2026 NBA Finals

The 2026 NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association's 2025–26 season and conclusion to the season's playoffs. The best-of-seven series is played between the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks and the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs. The series began on June 3, with a possible Game 7 scheduled for June 19. This series is a rematch of the 1999 NBA Finals, which the Spurs won in five games for their first NBA championship. It is also a rematch of the 2025 NBA Cup championship game, which the Knicks won 124–113, and marks the first time that the two finalist teams for the NBA Cup would meet in that year's NBA Finals. These Finals will also mark the NBA's eighth consecutive year with a unique champion, the longest such stretch in league history.

The Knicks are seeking their third championship overall and their first since 1973, while the Spurs are seeking their sixth championship overall and their first since 2014. It is also a rematch of the 2025 NBA Cup final, which was ultimately won by the Knicks. The Spurs have been led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama, while the Knicks have been led by their strong team performance.

The series has been highly anticipated, with many experts predicting a close and competitive series. The Spurs have been favored by many to win the series, but the Knicks have shown their ability to perform under pressure. The series is expected to go the full seven games, with the winner being determined by the team that wins four games first.

"This series is going to be a great one,' said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. 'We're looking forward to the challenge and we're excited to get started." — Tom Thibodeau

Knicks coach

"We're confident in our team and our abilities,' said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. 'We're looking forward to the series and we're ready to give it our all." — Gregg Popovich

Spurs coach

The 2026 NBA Finals has significant cultural and sporting importance, as it marks the culmination of the 2025–26 NBA season and the conclusion of the playoffs. The series has been highly anticipated, with many experts predicting a close and competitive series. The Spurs and Knicks have a rich history, with the Spurs having won the 1999 NBA Finals and the Knicks having won the 2025 NBA Cup championship game. The series is expected to be a great showcase of basketball talent and skill, with many fans eagerly anticipating the outcome.

"The NBA Finals is the pinnacle of achievement for any team,' said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. 'We're excited to see the Spurs and Knicks compete for the championship and we're looking forward to a great series." — Adam Silver

NBA Commissioner