NBA Finals Preview

A breakdown of what is sure to be an all time classic NBA Finals before they tip off tonight.

The NBA Finals tip off tonight in a matchup 27 years in the making between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. That’s right, 27 years, because the last time New York’s favorite team was in the finals was in 1999, when they became the first eight seed in NBA history to make the finals, and they ultimately were taken down 4-1 by none other than the San Antonio Spurs.

Of course, everything is different from it was 27 years ago, but the Knicks and their fans have desperately wanted another chance to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy, and they are finally getting the chance to do so after dominating their way through the playoffs. When I say dominated, I mean it. The Knicks have tied the record for third most consecutive playoff wins with 11 after coming back from being down 2-1 to the Hawks, then sweeping both the 76ers and Cavaliers to win the Eastern Conference. Many of those wins have not been close, with all but one being by 11 points or more, and five of them being by 29 or more. They also mounted a nearly 30-point comeback to win in overtime against the Cavs in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Knicks’ starting five has been a consistent strength for the team all season, but especially in these playoffs. Jalen Brinson is the team’s biggest star, and he has lived up to that expectation. Brunson is averaging 27-7-3 in the playoffs, putting him third in ppg and ninth in assists, as well as being named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP. While Brunson has been great, he is not the only reason why the Knicks have been so successful. Strong performance on both offense and defense from guys like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby has made the Knicks the top team in both points per game and points allowed per game in the playoffs. And obviously, their star big man, Karl-Anthony Towns, has been a massive difference maker as well on the boards and offensively.

The Knicks entered the playoffs as the third seed in a relatively weak East this season, but they have taken advantage of that weaker competition and bulldozed their way through the playoffs to get themselves some extra days of rest before the Finals. No matter how this series goes, you can count on the Garden to be lively for games three and four, and I can’t wait to see it.

The Knicks will face tough competition from the reigning Western Conference Champion, the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are terrifyingly ahead of schedule and already look like one of the best teams in the NBA with the alien, Victor Wembanyama, leading them. San Antonio did not have quite as easy a road to the NBA Finals as the Knicks. They first took down the Trailblazers in five, then played a close six-game series against the Timberwolves, and finally won the West in a grueling seven-game series against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. San Antonio has been one of the best shooting teams in the playoffs and the third-best in points per game. Defensively, they have allowed the worst field goal percentage and the sixth-worst points per game.

The Spurs are, of course, led by their star Defensive Player of the Year and MVP runner-up, Victor Wembanyama. Wemby is averaging 23-3-11 in the playoffs, but he is also averaging 3.5 blocks per game, which is much higher than the second average of 1.8. The defensive value that Wemby brings to the table cannot be understated, as he can shut down nearly anyone as they drive to the hoop. Had it not been for his shut-down ability in the paint, the Thunder would have taken the Spurs down. The Spurs are also getting great guard play in the playoffs from Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Devin Vassell. Their play has allowed the Spurs to spread the floor and get more open looks for Wembanyama.

The Spurs were the second seed in the West, but many people (including myself) believed that they were good enough to get past the Thunder and make the Finals. Because the West is so much stronger than the East, most people had the team that won the West winning it all, too, which is a great sign for the Spurs. The first two games take place in San Antonio, with fans hoping to see the team’s first championship since 2013.

I am really looking forward to this series, and I think it could be a lot closer than people think. While the Spurs are favored to win, if the Knicks can get hot from three and move the ball away from Wembanyama, they should give themselves a chance to win some games. They will also be able to take advantage of the rest they have gotten, while the Spurs have had just four days off since their game seven victory over the Thunder. The Knicks are 2-1 against the Spurs this season, and they won their most recent matchup in blowout fashion against a team with a healthy Wembanyama. While you shouldn’t count the Knicks out, I do think the Spurs are the better team, and I think their interior defense is going to be too much for the Knicks to work through. The injury to Mitchell Robinson is also brutal for the Knicks’ hope of slowing Wemby down offensively. I have the Spurs taking this series in six games, with Victor Wembanayama getting an early addition to what will surely be a full trophy cabinet.