The New York Knicks are just 24 hours away from beginning the 2026 NBA Finals on the road against the San Antonio Spurs. The Knicks have not played in nearly a week after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals and will face a Spurs squad that has just defeated the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder out West.
Recently, occasional Knicks fan and sports media personality Stephen A. Smith appeared on First Take to share his top five requirements for New York to win.
The first crucial step was Mitchell Robinson’s health, as he fractured his pinky finger last week but is expected to play in the Finals.
“I don’t care about that pinky. “You better be all right,” Smith said, according to First Take on X, formerly Twitter.
Next up was Landry Shamet’s continued hot shooting from the bench, which helped the Knicks’ blitz of Cleveland. Smith then asked Karl-Anthony Towns to avoid foul trouble, which will be essential while attempting to control Victor Wembanyama.
The second most significant factor for Smith was Mikal Bridges maintaining his outstanding performance. Bridges has been on a tear since his goose egg in Game 3 of the first round against the Atlanta Hawks, and he might play a significant role in determining the Finals in New York’s favor.
Number one on Smith’s list was Jalen Brunson outplaying Wembanyama, which is unquestionably doable.
If the Knicks do these things, a celebration may be heading to Manhattan’s streets in the next few weeks.
