New York enters the series chasing its first NBA championship since 1973, while San Antonio returns to the Finals after a dramatic postseason run that included a Game 7 win over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
The matchup also carries serious history. The last time these two franchises met in the Finals was in 1999, when the Spurs defeated the Knicks in five games. Now, New York has a chance to rewrite that story.
New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs 2026 NBA Finals Schedule
| Game | Matchup | Date | Tip-Off Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Knicks @ Spurs | Wednesday, June 3 | 8:30 p.m. EST |
| Game 2 | Knicks @ Spurs | Friday, June 5 | 8:30 p.m. EST |
| Game 3 | Spurs @ Knicks | Monday, June 8 | 8:30 p.m. EST |
| Game 4 | Spurs @ Knicks | Wednesday, June 10 | 8:30 p.m. EST |
| Game 5* | Knicks @ Spurs | Saturday, June 13 | 8:30 p.m. EST |
| Game 6* | Spurs @ Knicks | Tuesday, June 16 | 8:30 p.m. EST |
| Game 7* | Knicks @ Spurs | Friday, June 19 | 8:30 p.m. EST |
*If necessary.
What Time Is Knicks vs Spurs Tip-Off?
Every game in the 2026 NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs is scheduled for an 8:30 p.m. EST tip-off.
The series begins on Wednesday, June 3, in San Antonio. If all seven games are required, the Finals will conclude on Friday, June 19, back at the Spurs’ home court.
How Did the Spurs Reach the NBA Finals?
San Antonio faced a much tougher route through the Western Conference.
After defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in five games during the first round, the Spurs eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games before surviving a seven-game battle against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Victor Wembanyama played a starring role throughout the postseason as San Antonio secured its first NBA Finals appearance since 2014.
Spurs Playoff Results
First Round vs Portland Trail Blazers (4-1)
- Game 1: Spurs 111-98 Trail Blazers
- Game 2: Trail Blazers 106-103 Spurs
- Game 3: Spurs 120-108 Trail Blazers
- Game 4: Spurs 114-93 Trail Blazers
- Game 5: Spurs 114-95 Trail Blazers
Western Conference Semifinals vs Minnesota Timberwolves (4-2)
- Game 1: Timberwolves 104-102 Spurs
- Game 2: Spurs 133-95 Timberwolves
- Game 3: Spurs 115-108 Timberwolves
- Game 4: Timberwolves 114-109 Spurs
- Game 5: Spurs 126-97 Timberwolves
- Game 6: Spurs 139-109 Timberwolves
Western Conference Finals vs Oklahoma City Thunder (4-3)
- Game 1: Spurs 122-115 Thunder (2OT)
- Game 2: Thunder 122-113 Spurs
- Game 3: Thunder 123-108 Spurs
- Game 4: Spurs 103-82 Thunder
- Game 5: Thunder 127-114 Spurs
- Game 6: Spurs 118-91 Thunder
- Game 7: Spurs 111-103 Thunder
Why This Finals Schedule Matters
The opening two games in San Antonio give the Spurs an immediate chance to protect home court and put pressure on New York early.
For the Knicks, stealing one of the first two games on the road could completely shift the series before it moves to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4.
The 2-2-1-1-1 format means home-court advantage could become decisive if the series goes deep. That makes Game 1 more than just an opener. It is the first major momentum test of the Finals.
Final Thoughts
The New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs schedule sets up a fascinating 2026 NBA Finals clash between a red-hot Knicks team and a Spurs side led by one of the league’s most unique stars.
New York wants its first title in more than five decades. San Antonio wants to start a new championship era around Wembanyama.
With every game tipping off at 8:30 p.m. EST, basketball fans have a clear schedule for what could become one of the most memorable Finals series in years.