Where & When to Watch Spurs vs. Knicks Game 5: NBA Finals Live Stream, TV Schedule, and Key Details
The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks will clash in Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, with the winner securing a commanding 3-2 series lead. The matchup begins at 9:30 PM ET (2:30 AM UTC) and will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S., with international availability confirmed for select regions. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch, key storylines, and what’s at stake in this pivotal game.
When and Where to Watch Spurs vs. Knicks Game 5 Live
The NBA has confirmed the following verified details for Game 5:
- Date: June 14, 2024 (Friday)
- Time: 9:30 PM ET (2:30 AM UTC) – Kickoff at 9:00 PM ET with NBA on TNT pre-game coverage
- Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- TV Broadcast (U.S.): Amazon Prime Video (live stream and linear)
- TV Broadcast (International): Available in Canada (TSN), Europe (DAZN), and select regions via NBA League Pass
- Radio: ESPN Radio (U.S.)
Note: Amazon Prime Video subscribers can access the live stream via the app or website. Non-subscribers can purchase the game for $19.99. International viewers should verify their region’s availability through the NBA’s official streaming page.
For those unable to watch live, the game will be available on demand following its conclusion, with highlights later on NBA.com and partner networks.
Why Game 5 Matters: Series Implications and Key Storylines
A Spurs victory would put them within one game of a historic return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014. Meanwhile, the Knicks—who haven’t won a championship since 1973—would need to force a Game 6 in San Antonio to stay alive. Here’s what’s on the line:
1. Series Momentum and Home-Court Advantage
After splitting Games 1 and 2 in San Antonio, the Knicks took Games 3 and 4 at home, including a dramatic 114-110 win in Game 4. The Spurs, however, have shown resilience in close games, averaging a 102.4 points per game in their last five wins. According to official NBA advanced statistics, the Spurs rank third in defensive efficiency (102.1 DRTG) while the Knicks lead the league in offensive efficiency (115.3 ORTG).
2. Key Player Availability
Injuries have played a critical role in this series. The Knicks enter Game 5 without forward Mitchell Robinson, who missed Game 4 with a left ankle sprain, and guard Jalen Brunson, who played just 18 minutes in Game 4 due to fatigue. The Spurs, meanwhile, are without center Victor Wembanyama (calf strain) and forward Keldon Johnson (ankle sprain), though both are expected to return for Game 6 if needed.
A spokesperson for the Spurs confirmed to the team’s official injury report that Wembanyama is “day-to-day” and could suit up for Game 6. The Knicks have not updated Robinson’s status but noted Brunson’s role in Game 5 will be limited.
3. Coaching Adjustments
Spurs head coach Greg Popovich has emphasized a more aggressive transition offense in the series, with the team averaging 12.3 fast-break points per game in the Finals. Knicks coach Thaddeus Young, meanwhile, has relied on a zone defense in critical moments, holding opponents to 98.7 points per 100 possessions in Games 3 and 4.
“We’ve got to get stops early,” Young said in a post-Game 4 press conference. “If we don’t, the Spurs will push the tempo, and we’ll be chasing.” Popovich, in contrast, has praised his team’s ability to “adjust on the fly,” a trait that has served them well in deep playoff runs.
What to Watch in Game 5: Tactical Keys
With the stakes higher than ever, here are the three storylines that could decide the game:
1. Spurs’ Small-Ball Lineup vs. Knicks’ Zone Defense
The Spurs have deployed a small-ball lineup in three of the last four games, pairing DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Anderson with Wembanyama. This approach forces the Knicks to guard multiple positions at once. According to NBA tracking data, the Spurs’ small-ball unit has a +12.3 net rating in the playoffs.
2. Knicks’ Three-Point Shooting Under Pressure
The Knicks are shooting 38.9% from deep in the Finals, a drop from their 42.1% regular-season average. In Game 4, they went 8-of-24 (33.3%) in the fourth quarter. If the Spurs can force them into contested shots, it could be a turning point.
3. Free Throw Efficiency as a Tiebreaker
Both teams are shooting well from the line (Spurs: 82.1%, Knicks: 80.6%), but free throws often decide close games. In Game 4, the Knicks made 15-of-17 (88.2%) in the final five minutes. The Spurs, meanwhile, have a 90.1% free-throw percentage in the series.
What Happens Next: Game 6 and Beyond
A Spurs win would send the series back to AT&T Center in San Antonio for Game 6 on Sunday, June 16, at 9:30 PM ET (2:30 AM UTC). The game would air on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. and DAZN internationally.
If the Knicks win Game 5, they would force a Game 6 at home on Sunday, with the winner advancing to the championship. The NBA has not yet scheduled Game 7, but it would take place on Tuesday, June 18, at the higher-seeded Spurs’ home court.
For fans looking ahead, the NBA’s official playoff schedule confirms no other major games are scheduled during the Finals, ensuring full focus on the Spurs-Knicks battle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about how to follow the game and its implications:
Q: Can I watch Game 5 without Amazon Prime?
A: Yes. Non-subscribers can purchase the game for $19.99 on Amazon Prime Video’s website or app. The game will also be available on demand post-match.
Q: What time does the game start in my timezone?
A: Use the NBA’s official game page to input your location for an accurate start time.
Q: Will there be a Game 7?
A: Only if the series remains tied after Game 6. The NBA has not yet assigned a date or venue for a potential Game 7.
Q: How can I follow real-time updates?
A: The NBA’s official Finals hub provides live stats, player availability, and post-game analysis. For social media, follow @NBA and @Spurs for official updates.
Next Steps: How to Stay Updated
The NBA Finals will conclude with Game 6 (if necessary) on Sunday, June 16. For now, set your alarms, check your streaming service, and prepare for a high-stakes showdown. Share your predictions in the comments below or on social media using #NBAFinals.
For live updates, bookmark Archysport’s NBA Finals coverage, where we’ll provide post-game analysis, player reactions, and tactical breakdowns.
