Knicks vs Spurs Preview: Finals Jumpstart

Jalen Brunson is the engine that runs New York's offense. He averaged about 19 points and 5 assists all season long. In the Knicks' recent blowout win, Brunson dropped 21 points and controlled the game perfectly. He scores in so many ways—driving to the basket, hitting three-pointers, and finding open teammates. When he's rolling, the whole team flows. The Spurs' defense has to stop him early or Brunson will pick them apart. He's the star they built this roster around, and he knows playoff basketball.

Victor Wembanyama is unlike anybody else in the NBA. At 7-foot-4, he can play anywhere on the court. He shoots three-pointers, drives to the rim, and controls the paint defensively. In the Spurs' recent win against Orlando, Wembanyama put up 25 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and swatted 5 blocks. He's a serious Defensive Player of the Year candidate. The Knicks will have to attack him carefully. Karl-Anthony Towns can stretch the floor, but can he keep up with Wembanyama's size and athleticism? That's the matchup everyone will watch.

The Knicks finished third in the Eastern Conference with a 53-29 record. The Spurs are second in the whole NBA at 62-20. San Antonio plays better at home, and Wednesday night's game is in Texas. New York had some rough stretches this season but found their rhythm down the stretch. The Spurs beat elite teams all year long. Both rosters are loaded with weapons. The Knicks have three-point shooters everywhere. The Spurs have youth and size that's hard to match. This Finals series is going to be a chess match between two incredible teams.