NBA Playoffs 2025/26: Conference Finals Preview – Knicks vs. Cavaliers, Thunder vs. Spurs Clash in Best-of-7 Showdowns
The 2025/26 NBA Conference Finals have delivered two of the most compelling best-of-seven showdowns in recent memory. In the East, the New York Knicks—returning to the Finals for the first time since 1999—face the Cleveland Cavaliers in a battle for playoff supremacy. Meanwhile, in the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are locked in a thrilling six-game series that will determine who advances to challenge the Knicks.
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: A Historic East Final
The Knicks have already made history by clinching their first Finals berth in 27 years, but their journey isn’t over. After sweeping the Cavaliers in four games, New York now faces the challenge of maintaining their momentum as they prepare for the NBA Finals.
Key Storylines
- Knicks’ Dominance on the Road: The Knicks have closed out three series in this postseason on the road, including a commanding Game 4 win (130-93) over Cleveland. This bodes well for their potential Finals run, where they’ll host the winner of the Thunder-Spurs series.
- Cavaliers’ Resilience: Despite the sweep, Cleveland has shown they can compete with the Knicks. Their 117-113 OT win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals proved they’re far from pushovers.
- Knicks’ Offensive Firepower: With players like Jalen Brunson (20.3 PPG in playoffs) and Julius Randle (18.7 PPG) leading the charge, New York’s offense has been unstoppable in this postseason.
Schedule & Broadcast
The Knicks have already advanced, but their next challenge begins June 3 in the NBA Finals. However, their Conference Finals series was completed with the following results:
| Game | Date | Result | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | May 22 | Knicks 115, Cavaliers 104 (OT) | ABC |
| Game 2 | May 24 | Knicks 109, Cavaliers 93 | ABC |
| Game 3 | May 26 | Knicks 121, Cavaliers 108 | ABC |
| Game 4 | May 28 | Knicks 130, Cavaliers 93 | ABC |
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs: A Western Conference Final for the Ages
The Thunder and Spurs have battled through six games, with Oklahoma City holding a 3-2 series lead heading into the final two games. This series has been defined by clutch performances, late-game heroics, and a battle of experience versus youth.
Key Storylines
- Thunder’s Playoff Pedigree: Oklahoma City has won the Maurice Podoloff Trophy for the best regular-season record in the NBA for the second straight year. Their 2025/26 season has been built on defense, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (22.1 PPG, 7.8 APG) and Chet Holmgren (18.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG) leading the way.
- Spurs’ Veteran Leadership: San Antonio, led by Kawhi Leonard (23.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG), has been a resilient opponent. Their Game 4 win (103-82) snapped a two-game Thunder losing streak and kept the series alive.
- The Role of SGA: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the engine for the Thunder, dropping 32 points in Game 5 to extend their lead. His ability to take over games in crunch time will be crucial in the final two games.
Remaining Games
The series concludes with two more games:
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Location | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 6 | May 28 | 8:30 PM | AT&T Center, San Antonio | NBC/Peacock |
| Game 7 (if necessary) | May 30 | 8:00 PM | Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City | NBC/Peacock |
Tactical Keys to Watch
Both Conference Finals feature distinct tactical battles that will shape their outcomes.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers
- Knicks’ Half-Court Offense: New York’s ability to space the floor and create open shots for Brunson and Randle will be critical. Their 50% three-point shooting in the playoffs has been a weapon.
- Cavaliers’ Defense: Cleveland’s defensive schemes, particularly their switchable bigs, will test the Knicks’ perimeter shooters.
Thunder vs. Spurs
- Thunder’s Small-Ball Lineups: Oklahoma City’s reliance on Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren in the post will force the Spurs to adjust their defense.
- Spurs’ Half-Court Sets: San Antonio’s motion offense, designed to create mismatches, will be a key factor in their ability to compete with the Thunder’s size.
Why These Series Matter
These Conference Finals are more than just playoff basketball—they represent the culmination of years of rebuilding and resilience.
Knicks’ Return to the Finals
The Knicks’ journey back to the Finals is a story of perseverance. After missing the playoffs for years, their 2025/26 season has been a resurgence, led by a core of young talent and veteran leadership. Their sweep of the Cavaliers—all on the road—sets up a potential Finals run that could redefine a franchise.
Thunder’s Quest for Back-to-Back Titles
Oklahoma City’s pursuit of back-to-back championships is one of the most compelling narratives in recent NBA history. Their defensive intensity and ability to close out games have been hallmarks of this season. If they can defeat the Spurs, they’ll face the Knicks in a potential rematch of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.
Next Steps: NBA Finals Begin June 3
The winner of the Thunder-Spurs series will face the Knicks in the NBA Finals, starting June 3 on ABC. The Finals will feature:
- Game 1: June 3, 8:30 PM ET (ABC)
- Game 2: June 5, 8:30 PM ET (ABC)
- Game 3: June 8, 8:30 PM ET (ABC)
- Game 4: June 10, 8:30 PM ET (ABC)
- Game 5 (if necessary): June 13, 8:30 PM ET (ABC)
- Game 6/7 (if necessary): June 16 & 19, 8:30 PM ET (ABC)
The Knicks will host Games 1, 2, 6, and 7 at Madison Square Garden, while the winner of the Western Conference Finals will host Games 3, 4, and 5.
Key Takeaways
- The Knicks have made history by reaching the Finals for the first time since 1999, setting up a potential dynasty in the making.
- The Thunder-Spurs series is a battle of experience versus youth, with Oklahoma City holding a 3-2 lead heading into the final two games.
- Defensive intensity and clutch performances will decide both series, with the Knicks’ offense and Thunder’s small-ball lineups as key factors.
- The NBA Finals begin June 3, with the Knicks hosting the first two games at Madison Square Garden.
FAQ: NBA Conference Finals 2025/26
- Q: When do the NBA Finals start? A: The NBA Finals begin June 3, with Game 1 at 8:30 PM ET on ABC.
- Q: Who is the favorite to win the Western Conference? A: The Oklahoma City Thunder are the favorites, holding a 3-2 series lead over the Spurs.
- Q: How many times have the Knicks been to the NBA Finals? A: The Knicks have reached the NBA Finals 10 times in franchise history, with their last appearance in 1999.
- Q: Who are the key players to watch in the Conference Finals? A: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Kawhi Leonard (Spurs), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), and Evan Mobley (Cavaliers) are the standout performers.
