected a few months ago.
The Knicks have dominated throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs and arrived with some serious momentum, experience and arguably the best player remaining in the postseason.
They also won two of the three meetings against San Antonio this season, including a win in the NBA Cup Final.
However, Spurs have the best player in the series.
Wimbanyama’s impact on both ends of the court is unlike anything New York has faced during this playoff run, and San Antonio’s supporting cast has matured quickly.
Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Deron Fox have all played major roles in getting the Spurs to this point.
Home advantage could be the difference, as the Spurs host Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 after finishing with a better record in the regular season.
Prediction: Tottenham wins the series 4-2.
