On the 86th episode of Hot Hand Theory, XJ and Geoff preview the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs — a Knicks vs Spurs Finals rematch 27 years in the making.

The Knicks have dominated the playoffs by living at the rim, winning with Jalen Brunson’s shot creation, Karl-Anthony Towns’ spacing and passing, Josh Hart’s chaos, OG Anunoby’s defense, Mikal Bridges’ mid-range game, Mitchell Robinson’s rim pressure, and one of the deepest rosters in the NBA.

But now they face Victor Wembanyama.

Wemby and the Spurs have built their playoff run around taking away the paint. San Antonio forces teams into uncomfortable shots, keeps Wembanyama near the rim, and dares opponents to win in ways they do not normally want to. For the Knicks, that creates the central question of the Finals: can New York pull Wemby out of the paint, create enough clean threes and mid-range looks, and defend well enough to win a championship?

We break down how the Knicks can attack Wembanyama, why Jalen Brunson’s pull-up shooting matters so much, how Josh Hart screening could change the Spurs’ coverage, and why OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson may be the biggest defensive swing pieces against Wemby. We also talk through San Antonio’s pressure points, including Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and the way the Spurs force every opponent to solve their style.

We cover:

🔹 Knicks vs Spurs in the NBA Finals, 27 years after the 1999 Finals

🔹 Why Victor Wembanyama changes everything about this matchup

🔹 How the Knicks can pull Wemby away from the paint

🔹 Jalen Brunson’s pull-up threes and why they may be New York’s best pressure point

🔹 Karl-Anthony Towns, five-out spacing, and the Knicks’ offensive ceiling

🔹 Josh Hart as a screener and the emotional breaking point of Spurs coverage

🔹 OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson defending Wembanyama

🔹 How the Knicks can slow down San Antonio’s guards and force tough threes

🔹 Why Game 1 could be massive for New York

🔹 Whether this is the Knicks’ best chance to win a championship with this core

💬 Let us know in the comments: Who wins the NBA Finals, Knicks or Spurs? And what is the biggest x-factor in stopping Victor Wembanyama?

If you value smart New York Knicks analysis, San Antonio Spurs breakdowns, real NBA strategy, and playoff conversations with more depth than the usual hot takes, subscribe and catch every episode of Hot Hand Theory.

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