NBA finals 2026 Game 1: New York Knicks v San Antonio Spurs, live
Article excerpt
The NBA Finals opened with the New York Knicks facing the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center, with tip-off at 8:30 p.m. ET. Early in the first quarter, the Knicks built a 6-2 lead as Jalen Brunson connected on a three-pointer and Josh Hart secured a crucial rebound. San Antonio countered with Victor Wembanyama, the phenom widely regarded as unlike any player basketball has seen, dropping in a pullup jumper. The matchup pits New York's veteran backcourt against the Spurs' generational talent.
Knicks vs. Spurs Score, Live Updates, Highlights From Game 1 of NBA Finals originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A highly anticipated championship series will tip off when the Spurs host the Knicks in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Wednesday night.
Led by Jalen Brunson, the Knicks are looking to capture their first championship since 1973. New York steamrolled its way through the Eastern Conference playoff bracket, and it will bring an 11-game winning streak into the NBA Finals.
In order to snap the franchise's title drought, the Knicks will have to figure out a winning formula against Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who has emerged as the league's most impactful two-way player at just 22 years old. San Antonio defeated Oklahoma City in seven games to earn a berth in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014.
The stage is set for a championship showdown. Which team will gain the upper hand in the series opener?
Follow along right here for the latest updates and highlights from Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
Knicks vs. Spurs score
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Knicks vs. Spurs live updates, highlights from Game 1 of NBA Finals
Halftime: Spurs 55, Knicks 48
9:44 p.m.: With seconds remaining, Fox finds Champagnie in the right corner and he hits his fifth three of the game.
Time expires, and at halftime, it's the home team Spurs with a seven-point lead. Champaignie has 11 threes in his last two games and leads scoring in the contest. On the other side, Brunson leads the Knicks with 11.
9:41 p.m.: Champagnie has four three pointers in the first half, this one giving San Antonio a four-point lead.
It's 50-46 as the clock ticks under a minute.
9:36 p.m.: Brunson has come alive, sparking a personal 8-0 run to give the Knicks a 38-37 lead.
Then, on the other hand, Harper finishes a layup right away.
9:31 p.m.: Brunson gets a tough finish over Kornet, but he hurts his ankle in the process and is in pain.
At the commercial timeout, he's limping towards the bench.
9:27 p.m.: The foul was overruled, with it going the other way on towns.
There's eight minutes remaining in the second, and Brunson is back in the game.
9:23 p.m.: Towns will head to the line for two shots after getting fouled by Wembanyama and a hard fall.
But, the Spurs are challenging.
9:21 p.m.: Brunson is back on the bench, and he's heading back to center court to re-enter the game.
He's set to check in at the next whistle.
9:18 p.m.: The Knicks get a much-needed three from Deuce McBride, then the next possession Jose Alvarado goes past Wembanyama and it's a golatending.
The Spurs lead is back to one possession after a 5-0 run.
End of the first quarter: Spurs 27, Knicks 19
9:12 p.m.: At the end of one, it's the Spurs who have an eight point lead. Harper leads scoring with 10 as San Antonio has stormed to a comfortable lead.
On the other side, there's the major concern with Brunson, who is still in the locker room.
Jalen Brunson was seen grabbing at his knee after a collision with Harrison Barnes.pic.twitter.com/BdsbrupknQ
, The Sporting News (@sportingnews) June 4, 2026
9:10 p.m.: It's not a good sign for New York, with Brunson heading to the locker room.
9:09 p.m.: The Knicks have gone cold, and on the other end, it's Harper who is up to 10 points after another tough finish.
DYLAN HARPER CAPS A 20-3 SPURS RUN 🤯
He's got 10... as San Antonio leads by 8 at the end of 1! pic.twitter.com/AShoB4F036
, NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2026
Mike Brown calls a timeout with the Spurs lead up to 10.
9:07 p.m.: The Spurs lead is up to eight after a Champagnie triple. But, the biggest worry is Jalen Brunson, who was grabbing his knee after the play.
Brunson stayed in the game.
9:02 p.m.: It's eight straight points for Harper, who hits a three in the right corner. Then, Shamet hits one of his own before Julain Champagnie gets in on the action.
It's 22-17 San Antonio.
9:00 p.m.: The Spurs have their first lead of the game, courtesy of Dylan Harper.
After a Knicks turnover, Harper drives in, gets the bucket to go and gets fouled by Landry Shamet. He hits the free throw and is up to five points.
8:58 p.m.: Both teams have gone cold from the field with the Knicks leading by three.
With 4:33 left in the first, it's Knicks possession.
8:50 p.m.: At the first commercial break, the Knicks lead by five in a back-and-forth quarter.
8:48 p.m.: With the Knicks up 10-4, Hart goes right at Wembanyama and is stuffed by the star. Then, on the other end, Wembanyama hits a spot up three to make it 10-7.
WEMBY BLOCK ➡️ WEMBY TRIPLE.
TURNIN' DEFENSE TO OFFENSE EARLY IN GAME 1! pic.twitter.com/ze8WAAUzFr
, NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2026
8:45 p.m.: We have tipped off in San Antonio.
Towns wins the tip over Wembanyama, and the Knicks have the first possession. Guess what? It's Brunson who hits a three.
Then, on the other hand, it's Wembanyama who gets on the board and it's 3-2.
8:41 p.m.: One more celebrity check. Timothee Chalamet and Ben Stiller are here in orange and blue, of course, along with New York Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist.
Timothée Chalamet has arrived to cheer on the Knicks in the NBA Finals. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/UxZnSdR6jK
, New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 4, 2026
Ben Stiller has arrived to the NBA Finals. 💙🧡 pic.twitter.com/xitgFyonkw
, New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 4, 2026
Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist is cheering on the Knicks in San Antonio. 🏒 pic.twitter.com/pBsbj24uun
, New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 4, 2026
8:39 p.m.: For the eighth straight year, the NBA will have a different champion. It's time for starting lineups, starting with the Knicks.
8:33 p.m.: Tipoff is minutes away in front of the electric Frost Bank Center.
Spurs vs. Knicks. Wembanyama vs. Brunson. A team with five championships in 20 seasons against one looking for its first in over 50.
You couldn't write a better script.
8:25 p.m.: It's almost time.
Will the Knicks or Spurs take Game 1?
8:20 p.m.: Tracy Morgan couldn't wait until Game 3 to see the Knicks in the finals.
Tracy Morgan taking time for fans in San Antonio 🫶
Knicks/Spurs NBA Finals G1: 8:30pm/et, ABC pic.twitter.com/oSBUl6OjxO
, NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2026
8:15 p.m.: The duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have reached the semi finals in year two since Towns was acquired from Minnesota. Now, they have the Knicks four wins away from the NBA title.
JB AND KAT: READY FOR THEIR NBA FINALS DEBUTS!
Catch New York's dynamic duo in action for Game 1 of the Finals at 8:30pm/et on ABC 🔥🏆 pic.twitter.com/oECZzCTKz3
, NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2026
8:10 p.m.: It's almost time.
Lace up, sprint out!
Here comes WCF MVP Wemby 👽
NYK/SAS GAME 1: 8:30pm/et, ABC pic.twitter.com/4CisjHsT95
, NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2026
8:06 p.m.: Mitchell Robinson will officially play in Game 1 after suffering a pinky injury since the last game.
BREAKING: The Knicks have listed Mitchell Robinson as available for Game 1 of the NBA Finals pic.twitter.com/noYNRQ1oIG
, SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 4, 2026
8:00 p.m.: Outside of Wembanyama, the Spurs need big performances from both Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox against a Knicks team that is one of the best in the NFL defensively.
Game 1 fits 😮💨@MichelobULTRA | #ULTRAcourtsidepic.twitter.com/pwrdnAxBbK
, San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) June 3, 2026
7:54 p.m.: Knicks fans, it's real. Here are the NBA Finals jerseys.
Ahead of Game 1, take a closer look at New York's NBA Finals jerseys!
The Finals tip off at 8:30 PM ET on ABC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/xbhtLyMkNH
, NBA (@NBA) June 3, 2026
San Antonio is wearing its classic blacks.
7:47 p.m.: With it being the finals, of course some legends are going to be in the house. Knicks legend Patrick Ewing has made the trip down to Texas, along with Gary Payton.
Gary Payton x Patrick Ewing 🤝
Two legends are on site for Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals! pic.twitter.com/g4qaB8Zs5t
, NBA (@NBA) June 3, 2026
7:40 p.m.: Then, of course, there's Victor Wembanyama.
Ready for his NBA Finals debut in JUST Year 3... https://t.co/612Xsxko3dpic.twitter.com/q6ttMQAaVO
, NBA (@NBA) June 3, 2026
The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has led San Antonio back to the finals in only his third year.
7:35 p.m.: Jalen Brunson is ready for his first NBA Finals.
JB GETS WARM FOR HIS NBA FINALS DEBUT🗽
Game 1 from San Antonio tips at 8:30pm/et on ABC! pic.twitter.com/TRBbMyEmz8
, NBA (@NBA) June 3, 2026
The Knicks are looking to snap a 53-year championship drought.
7:30 p.m.: The stage is set for Game 1.
Dressed and ready pic.twitter.com/hPyi3cThzR
, NBA (@NBA) June 3, 2026
How to watch Knicks vs. Spurs Game 1: TV channel, live stream
TV channel: ABC
Live stream: DIRECTV | ESPN app | fubo
Game 1 between the Knicks and Spurs will air live on ABC. The game will also be available to stream on DIRECTV, the ESPN app and fubo.
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Knicks vs. Spurs Game 1 start time
Date: Wednesday, June 3
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Game 1 between the Knicks and Spurs is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 3. The game will be played at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Knicks vs. Spurs schedule
DateGameTime (ET)TV/Live stream
June 3Game 1: Knicks vs. Spurs8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fubo
June 5Game 2: Knicks vs. Spurs8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fubo
June 8Game 3: Spurs vs. Knicks8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fubo
June 10Game 4: Spurs vs. Knicks8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fubo
June 13Game 5*: Knicks vs. Spurs8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fubo
June 16Game 6*: Spurs vs. Knicks8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fubo
June 19Game 7*: Knicks vs. Spurs8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fubo
*If necessary
NBA Playoffs scores, results 2026
Conference finals
Knicks 4, Cavs 0
Game 1: Knicks 115, Cavs 104 (OT)
Game 2: Knicks 109, Cavs 93
Game 3: Knicks 121, Cavs 108
Game 4: Knicks 130, Cavs 93
Spurs 4, Thunder 3
Game 1: Spurs 122, Thunder 115 (2OT)
Game 2: Thunder 122, Spurs 113
Game 3: Thunder 123, Spurs 108
Game 4: Spurs 103, Thunder 82
Game 5: Thunder 127, Spurs 114
Game 6: Spurs 118, Thunder 91
Game 7: Spurs 111, Thunder 103
Conference semifinals
Knicks 4, 76ers 0
Game 1: Knicks 137, 76ers 98
Game 2: Knicks 108, 76ers 102
Game 3: Knicks 108, 76ers 94
Game 4: Knicks 144, 76ers 114
Spurs 4, Timberwolves 2
Game 1: Timberwolves 104, Spurs 102
Game 2: Spurs 133, Timberwolves 95
Game 3: Spurs 115, Timberwolves 108
Game 4: Timberwolves 114, Spurs 109
Game 5: Spurs 126, Timberwolves 97
Game 6: Spurs 139, Timberwolves 109
First round
Knicks 4, Hawks 2
Game 1: Knicks 113, Hawks 102
Game 2: Hawks 107, Knicks 106
Game 3: Hawks 109, Knicks 108
Game 4: Knicks 114, Hawks 98
Game 5: Knicks 126, Hawks 97
Game 6: Knicks 140, Hawks 89
Spurs 4, Trail Blazers 1
Game 1: Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98
Game 2: Trail Blazers 106, Spurs 103
Game 3: Spurs 120, Trail Blazers 108
Game 4: Spurs 114, Trail Blazers 93
Game 5: Spurs 114, Trail Blazers 95