{"id":744180,"date":"2026-05-26T05:43:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T05:43:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/744180\/"},"modified":"2026-05-26T05:43:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T05:43:06","slug":"these-knicks-are-historic-can-they-actually-win-the-nba-finals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/744180\/","title":{"rendered":"These Knicks are historic. Can they actually win the NBA Finals?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You can make the case that no team in NBA history has played better basketball over an 11-game stretch than the New York Knicks<\/a> are playing right now.<\/p>\n

They are just the fifth team to win 11 consecutive games in a single postseason, and their point differential of +262 is the highest for over any 11-game span, regular season or playoffs.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

And now, with their 130-93 demolition of the Cavaliers<\/a> on Monday, May 25 to sweep the Eastern Conference finals, the Knicks are back in the NBA Finals<\/a> for the first time in 27 years. Awaiting them is the winner of the Western Conference finals between the San Antonio Spurs<\/a> and Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a>.<\/p>\n

All that said: can they actually win the NBA Finals?<\/p>\n

1 \/ 103<\/p>\n

Victor Wembanyama leads Spurs to a huge win in double OT. See game highlights<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City Thunder fans react during Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on May 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

1 \/ 103<\/p>\n

Victor Wembanyama leads Spurs to a huge win in double OT. See game highlights<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City Thunder fans react during Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on May 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

2 \/ 103<\/p>\n

See celebrities, cheerleaders and more at the NBA Playoffs<\/p>\n

Terrell Owens cheers during the second quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 10, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown claps during the second half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.<\/p>\n

(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actress Jessica Alba attends Game 4 of the playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Luke Hales, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actors Kevin Connolly, Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn attend Game 4 of the playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Luke Hales, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Phoenix Suns player Dillon Brooks attends game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Rappers Marshall “Eminem” Mathers and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson attend Game Five between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.<\/p>\n

(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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A San Antonio Spurs fan is seen following Game Five of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center on May 12, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.<\/p>\n

(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Film actor Eddie Murphy attends game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Coco Jones hugs her fiancee Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell after the Cavaliers beat the Detroit Pistons in game three in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Detroit Pistons dancers perform during a time out in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.<\/p>\n

(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Allen Iverson attends the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green looks on in the first half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.<\/p>\n

(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game three between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Retired Oklahoma women\u2019s basketball college basketball coach Sherri Coale watches the second half of game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.<\/p>\n

(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Oklahoma City Thunder fans cheer for their team against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.<\/p>\n

(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Former NBA players Jalen Rose and Jimmy King look on during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.<\/p>\n

(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Cooper DeJean of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Franklin the Dog, mascot of the Philadelphia 76ers, greets Ben Stiller in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Ben Stiller and Arthur Embiid, son of Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, interact during the game between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers signs autographs before Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.<\/p>\n

(Jason Miller, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions and former NBA player Jalen Rose meet during the first half of a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.<\/p>\n

(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actor Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet reacts during the third quarter in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

24 \/ 103<\/p>\n

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New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns greets his fiancee, Jordyn Woods, after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Bryce Underwood of the Michigan Wolverines watches from court side during the second quarter of a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 05, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.<\/p>\n

(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

26 \/ 103<\/p>\n

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Actor and filmmaker Spike Lee reacts to a call during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

27 \/ 103<\/p>\n

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Actor Ben Stiller reacts after Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

28 \/ 103<\/p>\n

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Actor Timothee Chalamet celebrates after the New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

29 \/ 103<\/p>\n

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Socialite Jordyn Woods looks on during the second quarter in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Former San Antonio Spurs player Tim Duncan looks on in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center.<\/p>\n

(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Minnesota Timberwolves co-owner Alex Rodriguez watches Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on May 06, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.<\/p>\n

(Ronald Cortes, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Rapper Fat Joe and actor Ben Stiller embrace after Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Former San Antonio Spurs player Manu Ginobili looks on during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center.<\/p>\n

(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actor Tracy Morgan sits court side during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actor Matt Dilon sits court side during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

36 \/ 103<\/p>\n

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The San Antonio Spurs Hype Squad performs in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center.<\/p>\n

(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Jimmy Fallon reacts during the second quarter of a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Al Bello, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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American comedian and talk show host Jimmy Fallon sits court side during the fourth quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Former San Antonio Spurs player David Robinson looks on during the second quarter of a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Spurs in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 04, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.<\/p>\n

(Ronald Cortes, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actor Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet looks on during the second quarter of a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Al Bello, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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American producer and activist Spike Lee reacts during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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American producer and activist Spike Lee talks to New York Mets injured shortstop Francisco Lindor during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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The San Antonio Spurs Coyote performs during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center.<\/p>\n

(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs looks on in the second half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.<\/p>\n

(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Detroit Pistons dancers perform during a time out in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.<\/p>\n

(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Moondog performs during the first quarter of game seven between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Steve Schirripa looks on during the second quarter of a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Al Bello, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Dance Team performs during a time out in the second half of game seven in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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New York Knicks fan Spike Lee celebrates with guard Miles McBride after a victory over the Atlanta Hawks during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.<\/p>\n

(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Philadelphia 76ers managing partner Josh and Marjorie Harris pose for a photo with the mascot after defeating the Boston Celtics 106-93 in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

(Elsa, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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A Houston Rockets fan poses prior to Game Six against the Los Angeles Lakers in the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026, in Houston, Texas.<\/p>\n

(Kenneth Richmond, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Daniel Caesar attends Game Six between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors in the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.<\/p>\n

(Cole Burston, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Houston Rockets cheerleader performs during a timeout against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center.<\/p>\n

(Erik Williams, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe signs the jersey of 12-year-old Kallie McKenna before game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.<\/p>\n

(Winslow Townson, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center.<\/p>\n

(Erik Williams, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Toronto Maple Leafs Matthew Knies (C) attends Game Six between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.<\/p>\n

(Cole Burston, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Orlando Magic mascot Stuff getting the crowd into it in the fourth quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.<\/p>\n

(Jeremy Reper, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Orlando Magic dancer during a timeout in the fourth quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.<\/p>\n

(Jeremy Reper, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin attend game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, and Ben Stiller attend Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026 in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Filmmaker and New York Knicks fan Spike Lee in the stands against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on April 30, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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A young fan enters the arena seating before a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Cleveland Cavaliers cheerleaders perform before game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

(David Richard, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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GloRilla dances after Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.<\/p>\n

(Cole Burston, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Cleveland Cavaliers mascot Moondog interacts with fans before game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

(David Richard, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Houston Rockets dancers perform during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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American rapper Common and singer Jennifer Hudson sit courtside during Game 5 of the playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 26, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Timothee Chalamet and Ben Stiller reacts during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Toronto Fans cheer on their team during Game 4 of the NBA first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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A young San Antonio Spurs fan holds up a sign before Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center on April 28, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.<\/p>\n

(Ronald Cortes, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates with fans against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter of Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn.<\/p>\n

(David Berding, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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The Minnesota Timberwolves dancers perform before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Matt Blewett, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) and Crunch, the Minnesota Timberwolves mascot, warm up before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Matt Blewett, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Philadelphia Eagles 1st round draft pick Makai Lemon prepares to ring the bell during pregame ceremony before game against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena.<\/p>\n

(Eric Hartline, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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The Toronto Raptors dance team performs during a break in the action against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena.<\/p>\n

(John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Rapper T.I. looks on during the fourth quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.<\/p>\n

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NBA player Chris Paul talks to former player Grant Hill during a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.<\/p>\n

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Comedian D.C. Young Fly reacts after the Atlanta Hawks 109-108 win over the New York Knicks in game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.<\/p>\n

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Atlanta Hawks cheerleader performs before a game against the New York Knicks during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.<\/p>\n

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Rapper and producer Quavo watches a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.<\/p>\n

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Rapper and entertainer Pastor Troy performs during a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.<\/p>\n

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Toronto Raptors fans cheer in the area known as Jurassic Park outside of Scotiabank Arena before game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers.<\/p>\n

(John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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A member of the Boston Celtics dance team performs during a time out in the first half of a game two against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 21, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Actor Timothee Chalamet claps in his court side seat during the first quarter of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Denver Nuggets fans cheer in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Denver Nuggets dancers perform in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly attend game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actor Will Ferrell attends game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

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Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

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Former NFL player Shannon Sharpe sits next to producer Jeffrey Katzenberg during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

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Denver Nuggets fan dressed as DC comic the Joker during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

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American producer and activist Spike Lee reacts from his courtside seat during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

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American Olympic gymnast Suni Lee sits courtside during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

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San Antonio Spurs fan wears an alien on her stomach during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center in San Antonia on April 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Los Angeles Lakers girls cheerleaders perform during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

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Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs his autograph for fans before the start of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center.<\/p>\n

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Detroit Pistons Dance team performs while playing the Orlando Magic during game one of the first round of the eastern conference playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 19, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.<\/p>\n

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Fans react court side after a basket by the New York Knicks during the first half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

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A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

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Los Angeles Lakers girls cheerleaders perform against the Houston Rockets during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

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A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

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Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.<\/p>\n

(Christopher Hanewinckel, Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

The Spurs and Thunder are each formidable, yes, and popular convention is that the winner of the West will be the eventual champion. But do not overlook this Knicks team; it can absolutely win a title.<\/p>\n

New York<\/a> can score, defend and has plenty of depth, all of which are necessary in an NBA Finals.<\/p>\n

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New York has been bulldozing through its opponents, and can kindle on offense. From asking captain Jalen Brunson<\/a> to anchor scoring, to playing through Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a> as a point-center, to sprinting out in transition, the malleable Knicks are built to compete with San Antonio<\/a> and Oklahoma City<\/a> and can adjust on the fly to either.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur group, they\u2019re playing good basketball, and they\u2019re doing it in different ways,\u201d Knicks coach Mike Brown told reporters after Game 4. \u201cThey\u2019re doing it differently, depending on who our opponent is. When you show that type of versatility on both ends of the floor, it just adds to your belief.\u201d<\/p>\n

Throughout the Eastern Conference finals, the Knicks shot 38.1% from 3-point range, sinking 53 made triples.<\/p>\n

Eastern Conference finals MVP Jalen Brunson dropped 38 points in Game 1, sparking an improbable 22-point fourth quarter comeback<\/a>. Against the Cavs<\/a>, Brunson averaged 25.5 points on 47.8% shooting.<\/p>\n

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Against the defenses of the Spurs or Thunder, that offensive versatility will be crucial because either opponent would easily be the toughest test New York will face this postseason.<\/p>\n

New York, on the other end of the floor, is smothering opponents with its defense, led by the trio of OG Anunoby<\/a>, Josh Hart<\/a> and Mikal Bridges<\/a>. The group allows for flexibility, since New York can switch pick-and-rolls with all three.<\/p>\n

Similarly, the versatile trio can alter their assignments to be matchup-dependent. Hart is comfortable guarding Hawks<\/a> All-NBA third-team forward Jalen Johnson<\/a> just like he is Cavs center Jarrett Allen<\/a>. Bridges can clamp down Sixers<\/a> All-NBA third-team guard Tyrese Maxey<\/a> and Anunoby, an NBA All-Defensive second-team selection, is the best of the bunch.<\/p>\n

The Knicks forced the Cavaliers<\/a> to commit 66 turnovers in the East finals and posted a +16 in turnover differential across the four games in the series.<\/p>\n

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During the regular season, the Thunder ranked second in the NBA in turnovers committed per game (12.6) and the Spurs ranked fourth (13.5), so those active hands and deflections will be essential in gaining an edge.<\/p>\n

And coming off the bench, Mitchell Robinson<\/a>, Miles McBride<\/a>, Landry Shamet<\/a> and Jose Alvarado<\/a> have each embraced their roles.<\/p>\n

Robinson is a defensive spark. McBride is a 3-point sniper. Shamet does a little bit of everything and Alvarado might be the most annoying defender, aside from Thunder guard Luguentz Dort<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With 7:47 left to play in Game 4 on Monday night, with the lead so lopsided that Knicks coach Mike Brown emptied his bench, New York held a 39-7 edge in bench points.<\/p>\n

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The Thunder are the deepest team in the NBA. The Spurs aren\u2019t too far behind.<\/p>\n

\"Karl-Anthony<\/p>\n

Karl-Anthony Towns lifts the Eastern Conference finals trophy with teammates.<\/p>\n

But one area where the Knicks will carry an edge into the Finals is rest and freshness. The Spurs and Thunder are tied at two games apiece and this series, at a minimum, will span two more games and will finish Thursday, May 28, at the earliest. The series, frankly, looks like one that\u2019s headed for seven.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis team is hungry, and that\u2019s the most important thing,\u201d Towns told reporters after the game. \u201cEven with an amazing, historical win we had tonight, the celebrations were minimal. We really want to get back to work. We asked coach if we could get back to work quick. We knew what happened last time when we had a long layoff, so we already talked after the game about preparing.\u201d<\/p>\n

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It has been 53 years since the New York Knicks won an NBA championship. This is the mentality it takes to win one.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Knicks in NBA Finals, but both Spurs and Thunder pose huge challenge<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"You can make the case that no team in NBA history has played better basketball over an 11-game…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":744181,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3769],"tags":[679,7,136,2955,677,288,2990,1178,11053,327,563,24668,4988,183,1260,2715,1247,6,1220,1136,191,741,475,179,678,207,3817,969,474,96,2594,1263],"class_list":["post-744180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-philadelphia-76ers","tag-76ers","tag-basketball","tag-cavs","tag-eastern-conference-finals","tag-hawks","tag-jalen-brunson","tag-jalen-johnson","tag-jarrett-allen","tag-jose-alvarado","tag-josh-hart","tag-karl-anthony-towns","tag-knicks-coach","tag-landry-shamet","tag-luguentz-dort","tag-mikal-bridges","tag-miles-mcbride","tag-mitchell-robinson","tag-nba","tag-nba-finals","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-knicks","tag-og-anunoby","tag-oklahoma-city","tag-oklahoma-city-thunder","tag-philadelphia","tag-philadelphia-76ers","tag-philadelphia76ers","tag-san-antonio","tag-san-antonio-spurs","tag-sixers","tag-the-spurs","tag-tyrese-maxey"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/744180","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=744180"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/744180\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/744181"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=744180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=744180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=744180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}