Knicks Seek Historic Underdog Victory in NBA Finals Against Spurs

As the New York Knicks prepare for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, they face the San Antonio Spurs as decided underdogs, with FanDuel placing their odds at +160 compared to -190 for the Spurs. Despite these odds, the Knicks are no strangers to long shots. At the start of the season, they were at +2200 to win the title, marking the longest odds for any NBA champion entering the postseason in the last 40 years. The Knicks are on the cusp of becoming the biggest underdog in history to lift the Larry O'Brien trophy, having swept their last two opponents and winning 11 straight playoff games. Their +271 point differential, averaging a 19.7 points per game victory margin, is the largest entering the Finals. Critics, including Draymond Green, have questioned the Knicks' legitimacy, suggesting that they haven’t proven themselves as true contenders. Green remarked, "You're supposed to get out of the East," referring to the perception of the Eastern Conference as weaker. However, the Knicks were not favored to win the East, overcoming expectations by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference finals. While acknowledging the East's comparative ease, the Knicks benefit from entering the Finals with less wear and tear. They had eight days of rest compared to the Spurs, who just emerged from a seven-game battle against OKC. This could level the playing field, as the Knicks boast a strong shooting performance and a well-rounded roster, including key additions like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. The matchup against the Spurs presents unique challenges, especially with Victor Wembanyama's defensive prowess. However, the Knicks counter with the shooting skills of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anunoby's defensive capabilities. In a landscape where history favors larger point guards as primary players, the Knicks aim to defy the odds and showcase their championship potential.

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-06-03