Game Five Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks

How do you recover after one of the worst losses in NBA history? The San Antonio Spurs are going to have to figure out the answer to that question quickly in Game Five of the NBA Finals, or their season will be over.

After blowing a 29-point lead in Game Four, the Spurs are back in San Antonio down 3-1. The Spurs are 4-0 in elimination/series-clinching games this postseason, but are 0-2 on their home court in the Finals. With rumors of New York Knicks’ fans flooding the Frost Bank Center, the Spurs may not be facing such a friendly home crowd. It’s just another hurdle for this young team that has struggled to rise to the moment in this series.

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Game Five will be a real test of who the Spurs are. Will they fold after the embarrassment of Game Four? Will Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox come out swinging, looking to make up for crucial mistakes in the game prior? So far this postseason, when San Antonio found itself with its back against the wall, the team has typically responded.

On the flip side, the Knicks are hungrier than ever. A championship is within their grasp, and they have to feel like anything is possible after their miraculous comeback at Madison Square Garden. Despite the 3-1 lead, these Finals have been extremely close. The Spurs need to bring the same level of desperation to survive as the Knicks have to crown themselves the champions. If they don’t, they’ll likely see an opposing team lift the Larry O’Brien trophy on their home court for the first time in franchise history.

June 13th, 2026 | 7:30 PM CT

Watch: ABC / ESPN | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spurs Injuries: Luke Kornet – Questionable (illness)

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Knicks Injuries: No injuries to report.

What to watch for:

Wembanyama’s response

These Finals will forever be etched into Wembanyama’s legacy. He’s had moments of brilliance followed by devastating mistakes. The pass off of Stephon Castle’s back in Game Two and the crucial missed free throws in Game Four may haunt him for a while. He will catch a lot of flak for his “arrogant” demeanor on and off the floor, especially if San Antonio loses dramatically in Game…

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Publish date : 2026-06-13 07:00:00

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