NBA Finals 2026: The stage is set for one of the most anticipated championship matchups in recent NBA history as the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs prepare to battle for the Larry O’Brien Trophy in the 2026 NBA Finals.
The Spurs secured their place in the Finals after edging the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling seven-game Western Conference Finals series, while the Knicks stormed through the Eastern Conference Finals with a dominant sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Adding even more intrigue to the showdown, this marks the first NBA Finals meeting between the franchises since 1999, when San Antonio defeated New York in five games to capture the first championship in franchise history. For Knicks fans, it is a long-awaited return to the NBA Finals, as New York represents the Eastern Conference for the first time in 27 years.
How to Watch NBA Finals 2026 in the UK: Knicks vs Spurs
UK viewers can follow the action through NBA League Pass and broadcasters carrying live NBA coverage. Fans should check local listings for updated television availability. Basketball fans in the United States can watch every game of the 2026 NBA Finals live on ABC.
NBA Finals 2026 Live Stream: Where to Watch Online in the UK
UK basketball fans can watch the New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs NBA Finals live through the following platforms:
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NBA League Pass – The NBA’s official streaming service will provide live and on-demand coverage of every Finals game.
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Sky Sports – Selected NBA Finals games may be available through Sky Sports’ NBA coverage.
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NOW TV – Fans can stream Sky Sports channels live via a NOW Sports Membership.
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Mobile & Tablet Streaming – NBA League Pass is available on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and web browsers.
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UK Tip-Off Time – All scheduled NBA Finals games are set to begin at approximately 1:30 a.m. BST.
The 2026 NBA Finals open on June 3, with the San Antonio Spurs hosting the New York Knicks in Game 1 as both teams battle for the NBA championship.
NBA Finals 2026 Full Schedule
Game 1
New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs
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Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
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US Time: 8:30 PM ET
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UK Time: 1:30 AM BST (Thursday, June 4)
Game 2
New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs
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Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
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US Time: 8:30 PM ET
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UK Time: 1:30 AM BST (Saturday, June 6)
Game 3
San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks
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Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
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US Time: 8:30 PM ET
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UK Time: 1:30 AM BST (Tuesday, June 9)
Game 4
San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks
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Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
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US Time: 8:30 PM ET
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UK Time: 1:30 AM BST (Thursday, June 11)
Game 5* (If Necessary)
New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs
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Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
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US Time: 8:30 PM ET
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UK Time: 1:30 AM BST (Sunday, June 14)
Game 6* (If Necessary)
San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks
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Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
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US Time: 8:30 PM ET
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UK Time: 1:30 AM BST (Wednesday, June 17)
Game 7* (If Necessary)
New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs
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Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
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US Time: 8:30 PM ET
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UK Time: 1:30 AM BST (Saturday, June 20)
*Games 5-7 will be played only if necessary.
How Did the Knicks Reach the NBA Finals?
New York enjoyed an impressive playoff run, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 4-2 in the first round before sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The Knicks then overwhelmed the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals, sealing their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
Knicks’ Eastern Conference Finals Results
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Game 1: Knicks 115, Cavaliers 104 (OT)
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Game 2: Knicks 109, Cavaliers 93
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Game 3: Knicks 121, Cavaliers 108
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Game 4: Knicks 130, Cavaliers 93
How Did the Spurs Reach the NBA Finals?
San Antonio’s journey featured several tough tests. The Spurs eliminated the Portland Trail Blazers in the opening round, defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games during the Western Conference Semifinals, and survived a dramatic seven-game series against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
Spurs’ Western Conference Finals Results
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Game 1: Spurs 122, Thunder 115 (2OT)
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Game 2: Thunder 122, Spurs 113
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Game 3: Thunder 123, Spurs 108
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Game 4: Spurs 103, Thunder 82
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Game 5: Thunder 127, Spurs 114
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Game 6: Spurs 118, Thunder 91
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Game 7: Spurs 111, Thunder 103
NBA Finals 2026 Playoff Bracket Recap
Eastern Conference Champion
New York Knicks
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First Round: Defeated Atlanta Hawks (4-2)
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Semifinals: Defeated Philadelphia 76ers (4-0)
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Conference Finals: Defeated Cleveland Cavaliers (4-0)
Western Conference Champion
San Antonio Spurs
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First Round: Defeated Portland Trail Blazers (4-1)
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Semifinals: Defeated Minnesota Timberwolves (4-2)
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Conference Finals: Defeated Oklahoma City Thunder (4-3)
Knicks vs Spurs: A Finals Rivalry Renewed
The 2026 NBA Finals revive a memorable championship rivalry. The last time these teams met on basketball’s biggest stage was in 1999, when the Spurs defeated the Knicks in five games to claim their first NBA title. Now, 27 years later, New York has an opportunity for redemption, while San Antonio aims to add another championship banner to its storied legacy. With history, star power, and a championship on the line, the 2026 NBA Finals promise to deliver must-watch basketball from start to finish.
