The New York Knicks are currently leading the NBA Finals 2-0 against the San Antonio Spurs, yet both teams assert that they remain unfazed by the series standings. As they took a travel day on Saturday, practices are set to resume on Sunday as preparations heighten for Game 3, which will take place on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. Esteemed guests, including President Donald Trump, are expected to attend, alongside fans willing to pay exorbitant prices—nearing $10,000—for seats far from the court.
Despite their lead, the Knicks emphasize that they are not celebrating their success just yet. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, who has been pivotal in both Game 1 and Game 2 victories in San Antonio, noted, “Every single day, we chip away and try to be the best that we can be. … Even with the series it is now, next game, mindset has to be 0-0 again.” His sentiment reflects the team’s unwavering focus and determination to continue pushing forward as they secure an impressive 13 consecutive game wins, a feat only surpassed by the Golden State Warriors’ 15-game winning streak during the 2017 playoffs.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown echoed this philosophy, stressing the importance of being present and focusing solely on the upcoming challenges. “In order to be present, you can’t think about the past, you can’t think about the future,” Brown remarked, highlighting a core value that the team has embraced throughout their playoff run. The Knicks are currently 4-1 against the Spurs this season, demonstrating resilience as they overcame double-digit deficits in all their wins against San Antonio.
In contrast, the Spurs find themselves in a precarious position, down 0-2 in the series. Spurs guard Stephon Castle acknowledged that the team faces a significant challenge but remains optimistic. “It was going to take everything to win the series anyway. Putting ourselves in this type of predicament is going to be tough, but I don’t think it’s anything we can’t handle,” he stated. The team will need to rally as they prepare for a crucial Game 3, as they seek to avoid being swept in the finals.
As the Knicks anticipate the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, they prepare for a raucous crowd energizing their team with their unyielding support. Brunson reflected on the expected intensity of the Spurs, stating, “Knowing them, there’s going to be another level. We have to be prepared and be ready to match it and play for 48 minutes.” This acknowledgment of the Spurs’ desperation highlights the critical nature of the upcoming game for both sides.
The history of the NBA serves as a cautionary tale for the Knicks; Mikal Bridges, formerly with the Phoenix Suns, experienced a similar scenario in the 2021 finals when they held a 2-0 lead against the Milwaukee Bucks, only to eventually lose the series. Forward Josh Hart reinforced this idea, emphasizing that being up 2-0 doesn’t assure victory. “This (San Antonio) team is going to come out on Monday with an unbelievable amount of energy and desperation, and we’ve got to be better,” Hart asserted.
As Game 3 approaches, both teams are preparing for the challenges ahead. The Knicks remain steadfast, refusing to become complacent, while the Spurs aim to defy the odds and fight back. The outcome of the next game will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the series.
