The Spurs Couldn’t, The Knicks Could
The Spurs Couldn’t, The Knicks Could- Nick Ashak
A generational Game 4 led to high anticipation for Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals. The Knicks being up 3-1 with a huge load of momentum on their side went back to the Spurs homecourt in the biggest game of franchise history since 1999. If they won this, they won it all, which is what this franchise has been looking to do for ages.
The Spurs have had a double digit lead in every game of the series and had one again in Game 5, which mattered heavily as they needed every point possible to advance this series further. Unfortunately, this series did not advance further than Game 5.
The Spurs weakness in this series is commonly stated throughout the NBA media; inability to close out games. With a double digit lead throughout the game and a very comfortable lead in the starting time of the 4th quarter, all the Spurs needed to do was carry their basketball play from the 1st-3rd just for 6 more minutes. That’s all they needed to do.
I really don’t know how a player can somehow have a +1 on the floor and shoot 3-15 and 1-8 from the field, but welcome to the De’Aaron Fox show. Already having a bad reputation as a closer this series, that continued as he struggled to hit anything in the 4th. The opposing point guard, Jalen Brunson, was NOT about to go out like Fox.
Down by six in the 4th, Brunson ignited one of the toughest layups I have ever seen personally under the paint and Spurs superstar big Victor Wembanyana, and watching that gave a spark that this game was back where it usually has been; in Brunson’s hands.
Brunson dropped a mean 45 to close out the series, and every time the Spurs big 3 of Stephon Castle, Fox, and Wembanyama missed (spoiler: a lot) the ball was going to his hands to make a play for his teammates or to do the magic he does himself.
Rookie Dylan Harper played out of his mind with 25 on 10-19 and 2-4 splits, but the big 3 previously mentioned shot a combined 11-44. Enough bricks to get you a nice house, even in this economy. Yes, Harper’s late missed free throws did kill momentum to spark a last second revival of a comeback, having needed them to have a chance to advance the game, but with 25% shooting from the three best players on the team, you’re not gonna win a game.
A missed Wembanyama three sealed the 94-90 victory for New York, and excitement was running at an all time high. Brunson won a ring and got to celebrate with his assistant coach dad. KAT won it after being traded as a scapegoat. Josh Hart got to win it with his college buddies. OG Anunoby didn’t play in 2019 when his Raptors squad won due to injury, but now years later he gets to be in Finals MVP consideration for one of the biggest marketed teams ever (the award later went to Brunson), and lastly, the man who made five first round draft picks being sent away somewhat justifiable, Mikal Bridges won a ring. Go ask Josh Hart what he thinks about draft picks.
The Knicks played a phenomenal game and overall series, and this team is historical. The beloved city of New York finally gets a basketball ring, the fans get an excuse to keep on doing the wildest things possible, and I’d imagine Jalen Brunson never has to pay for an Egg and Cheese sandwich again and gets a statue outside the arena.
Overall, what a finals series that was. Each game was down to the wire, and the 4-1 victory not only showed dominance, but perseverance throughout it all. Onto the offseason we go.
