The New York Knicks aim to put the San Antonio Spurs to sleep and secure their first title in 53 years in Game 5 of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals on Sunday, June 14, 2026 (Philippine time).
Historic Win in Game 4
The Knicks carry high confidence after their historic win at Madison Square Garden in Game 4, where they came back from a 29-point deficit to take a 3-1 lead in the series. One more win is all they need to end their title drought, which dates back to 1973.
To put that in perspective, the coach of that 1973 champion team, the 11-time champion Phil Jackson, was a player then, coming off the bench for a Knicks squad led by Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, and Willis Reed.
However, the mission is not easy for Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and the entire Knicks force as they return to Frost Bank Center, the home court of the Spurs.
Jalen Brunson's Mentality
Brunson repeatedly emphasized that despite leading the series, their mentality remains that the series is tied until the mission is complete.
"Our mentality has to be 0-0, the way it's been," Brunson said. "It has to be that way, and I feel like us moving forward with that mindset can really benefit us. There's nothing to celebrate. It's not over yet, not even close."
Victor Wembanyama's Determination
Meanwhile, Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said there are only two possible outcomes for the series, and they will keep fighting to avoid the bad one.
"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," he said.
If the Knicks win the franchise's first championship since 1973, they would avenge their loss to the Spurs in the 1999 NBA Finals. If the Spurs win, they will extend the series to Game 6 back in New York.
