The New York Knicks have a chance to do something the city and franchise have waited for since 1973: win the NBA Finals. We’ve seen teams finally get over the hump in recent years, the Milwaukee Bucks back in 2021 after 50 years, and the Oklahoma City Thunder winning their first title last season. Game 5 might be the most-viewed NBA game since Game 7 between the Cavaliers and Warriors back in 2016. Let’s dive into tonight’s potential closeout game!
NBA Finals Recap Thus Far
The story of the NBA Finals thus far can be wrapped up in two words: eight points. That’s the difference between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs in the first four games. Every single one of these games has been down to the wire. Only Game 1 has been decided by double digits, with two of them being decided by a single point.
The Spurs have been in control in these games for the opening frame. They have won the first quarter in games 1-4 by a total of 47 points. That is an excellent sign for a young core. However, the only problem is that they have lost the second quarter by 24, the third quarter by 16, and the fourth quarter by 15. San Antonio has held a 12-point or larger lead in all four of these games, but still finds itself in a 3-1 series hole, including blowing a 29-point lead in Game 4. That is the largest blown lead in NBA Finals history.
Knicks’ Clutch Gene
Jalen Brunson has been a superstar in these Finals, despite a subpar shooting percentage. Against the Spurs, he’s averaging 29.5 ppg, including 10 ppg in the 4th quarter. When the Knicks have needed their star to play big, he’s shown up and shown out. Karl-Anthony Towns has been absolutely sensational in the Finals by dominating the glass.
There are some players that rise in the postseason, others shrink, but what is the best trait is the ability to continue to be who you are in the regular season. KAT was one of the best rebounders in the NBA in the regular season, and he’s kept up his play, averaging a double-double with 15.8 ppg and 10.8 rpg. He’s been as consistent as he has ever been in these Finals.
Despite a player you won’t often find in the camera or news, OG Anunoby has been a superstar this series. Could go on about his miraculous tip-in to win Game 4, but the fact that he’s averaging 23.8 ppg on 58/55.6/91.7 shooting splits is jaw-dropping. He’s been historically efficient while also defending Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox on the other end. OG went from a nice player with the Raptors to a core piece on a championship-level team.
Spurs Outlook to Force Game 6
If the Spurs want to extend the series, Victor Wembanyama must dominate this game from start to finish. We saw him flat-out run out of gas in Game 4, where he and the Spurs blew the biggest lead any team ever has in the NBA Finals. He was dreadful. After the first quarter, Wemby shot 4-18 and 1/6 from downtown. He’s the best player on this team and needs to close these games out.
De’Aaron Fox needs a big game as well. He had a chance to dribble the ball out at the end of Game 4 and waste time, but he went for a layup that was blocked by OG, which led to the game-winning tip-in. Does he need to go off for 30 points? No, but he needs to make winning plays that won him the first-ever Clutch Player of the Year award.
San Antonio will have the home crowd behind them to open the game. If they come out of the gate as they have in every game, the Spurs need to stay the course. In every fourth quarter in these Finals, they’ve held a double-digit lead, hit the Knicks first, and hit them hard.
Who Wins Tonight
I believe the New York Knicks will defeat the San Antonio Spurs tonight and win the NBA Finals. This series has been everything basketball fans have hoped for. From historical comebacks to game-winning shots. Brunson should be named the Finals MVP after his performances in Games 3-4 and potentially tonight. It warms my fandom to see this team and organization finally where they should be, in the title picture.
Final Thoughts
With Game 5 of the NBA Finals tipping off tonight at 8:30, you’d better get comfy and get your popcorn ready. This game should come down to the wire just like every game has been up to this point. Do you believe the Knicks will close out the Finals tonight or will the Spurs live to fight another day?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts on if the New York Knicks hoist their first NBA Title since 1973! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! Thank you for making us part of your day, and look forward to seeing you again soon.
