San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks, Game 1
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This year's finals are a rematch of the in-season NBA Cup championship, which New York won on Dec. 16. Ethan Miller / Getty Images The 2026 NBA Finals might be a rework of the 1999 title tilt, but this iteration feels like a singular moment across the sport.
Jalen Brunson was beaten and battered but not dismayed, and the New York Knicks star had enough energy to orchestrate a fine George Gervin impersonation with an Iceman-like final quarter in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
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LIVE UPDATES: Spurs, Knicks battling in second quarter; New York's Brunson returns from injury scare
San Antonio begins its hunt for a sixth championship on Wednesday. Here are the latest updates out of Game 1.
The Spurs are plenty battle-tested after knocking out the defending champs. They have the best player in the series (Victor Wembanyama), a ton of quality depth on the perimeter and play fantastic defense. They are young, but they are hungry and mentally tough.