Twenty-six years after their first meeting, the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs are set to clash again in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals. The best-of-seven series begins on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, with Game 1 scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026, Philippine time.
A Historic Rematch
In 1999, the Spurs defeated the Knicks in five games, powered by centers Tim Duncan and David Robinson. The Knicks were hampered by the absence of legendary big man Patrick Ewing, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Now, the Spurs return to the Finals for the first time since 2014, led by newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year and Western Conference Finals MVP Victor Wembanyama.
Championship Droughts
The Spurs are seeking to end a 12-year title drought, while the Knicks have not won a championship in 53 years, dating back to 1973 when Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Earl Monroe, and Phil Jackson led the franchise to glory.
Key Players
San Antonio's offense features dynamic guards De'Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, and Stephon Castle alongside Wembanyama. The Knicks counter with a star-studded core including Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart.
