Knicks Host Spurs in NBA Finals Game 3 at MSG as New York Takes 2-0 Lead

Q: Will a championship victory elevate Jalen Brunson above Patrick Ewing in the Knicks' pantheon?

Yes — if Jalen Brunson leads the Knicks to a championship, the case for placing him above Patrick Ewing becomes very strong. The reason is simple: Ewing remains one of the greatest players in franchise history, but the missing piece in his Knicks legacy is a title. He was the face of the team for 15 seasons, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, and took New York to two Finals, yet never delivered a championship. That absence has long shaped how his era is remembered. Brunson already has a historic résumé in a much shorter span. He has led the Knicks to their first Finals appearance since 1999, is averaging 26.9 points in this 2026 postseason, and already ranks third in franchise playoff scoring. Around the organization, he is viewed as the defining star of this era and as a player whose toughness and style fit New York. Former players and commentators have openly argued that a title would change his standing permanently. What keeps the debate from being settled today is longevity. Ewing’s body of work in New York is still deeper and broader over time. Brunson has not matched that total volume of production or years of service. But championships carry outsized weight in franchise mythology, especially for a team chasing its first title in 53 years. If Brunson finishes this run with a ring — and especially if he is the central reason — he would likely move ahead of Ewing in many rankings, even if Ewing’s career totals remain untouchable.

3 articles · Updated · New York Post · Jun 7

Game 3 shifts to Madison Square Garden on Monday night with New York two wins from a title after opening the NBA Finals with a 2-0 series lead over San Antonio.
Madison Square Garden is set for the series’ first New York game, bringing the Finals back to a city the Knicks have thrust into the NBA spotlight again.
The matchup has become a broader New York event, with demand and anticipation around Knicks-Spurs Game 3 turning the Garden into the center of the sports world.