The 2026 NBA 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 arrive as Western Conference champions after dethroning defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder in a seven-game series, while New York have stormed through the Eastern Conference playoffs and enter the Finals riding an 11-game postseason winning streak.
It is a fascinating clash of styles. The Spurs are led by the generational talent of Victor Wembanyama and one of the youngest cores ever to reach the Finals.
Meanwhile the Knicks are powered by the leadership and scoring brilliance of Jalen Brunson as they chase a first NBA title since 1973.
It should make for a fascinating series, and a tough one to call. 101GreatGoals takes a look at the matchup in more detail.
Wembanyama set to lead Spurs charge
Everything good that the Spurs do begins and ends with Wembanyama.
The 22-year-old has already established himself as one of the league’s most dominant two-way players and has elevated 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 superstar was named Western Conference Finals MVP after helping eliminate Oklahoma City and has been the driving force behind San Antonio’s rapid rise from rebuilding franchise to championship contender.
New York’s biggest challenge will be finding a way to slow him down without allowing the Spurs’ supporting cast to thrive.
Brunson heads Knicks’ resistance
If Wembanyama is the future face of the NBA, Brunson is the player carrying the hopes of New York.
The Knicks captain has been outstanding throughout the postseason, not only has his scoring been top of the range, but his ability to deliver in the high-pressure moments have been what has made the Knicks so strong.
Brunson will likely be targeted by San Antonio’s athletic perimeter defenders, but if he can break down the Spurs defence and force Wembanyama away from the basket, New York have a chance in this series.
Full 2026 NBA Finals schedule
| Game | Date | Time (BST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Thursday 4 June | 01:30 | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio |
| Game 2 | Saturday 6 June | 01:30 | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio |
| Game 3 | Tuesday 9 June | 01:30 | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Game 4 | Thursday 11 June | 01:30 | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Game 5* | Sunday 14 June | 01:30 | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio |
| Game 6* | Wednesday 17 June | 01:30 | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Game 7* | Saturday 20 June | 01:30 | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio |
*If necessary
Where to watch the NBA Finals in the UK
UK viewers can watch the NBA Finals live on TNT Sports and through the NBA League Pass streaming service.
League Pass offers live coverage of every game, full replays and additional camera angles, while TNT Sports will provide television coverage throughout the series.
Prediction
This series feels much closer than many expected a few months ago.
The Knicks have been dominant throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs and arrive with some serious momentum, experience and arguably the best clutch performer remaining in the postseason.
They also won two of the three meetings against San Antonio this season, including a victory in the NBA Cup final.
However, the Spurs possess the best player in the series.
Wembanyama’s influence on both ends of the floor is unlike anything New York have faced during this playoff run, and San Antonio’s supporting cast has matured quickly.
Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and De’Aaron Fox have all played major roles in getting the Spurs to this stage.
Home-court advantage could be the difference, with the Spurs hosting Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 after finishing with the better regular-season record.
Prediction: Spurs win the series 4-2.
