AJ Previews the 2026 NBA Finals

(Photo by NBA.com)

Let's start with the Eastern Conference....

NEW YORK KNICKS

I won't do the song reference, but the Knicks haven't been to the Finals since before Y2K. New York entered these playoffs with a mission, take back what they missed last season and be the best in the Eastern Conference. They accomplished that by dominating the competition taking the Hawks, Sixers and Cavaliers to the woodshed, and riding an 11-game winning streak. Jalen Brunson may be the best free agent pickup in the franchise's history. His will to get the Knicks to the promised land has their fanbase excited. KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns) has been a second option, but an effective one. His hustle and determination keep NYC going. Speaking of hustle and determination, Josh Hart is the Swiss Army knife that this squad needs. OG Anounby is a scorer and a bruiser with his big frame. Mikal Bridges hasn't been the player that the Knicks traded four first-round picks for, but he is a glue that holds everything together. GTA or Jose Alvarado is back home and is energy off the bench. Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet are keys to the Knicks' bullpen when the flow of the game needs to be consistent. Mitchell Robinson has a broken finger but will play through it. Got to love his dedication to want to risk his health to win an NBA championship.

Mike Brown replaced Thibs because a certain team let him go in a fashion that is messed up. I'm glad MB is finally getting his chance to coach a team to a potential NBA championship, their first since.....1973. Damn, that's a long ass time.

Also, James Dolan would be a champion as an owner.....Eeh, listen to his band and realize that he is who he is.

Now, for the Western Conference......

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Well, they are here, again. The San Antonio Spurs are doing what they do best, succeed when they are doubted. Same scenario, different cast. Victor Wembanyama is next in line as the dominating big man for the Spurs after Tim Duncan and David Robinson. The word that describes Stephon Castle is fearless. His play on the outside and inside is lethal. DeAaron Fox brings veteran leadership at the point. Devin Vassell's outside game has flourished during these playoffs as the Spurs have counted on him for clutch shots. Same goes with Julian Champagnie, who has broken his ceiling as a key role contributor. Keldon Johnson has embraced his role as a Sixth Man to where he won the award for best in that role. Luke Kornet is a capable spot player when Wemby needs a breather and Harrison Barnes (former King like Fox, SMH) is a wily veteran that can eat up minutes. Rookies Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant bring energy and versatility to the table.

It's hard trying to follow in the footsteps of the man with the most wins as a head coach, but in his second season, Mitch Johnson has led San Antonio to a place that they are familiar with. What's scary is that players like Wemby, Castle or Harper won't hit their peak for a while.

So, will the Spurs continue their winning tradition by adding another championship to their mantle or can the Knicks end 53 years of frustration with a title win for the Big Apple?

We will find out at the 2026 NBA Finals.

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