NBA Finals Recap - New York Is Back

The 2026 NBA Finals saw a playoff final series that will go down in history. The end of a 53 year drought, records being broken left, right and centre and a sense of community that ran deep through the city of New York. Follow along for a breakdown of the finals, the history makers and what it all means for the next season of the National Basketball Association. 

(Image credit to ESPN)

The New York Knicks started the playoffs with a win against Atlanta Hawks, which they struggled with after losing in game two, the back and forth continued to game six where the Knicks were able to secure their spot in round two, however they knew that they needed to improve their performance to get further. 

Round Two against the Philadelphia 76ers went quite differently to round one, with a clean sweep over in four games for the Knicks, they had finally found the form they needed to go all the way, but the big question was.. Could they keep it?

The Cavaliers were next, and the Knicks played strong, another four wins in a row, a sweep, and the perfect confidence booster to send them to the finals for the first time since 1999.

The San Antonio Spurs started their playoff journey in a similar manner to the Knicks with a back and forth against the Trail Blazers which ended in game five with a Spurs win, sending them to round two.

Round Two saw the Spurs playing the Timberwolves with a further back-and-forth battle ending in game six with the Spurs winning 139-109. Next up was Oklahoma City Thunder, the leading team during the NBA regular season, and the fan favourites to advance to the finals. The Spurs definitely had their work cut out for them if they were to push for a win. Game one was a victorious win for the Spurs, but OKC weren’t going to take it that easily, coming back with a win in game two to tie the conference final. Game six saw the series tie at 3-3, meaning game seven would be the deciding game, keeping all fans on the edge of their seats. The Spurs went on to win 111-103 against OKC, shocking everyone, but the job wasn’t done yet, the finals were next and the Knicks were looking good.

Finals arrived and both teams were ready for a fight. The Knicks went into game one with an 11 game win streak behind them, securing the players and fans with a sense of confidence, despite the team not winning the finals since 1973. 

Game one was a strong start for the Knicks, who finished with a win, ready to go into game two, a close one in game two saw the Knicks just win 105-104, creating some doubts in the fans. Game three saw the end of the long Knicks win streak, with the Spurs taking the win, an inside joke amongst fans suggesting that the presence of Donald Trump caused a no bags policy, leading to Jordyn Woods not being allowed to bring her lucky bag to the game, causing the loss. Regardless of the reason, the Knicks knew that the win was close, but not promised, the Spurs looked strong and it wasn’t over yet. Game four of the 2026 NBA Finals is a game that I will certainly be watching back time and time again, the Knicks recovered from a 29 point deficit, the highest comeback in NBA Finals history, with a phenomenal last second shot from Jalen Brunson which went wide right before OG Anunoby tipped it into the hoop, securing the win. 

Game five was a chance for the Knicks to take it all, they were so close, a historical win streak, a record-breaking comeback and the opportunity to take the win home to New York for the first time in 53 years. A close game at the San Antonio home stadium, with the Spurs leading for a big portion of the second and third quarters had Knicks fans nervous and Spurs fans buzzing, but in true Knicks fashion, they switched on and scored again, and again, and again. The game ended 94-90, the Knicks had made history. 

Tears were heavy on both sides, the Spurs were disappointed with the loss, so close to victory, but not enough, and the Knicks were overcome with emotion after doing what so many thought was impossible. Knicks captain, Jalen Brunson was awarded the Finals MVP and celebrated the achievements of himself and his team with his family, friends, coaches and of course teammates. 

This win didn’t just make history in the sports world, but in the world of culture, community and human connection. The streets of New York have been lively with watch parties and celebrations, connecting people from all walks of life together to rally around one team, The New York Knicks. 

Article written by Milla Sinfield © Milla Sinfield 2026