The Knicks are an example of smart, courageous team building. Firing Thibs for Mike Brown was a ballsy decision by the Knicks. One of many that got them to this point. RJ & Quickley for OG, trading a 1st for Hart, signing Brunson to a big deal, the Randle for KAT deal, sending a ton of picks for Bridges, and moves around the edges like adding Shamet and Alvarado. Some teams are built through the draft. The Knicks were built through masterful trades and signings. Big time credit to Leon Rose and that New York front office.
Congrats to the Knicks. Tough, likable team, really hope no one votes for anyone other than Brunson for Finals MVP. Everyone that has coached, Jalen loves him.
Happy I don’t have to watch San Antonio anymore. Maddening team.
Doc Rivers says the Spurs future is bright, but there’s no guarantees:
“I always go back to when Miami beat Oklahoma City. I remember Mike Breen saying on the air, “Well, Oklahoma City will be here every year.” It took them 20 years to get back. You know, you just can’t, you can never take things for granted. With trades, free agency, injuries, and I always use the band theories, you know, why aren’t there great bands that last forever because somebody gets jealous, somebody wants to be the man, and things change.”
(Via @stephenasmith)
Magic Johnson on how special this Knicks team is:
Magic: “I don’t wanna hear no talk about Giannis, or no other player coming to this team. This is a great team. I’ve watched a lot of basketball. The way these guys love each other. Play for each other. Pull for one another. You’re not gonna see this anywhere else. The, grit, the toughness that’s how they beat you. Together.”
Stephen A: “You’re telling me, this team, as presently constructed, you wouldn’t change—”
Magic: “Nope.”
Stephen A: “Even if they don’t win the Finals, no changes?”
Magic: “You keep em together and make small changes. This team knows how to play so well with each other. And off of Brunson. Everybody is comfortable in their role. KAT could start for another team tomorrow. OG can go to another team and be a star. But he’s good to play his role. Bridges too. And Hart, no 2 guard rebounds like Josh Hart. So you’ve got the pieces, and they’re all happy.”
Stephen A: “But—”
Magic: “Now, if you trade for Giannis, how many dudes you gotta give up just to get him? It’s a different team now. The whole team changes.”
Stephen A: “That’s true.”
Magic: “This team. I love this team. I love the Knicks. They play basketball right. Don’t change.”
Clutch Win Probability Added leaderboard for the 1st four games of the 2026 NBA Finals.
This counts all potential clutch plays - field goals, free throws, rebounds, turnovers, steals, blocks, and assists.
Visuals of the biggest collapses of the 2026 NBA playoffs. Both really are remarkable and we should talk about them forever. In fact, no other collapses from these playoffs even deserve mentioning.
When you think "2026 NBA playoffs," you should think only of these collapses.
Knicks coach Mike Brown on Jose Alvarado: “Imma f****** clap for Jose. Sorry mom. Jose was unbelievable tonight. He changed the game. His speed. His ability to touch the paint.”
Fox had 44 touches in the second half, the most of any Spur. Only 5 touched the paint. San Antonio scored 0.387 points per chance out of his touches. He shot 2-of-6 w/ 2 turnovers when defended by OG.
No one for the Spurs attempted more than six shots against any match-up.