The New York Knicks will try to give this city its first NBA title since 1973 when they face a Spurs team that wants to launch a new dynasty behind Victor Wembanyama in the Final match expected to start on Wednesday in San Antonio.
Led by point guard Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have reached the Finals for the first time since 1999, winning 11 straight games and posting a record plus-271 point differential through 14 playoff contests.
The run has electrified longtime Knicks fans, including court regulars Spike Lee, Ben Stiller and Timothee Chalamet, who have watched New York win four straight after ending the NBA’s longest championship drought.
There is reason for hope.
The Knicks won two of their three meetings with the Spurs this season, including a 114-89 loss on March 1 at Madison Square Garden, where they made 17 three-pointers and forced 22 turnovers to snap San Antonio’s 11-game winning streak.
New York’s biggest challenge will be slowing down the 2.24m (7ft 4in) Wembanyama, whose combination of rim protection, shooting range and ball handling has made him one of the league’s toughest matchups.
