NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: June 4, 2026, 5:56 AM ET

NBA Finals Preview

Victor Wembanyama accepted responsibility for his role in San Antonio's loss to the Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals while expressing confidence in the team's ability to bounce back. The Spurs' young superstar acknowledged the defeat but stated he wasn't "worried in the slightest" about his team's prospects in the series. Meanwhile, a fan stormed the court during the fourth quarter of Wednesday night's Finals game at Frost Bank Center, attempting to take a selfie with Wembanyama and halting play before the Knicks' 105-95 victory. The incident highlighted the star power surrounding the Spurs' rookie sensation as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden. Team rankings show the Spurs and Knicks compared across 30 players, with analysts evaluating each roster's talent distribution from MVP-caliber performers to bench contributors. New York's Jalen Brunson prepared for defensive challenges against San Antonio's guard Stephon Castle, calling him a "great defender" as the series progresses. The Knicks listed backup center Mitchell Robinson as questionable for Game 1 due to a broken finger, adding uncertainty to New York's front depth.

Betting & Finals Ceremonies

Bettors have heavily invested in the Knicks to win the NBA Finals, with New York attracting nearly half of all money wagered on the Finals winner this season at Draft Kings Sportsbook in New York. The betting action shows overwhelming confidence in the Knicks, with their handle almost matching every other team combined. The NBA revealed special court designs for the Finals, with the image of the Larry O'Brien Trophy painted at midcourt and the script logo for "The Finals" on either side of the court, creating a nostalgic visual reminiscent of championship series from the 2000s. Looking back at NBA Finals history from previous eras, the league is bringing back the trophy image and script logo that adorned courts during championship runs of past decades. Wembanyama's journey to the Finals represents a childhood dream realized after Western Conference triumph, with his 22-point, seven-rebound performance in Game 7 eliminating the defending champion Thunder.

Commissioner & League Affairs

NBA commissioner Adam Silver addressed investigations into the Clippers' potential salary cap circumvention, declining to set a timeline but emphasizing that the process needs to "wrap up soon." Silver's comments came amid ongoing scrutiny of the franchise's financial practices. In a separate matter, the commissioner cited unity amid discussions about potential attendance by President Donald Trump at Finals games in New York, though no official announcement has been made. The Clippers' financial troubles have extended beyond the NBA, with Joseph Sanberg, co-founder of the now-bankrupt green banking company at the center of the NBA investigation, sentenced to 14 years in federal prison Monday. The legal troubles surrounding the franchise continue to cast a shadow over the organization as other teams prepare for championship contention.

Coaching Changes & Team Movements

The San Antonio Spurs lean on legacy knowledge as they prepare for the Finals without legendary coach Gregg Popovich on the sideline, with the franchise's front office utilizing the veteran coach's wisdom during their playoff run. The Orlando Magic hired Spurs associate head coach