Spurs-Knicks    (lost)

In the 1999 NBA Finals, Tim Duncan ended the New York Knicks’ Cinderella run at Madison Square Garden and delivered the first championship in San Antonio Spurs history. Twenty-seven years later, the Spurs and Knicks meet again on the biggest stage, but this time, San Antonio’s leader is a 20-year-old French phenom — Victor Wembanyama.

Before the Western Conference Finals, many people doubted the Spurs because of their youth. That doubt became even louder before Game 7 against Oklahoma City, especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the Thunder and OKC having far more Game 7 experience. Their 12 players had combined for 25 Game 7 appearances with an 88% win rate, while only six Spurs players had been in that situation before. But when the pressure arrived, San Antonio showed more than just young talent. The moment Bismack Biyombo pulled Wembanyama aside and gave him advice during free throws perfectly reflected this team’s culture. With Biyombo, Kelly Olynyk and Mason Plumlee combining for nearly 200 playoff games of experience, plus Gregg Popovich’s influence behind the scenes, the Spurs are far more mature than their age suggests.

The Knicks have caused problems for San Antonio this season, winning two of their three meetings, including the NBA Cup matchup. The key battle will be in the backcourt, especially between Castle and Jalen Brunson. New York must push the pace and attack before Wembanyama is set defensively. However, playing fast also carries risk, because it can unlock the speed and transition ability of San Antonio’s three-guard lineup.

The Spurs’ biggest weapon remains their defense. They ranked among the league’s top three in defensive efficiency, and Wembanyama’s rim protection completely changes the court. On the other side, Mitchell Robinson’s fractured finger is a major concern. Even if he plays, his rebounding, rim protection and finishing around the basket should be limited, leaving Karl-Anthony Towns with less interior support.

Wembanyama already showed his ceiling in Game 1 of the Western Finals with 41 points, 24 rebounds and a stunning logo three. He is not just the future — he is ready to control a Finals series now. Overall, I believe the Spurs have the better structure, defense and matchup edge.

Pick: Spurs -4.5