Knicks aim for first championship since 1973 in Game 5 of 2026 NBA Finals
The New York Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals, seeking to capture their first title in 53 years, while the Spurs try to extend the series.
New York and San Antonio opened Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with the Knicks looking to clinch their first championship since 1973 and the Spurs attempting to force a decisive Game 6. The Knicks entered the contest having won all three of their closeout games this postseason, each by an average margin of 39 points, a first in NBA playoff history. The Spurs, who rallied from a 3-2 deficit in the Western Conference Finals, remain within one win of the title.
The starting lineups featured Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns for New York, and De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama for San Antonio. Early in the first quarter, the Spurs led 11-8, with rookie Dylan Harper and Anunoby each hitting a three-pointer. Anunoby has shot 50.6 percent from beyond the arc in the playoffs.
Victor Wembanyama contributed two points, two rebounds and three blocks in the opening minutes, while Spurs forward Keldon Johnson entered the game for the first time. The Knicks listed Mitchell Robinson as available despite a fractured metacarpal, and the Spurs listed Luke Kornet as questionable due to illness.
Analysts noted that only one team has ever overcome a 3-1 deficit to win an NBA championship—the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers—and that the 1973 Finals, when the Knicks last won, featured four games decided by five points or fewer in the final minute. The matchup also marks the first time a team has won three closeout games by 30 or more points in a single playoff run.
Off-court commentary highlighted the contrasting roles of the teams' players. Knicks guard Josh Hart emphasized his focus on team responsibilities over personal accolades, saying, "It takes humility and a willingness to sacrifice. We're in the NBA Finals, and my assignment is to do my part for the team." Spurs guard Dylan Harper, averaging 16.3 points in the series, remains a key bench contributor, though some observers have suggested he could see increased minutes if starter De’Aaron Fox continues to struggle.
The game proceeds with both sides seeking to capitalize on their strengths as the series heads toward a potential clinching moment.