Knicks vs. Spurs: How To Watch the 2026 NBA Finals With DISH
Get ready for a blast from the past: The New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs are set to clash in the 2026 NBA Finals, marking a highly anticipated rematch of their 1999 championship showdown.
The two franchises took wildly contrasting routes to reach the title stage. For the Knicks, the journey has been defined by sheer dominance. After slipping to a 2-1 deficit against the Atlanta Hawks in the opening round, New York caught fire, rattling off 11 consecutive victories. This incredible run featured back-to-back sweeps over the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Beating opponents by an average margin of 23.8 points during this streak, the Knicks have recorded the greatest 11-game point differential in NBA history—across both the regular season and playoffs—according to ESPN.
Meanwhile, the Spurs battled through a much more grueling gauntlet to secure their Finals berth, making their achievement equally remarkable. San Antonio took down the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves in the first two rounds before clashing with an Oklahoma City Thunder squad that hadn't dropped a single playoff game prior to the Western Conference Finals. Pushed to the brink, the young Spurs dethroned the defending champions in seven games, propelled by 22-year-old Victor Wembanyama, who secured series MVP honors. Since selecting Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, San Antonio has rapidly transformed back into a legitimate title contender.
The 2026 NBA Finals will tip off with Game 1 on Wednesday, June 3, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Read on for a complete preview of the matchup and a guide on how to catch the entire series with DISH.
2026 NBA Finals Schedule
The 2026 NBA Finals will air exclusively on ABC (check your DISH Guide for your local channel number). Here’s a look at the full schedule.
- June 3: NBA Finals 2026 Game 1 | New York at San Antonio (8:30 ET, ABC)
- June 5: NBA Finals 2026 Game 2 | New York at San Antonio (8:30 ET, ABC)
- June 8: NBA Finals 2026 Game 3 | San Antonio at New York (8:30 ET, ABC)
- June 10: NBA Finals 2026 Game 4 | San Antonio at New York (8:30 ET, ABC)
- June 13: NBA Finals 2026 Game 5 | New York at San Antonio (8:30 ET, ABC)*
- June 16: NBA Finals 2026 Game 6 | San Antonio at New York (8:30 ET, ABC)*
- June 19: NBA Finals 2026 Game 7 | New York at San Antonio (8:30 ET, ABC)*
* If necessary
New York Knicks Preview
Making their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, the New York Knicks are looking to snap a 53-year championship drought. Their postseason journey began with a brief scare when they fell behind 2-1 in their first-round matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. However, New York completely flipped the script by rattling off 11 consecutive wins. They took the final three games against Atlanta before pulling off dominant back-to-back sweeps over the Philadelphia 76ers in the semifinals and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Under head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks use a deep and versatile rotation to overwhelm the opposition. Star point guard Jalen Brunson leads a starting lineup that features his former Villanova teammates Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart. The perimeter is rounded out by elite two-way wing OG Anunoby, while Karl-Anthony Towns—a big man capable of elite playmaking and spacing the floor—anchors the center spot. New York’s relentless pressure continues even when the starters rest, thanks to a highly effective bench unit utilizing rebounding machine Mitchell Robinson, defensive pest Jose Alvarado, sharpshooter Landry Shamet, and guard Miles McBride.
Statistically, the Knicks enter the Finals backed by historically dominant numbers. Over their 11-game winning streak to close the Eastern Conference playoffs, they outscored opponents by a staggering 262 points. That marks the highest point differential over any 11-game span in the NBA's 80-year history (regular season or playoffs). Across 14 total playoff games, New York holds a +271 point differential, which is the highest scoring margin for any team entering the Finals in league history. Their offense has been an unstoppable juggernaut, logging a blistering 123.3 offensive rating—the highest intraconference mark for an East champion under the current playoff format.
3 Key Players to Watch
- Jalen Brunson: As the undisputed engine of the Knicks, Brunson has shouldered the offensive workload with incredible consistency. He enters the Finals averaging 26.9 points and 6.6 assists across 36.1 minutes per game in the playoffs. His ability to isolate, hunt mismatches, and hit clutch shots will be heavily relied upon against the top-ranked defense of the San Antonio Spurs.
- OG Anunoby: Serving as New York's ultimate 3-and-D weapon, Anunoby is putting up 21.4 points per game this postseason. He has been remarkably efficient, shooting 61.9% from the floor and a blistering 53.8% from beyond the arc. His versatility as a lockdown perimeter defender will be just as vital on the other end of the court.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Towns brings a unique tactical dimension to New York's offense with his passing and shooting capabilities. Averaging 17.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game during the playoffs, his ability to act as a secondary facilitator and space the floor will be essential in trying to draw the Spurs' elite rim protector, Victor Wembanyama, away from the basket.
San Antonio Spurs Preview
For the first time since 2014, the San Antonio Spurs have returned to the NBA Finals, aiming to secure their franchise's sixth championship. They navigated a demanding path after finishing the regular season at 62-20 to clinch the No. 2 seed in the West. San Antonio eliminated the Portland Trail Blazers in five games and then defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in six. Their ultimate hurdle came in the Western Conference Finals against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who held the No. 1 seed. The Spurs ultimately secured their Finals berth with a thrilling 111-103 road win in Game 7.
In his first full season succeeding the legendary Gregg Popovich, head coach Mitch Johnson has molded a roster that expertly blends a highly talented young core with timely veteran acquisitions. Unanimous Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama anchors the starting lineup. He is joined by a dynamic backcourt consisting of standout sophomore Stephon Castle and veteran point guard De'Aaron Fox. Wings Julian Champagnie and Devin Vassell complete the starting five. The Spurs also feature a deep and impactful bench highlighted by Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson, standout rookie guard Dylan Harper, and veteran big man Luke Kornet.
Statistically, San Antonio is succeeding despite a lack of experience. With an average age of just 25.06 years old, they stand as the second-youngest team ever to reach the NBA Finals. Their playoff run has been defined by an elite defense, boasting a stifling 102.2 defensive rating that ranks first among all playoff teams. Offensively, the Spurs have brought plenty of firepower, producing a stellar +15.9 point differential in the postseason. They have also caught fire from beyond the arc, leading all playoff teams in the first round with a 41.8% three-point shooting mark.
3 Key Players to Watch
Victor Wembanyama: The 22-year-old phenom is in the midst of a historic postseason and was just named Western Conference Finals MVP. Across 17 playoff games, he is averaging 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3.5 blocks per game, all while shooting 51.0% from the field and 37.0% from three-point range. His unique offensive skillset and immense gravity as a rim protector will provide the ultimate test for the Knicks' offense.
Stephon Castle: The reigning Rookie of the Year, guard Stephon Castle has been an absolute revelation, taking on massive two-way responsibilities for the Spurs. Entering the conference finals, Castle was second on the team in scoring with 19.9 PPG and led the roster with 6.1 assists per game. He also plays elite point-of-attack defense, recently showcasing his prowess by holding two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to just 41% shooting in the Western Conference Finals.
De'Aaron Fox: Acquired via trade, the veteran point guard brings crucial experience and much-needed late-clock shot creation to San Antonio's young roster. Fox has been highly effective at closing out series, erupting for 28 points in Game 4 and 21 points in Game 5 against Minnesota. He also provided a steadying veteran presence against the Thunder, delivering 15 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals in the Game 7 clincher.
