The stage is set for the 2026 NBA FinalsCompetition·NBA Finals, a compelling rematch of the 1999 championship series, featuring the Eastern Conference Champion New York KnicksTeam·New York Knicks and the Western Conference Champion San Antonio SpursTeam·San Antonio Spurs. While the Philadelphia 76ersTeam·Philadelphia 76ers are not competing for the title, their recent playoff journey and past roster decisions cast a notable shadow over both finalists, highlighting the interconnected nature of the league.
The Knicks' path to the Finals included a decisive sweep of the Philadelphia 76ersTeam·Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference SemifinalsCompetition·Eastern Conference Semifinals. New York's dominant four-game victory, marked by consistent offense and confident play, ended Philadelphia's postseason run after they had overcome a 3-1 deficit against the Boston CelticsTeam·Boston Celtics in the first round. The Knicks, who finished 3rd in the Eastern Conference with a 53-29 record, have carried that momentum, sweeping the Cleveland CavaliersTeam·Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference FinalsCompetition·Eastern Conference Finals and entering the championship series on an 11-game winning streak. Their leader, All-Star point guard Jalen BrunsonPlayer·Jalen Brunson, earned MVP honors in the Eastern Conference FinalsCompetition·Eastern Conference Finals, underscoring his critical role.
Adding another layer to the narrative, several former Sixers players are now integral to the Finals teams. For the New York KnicksTeam·New York Knicks, guard Landry ShametPlayer·Landry Shamet, a former Sixers first-round pick, has emerged as a significant contributor and a fan favorite. Shamet was notably part of the 2019 trade package that brought Tobias HarrisPlayer·Tobias Harris to Philadelphia, a transaction that continues to resonate years later.
On the Western Conference side, the San Antonio SpursTeam·San Antonio Spurs, who secured the 2nd seed with an impressive 62-20 record, feature Julian ChampagniePlayer·Julian Champagnie. Champagnie, once signed to a two-way contract by the Sixers, has developed into an elite shooter for the Spurs. He was inserted into the starting lineup midway through the 2025-26 season and delivered a standout performance in the Western Conference FinalsCompetition·Western Conference Finals clincher, scoring 20 points and hitting 6-for-10 from beyond the arc against the defending champion Oklahoma City ThunderTeam·Oklahoma City Thunder. The Spurs' Finals appearance is their first since 2014, largely fueled by the exceptional play of 22-year-old superstar Victor WembanyamaPlayer·Victor Wembanyama, who was named the unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Western Conference FinalsCompetition·Western Conference Finals MVP.
Another prominent figure with Sixers ties on the Knicks roster is Mikal BridgesPlayer·Mikal Bridges. Though traded by Philadelphia on draft night, Bridges has become a crucial player for New York, delivering what has been described as an "unbelievably good" performance during their recent surge. His impact underscores how draft-day decisions can shape future championship aspirations.
The Knicks' earlier success this season also includes a victory over the Spurs in the 2025 NBA CupCompetition·NBA Cup championship round, setting the stage for a compelling Finals rematch. While the 76ers' season concluded earlier than hoped, their connections to both finalists provide an intriguing subplot as the NBA's ultimate prize is contested.
A fan in a gorilla mask reacts to the Knicks winning Game 4 against the 76ers. SOPA Images/IMAGO
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