Knicks Match Up Better With Spurs Than Thunder in Potential 2026 NBA Finals

11 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 27

A Spurs matchup is assessed as New York’s better NBA Finals path, with the Knicks viewed as more vulnerable to Oklahoma City’s deeper, more seasoned roster.
11 straight playoff wins and a 23-point average margin have put New York in the Finals healthy, while the West winner still faces injury risk in an ongoing conference finals fight.
Oklahoma City is seen as the tougher problem because New York has lost 4 straight meetings to this Thunder core, which owns a 106.5 defensive rating and playoff 3-point shooting of 37.2%.
San Antonio still poses major defensive issues through Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, but the Spurs’ youth and thinner big-game experience are viewed as advantages for a veteran Knicks group.
A title series against either West team is projected to last at least 6 games, with New York’s defense expected to matter more as its scorching postseason offense cools.

Can the Knicks' record-setting offense survive an elite Western defense, or will their 53-year title drought end on their defense alone?

Is Victor Wembanyama’s young Spurs team truly the easier path, or could their youthful fearlessness be the bigger threat to the Knicks' title hopes?