Stephon Castle and the San Antonio Spurs, along with the New York Knicks, addressed the media Tuesday before Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks met with the press ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, which is scheduled to be broadcast Wednesday, June 10 at 8:30 ET on ABC.
Catch up on the best quotes and moments from the fourth Media Day of the Finals with the NBA.com live blog.
- Live blog for Game 1’s Media Day: Wemby | ‘Job’s not finished at all’
- Live blog for Game 2’s Media Day: Brunson | ‘It’s all about how you can improve’
- Live blog for Game 3’s Media Day: Anunoby | ‘It’s going to be crazy’ in Madison Square Garden
- All-Access: AJ Dybantsa at Media Day
What we know after Tuesday’s Media Day:
- Victor Wembanyama gave advice to young players, suggesting they focus on their weaknesses as much as their strengths, and shared his lessons from this Playoff run.
- Brooklyn native Julian Champagnie shared his thoughts on playing in the Garden for Game 3 and shooting amidst the noise.
- De’Aaron Fox spoke to the physicality Wemby faces and his impression of the poise of the young Spurs’ stars.
- Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns discussed their friendship and mutual respect.
- Mikal Bridges reflected on his relationship with and love for New York fans, as well as the feeling of playing for the Knicks franchise.
- Coaches Mitch Johnson and Mike Brown gave insight into their team’s performance in Game 3 and focal point for Game 4, with Brown noting he thought the offense was stagnant and indecisive at times.
- AJ Dybantsa was our player correspondent, asking De’Aaron Fox about taking a strong performance into the next game and Wembanyama about the importance of taking the ball inside.
JUNE 9 / 3:30 ET
Mikal Bridges speaks
Mikal Bridges talks with the media ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On what the Spurs did to affect the Knicks in Game 3…
“They came out the gates more physical than us, and I think that was the main part right there… They were the more playing-hard team than us.”
On the number of shots that come late in the shot clock…
“I think our offense got to be way better. We’re just stagnant offensively, not helping the next guy out, that’s either on the ball or one pass away. We’ve got to move without the ball and be less stagnant, so we can help each other out.”
On the Knicks’ effectiveness cutting along the baseline…
“Too much ball-watching, standing around. We’ve just got to keep moving. I think they do a great job with the guards, and then Wemby staying low, and it can draw confusion sometimes. But if we just keep moving, it’s going to help us and benefit us.”
On his chemistry with Karl-Anthony Towns…
“KAT’s a really good passer, and I’ve been cutting my whole life, since high school. This is our second year playing together, and it’s kind of a rhythm thing. I think we both have an understanding of the gaps that are open… KAT will kind of give you a look like, ‘it’s right there,’ and I trust him, because he’ll lead me sometimes if I don’t know what’s there, because I’m not looking…
“I think there’s a lot of trust, because he can pass really well, and I know I can cut pretty well, so I think the understanding of that goes really well.”
On the feeling of playing for the Knicks…
“For sure different. A, with the media, it’s way different, and with the fans, way more passionate. There are passionate fans all over… but it’s like another level. They hold you accountable as well. I just always appreciate the grittiness that they want; I think they always want what’s best for the team. Even when they’re holding you accountable, I think it’s more knowing that you have to go play better — and they’ll let you know. If you’re tough or not, if you want to get better as a player, that’s what’s already on your mind.
“That’s what I love about New York. They’ve got that toughness, and they want the best for the team, and the best for you. There might be times — I’ve been here two years, and I feel like they’ve been on me a little bit. But the thing is, some can be extreme, but the real fans, there’s nothing else you want more. I know personally, if I’m going through something, struggling, I know I’m trying to do whatever in my power to be better. They’re staying on me, and they want better, so they’re going to demand it, and I’ve got nothing wrong with tough love.”
JUNE 9 / 3:15 ET
Karl-Anthony Towns speaks
Karl-Anthony Towns talks with the media ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On finding his offensive game in the fourth quarter and whether there’s something different down the stretch…
“I think it’s a combination. We have a game plan, and we want to execute it. So just trying to execute our game plan, especially when we get in the fourth is vital, and just trying to do what I can to execute it at the highest level.”
On the team’s ability to react to stagnation offensively…
“We’ve got to pick up the ball movement for us, and we’ve won, what, 13 games in a row, 50 days of film to show what it’s like when we’re at our best. We’ve got good film; we’ll get back to our fundamentals, what makes us good, makes us great, and get back to work tomorrow.”
On avoiding slow starts…
“We’ll have to figure it out. We’ll have to figure it out… Every game we’ve played here in the Finals, we’ve put ourselves in a position where we have to start fighting immediately. Every time we find a way to get back into the game, but we can’t trust that result’s going to happen every single time. The Spurs have done a great job starting the game, dictating the pace and dictating how the game’s going. We have to try to be the one to throw the first punch.”
On attacking a variety of smaller defenders in this series…
“Whatever the defense presents… I solve that puzzle.”
On representing the Dominican Republic in the Finals, along with David Jones Garcia of the Spurs…
“I actually got to say ‘hi’ to him after the last game. It means a lot to have my mother’s country behind me, and have them really not only supporting me, but supporting him as well. This is a monumental moment for Dominican Republic. Shout out to Al (Horford) for being, in my knowledge, the first to bring the trophy back to DR. To have another moment where the DR is represented in the NBA Finals is a true honor, and to be able to have many flag proudly represented, it means everything.”
On what the Spurs did differently in Game 3…
“The details of the game, the details that made us special, we were too relaxed in them, and we didn’t execute them at the level you guys are used to seeing. So doing that, and also the fundamentals of what our team is, and how we play — we didn’t do that for 48 minutes. It’s something that has got us this 13-game winning streak. Playing around with the game against a great team, you’re asking for disaster, and that’s what you got.”
On his friendship with Jalen Brunson…
“Oooh, Josh is going to be jealous. I think our friendship is built off respect. We’ve had so much respect for each other as opponents, and now to be teammates, spending true time with each other… I’m glad I’ve been able to earn his respect even more as a basketball player, but as a man, and for him to appreciate the advice I give him in daily life, and things I see, it means a lot.”
On his message to fans about respect…
“The game is built off respect and passion. We want everyone to respect each other. We want everyone to enjoy basketball in its purest state. It’s the NBA Finals — there’s no better place to watch basketball.”
On winning one possession games…
“At the end of the day, you’ve got to find a way to win that one possession. You’ve got to win the game.”
JUNE 9 / 2:57 ET
Jalen Brunson speaks
Jalen Brunson talks with the media ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On improving the offensive flow…
“Not turn the ball over. Continue to be who we are, and our attention to detail needs to be better.”
On his assessment of his game in this Finals and what he can improve…
“Most importantly, not turn the ball over — give my team an opportunity. Kind of in the middle — I’ve played better, and I’ve also played worse.”
On avoiding deficits early in games…
“We need to be ready to go. It’s a very vague thing to say, but I think it’s very simple as well — just need to be ready.”
On whether the Spurs’ full-court pressure makes it more likely for him to shoot…
“They can be connected at times, but that goes back to our attention to detail — understanding where we’re supposed to be and doing the things we’re supposed to do as a team… Just help each other out.”
On his feelings after losing Game 3…
“Win or lose, we’re going to come be here today to understand what we need to do to be better. That has to be our mindset regardless. Win, we learn, lose, we learn, and we understand what we have to do to be better, giving our team a chance to have the ball and not turn it over, stop fouling.”
On what he’s learned about Karl-Anthony Towns…
“He’s been a very great teammate, but most importantly, the person he is fantastic. He’s a person who’s willing to do whatever to help out, whether he knows you well or not, and that translates on the court… Getting to know him now, it’s an unfair narrative, but I truly love that dude and everything he’s done for this team, this city, and as a friend — he’s been fantastic.”
On the impact of going through this with his father, Rick…
“Our family relationship is awesome. I know when to decipher when he’s being a coach and when he’s being a Dad. When we’re on the court, that’s Coach — I still call him Dad, but he’s a coach then. And as soon as we get off the court, that’s obviously my father.
“Our relationship is very unique. It’s interesting how people perceive that, perceive us, but I wouldn’t change anything for the world. My Dad being a journeyman in the NBA, us living in South Jersey most of my childhood while he played. Being able to see my Dad for the last four years consecutively is probably the longest it’s ever been, so I don’t take this for granted, and I love this relationship and this opportunity, and I don’t take it for granted.”
JUNE 9 / 2:49 ET
OG Anunoby speaks
OG Anunoby talks with the media ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On hitting closely-guarded shots in the corner…
“Just having poise. Having poise, being decisive with anything that I do, whether it’s shoot or drive or jab or whatever. Be decisive, and then shoot it with confidence, if I’m shooting it, or driving and going to the rim or making the next play if there’s help there.”
On the rise of his offensive game…
“I’ve always worked on my game. Maybe a little bit more usage, but just being prepared, ready to shoot. Being assertive when I get the ball, whether it’s shoot, drive or pass.”
On whether he’s still slept on as an offensive player…
“I think so, yeah. I do.”
On setting the tone for Game 4…
“Just coming out from the start aggressive, playing the way we play, our style. Being physical, getting stops, running out in transition, moving the ball, taking good shots. Just starting the game — 48 minutes.”
On dunking on Victor Wembanyama…
“Just trying to be aggressive and assertive, no matter who’s guarding me. Just reading situations.”
JUNE 9 / 2:26 ET
Josh Hart speaks
Josh Hart talks with the media ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On how the Knicks’ continuity presents on the court…
“You just get a familiarity, and there’s a certain comfort level with those guys. All of those guys, they can go out and make plays, especially end of shot clock. JB, I trust ‘Kal in any shot clock, end of game situations, same thing with OG, KAT. I think it’s more so just the trust that’s built, and you know where everyone likes the ball.”
On what the team got away from offensively in the second half of Game 3…
“I think we played a little bit slower than we did in that second quarter. We got stops, we ran. Obviously, they shot a lot of free throws, so it was tough to run, and that sometimes causes you to slow down — it slows the game down.
“We’ve got to be better at that, and playing to our strengths.”
On reacting to the end of the 13-game winning streak…
“Every loss kind of hurts the same. That’s a good team. We knew they weren’t just going to lay down and let us win four straight. We knew this was going to be a battle. They played very well, and we have to give them credit for that, and we didn’t play to the best of our capabilities, and I think that’s just the frustrating part, because we knew we didn’t play our best basketball.”
On avoiding clashing with France-Senegal in the World Cup with Game 6…
“Ideally, we don’t go past five games. Our thought process — we want to win every single game, not because we want to clash with France and Senegal playing in the World Cup. We want to win the next game, and that mentality doesn’t change no matter who we play, no matter what goes on around us, no matter what goes on in the city — as competitors, we want to win the next game, and I’m sure they’re thinking the same thing. They want to win the next game. So that’s why it’s a series, it’s going to be a battle, but you can’t think about that stuff.”
JUNE 9 / 2:16 ET
Coach Mike Brown speaks
Mike Brown talks with the media ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
Brown opens by expressing condolences to the family of Stacey King, former Bulls player and broadcaster, who died Sunday.
On getting Karl-Anthony Towns touches, especially in the fourth quarter…
“It’s extremely important… I’ve got to do a better job getting him involved over the course of the game, especially late.”
On avoiding falling into an early deficit…
“Our level of physicality last night was not good to start the game. We knew down in San Antonio they were going to come out with a bunch of energy, especially with the crowd they have down there, they do a good job feeding off the crowd… We didn’t do a good job coming out last night, not just in the first half, but in the second half as well, so we have to up our level of physicality, especially at the start of games, and maintain it without fouling.”
On recovering from defeat after the 13-game winning streak…
“I’m a firm believer that you can grow and learn a lot in wins, but you can do the same in losses as well. We have a veteran group, and no one is quote unquote ‘panicking…’ Everybody is disappointed that we didn’t go out and execute and play to what our standard is… We feel like we can play a lot better than what we did, and we’re looking forward to going out on the floor and showing it.”
On the team’s offensive process in Game 3…
“We just didn’t execute well. I’ve got to help them a little bit better on the fly, by putting them in better positions with stuff that they’re comfortable with. But then we have to play to what our strengths are, and it’s been pace, it’s been space, it’s been getting the ball reversed, it’s been touching the paint. And more importantly, it’s been making quick decisions, and there were a lot of times when the decisions weren’t made quick last night. One guy caught, held, held, held, and the defense settles in, and now you’re in trouble.
“Making quick decisions while doing all those other things can help us out a lot, on top of me making sure that these guys are organized a little bit better.”
JUNE 9 / 1:53 ET
De’Aaron Fox speaks
De'Aaron Fox talks with the media ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On the team’s mantra to stay focused…
“We’re trying not to look at it as a series. We’re looking at it one game at a time. Going down 0-2, especially losing those games at home, it can look like it’s a real steep uphill battle, but we’re taking it one game at a time. We know that our season is going to be over in a week-and-a-half.”
On hitting a big shot at the end of Game 3 and how it affects his confidence for Game 4…
Player correspondent AJ Dybantsa asked this question.
“I try not to let making shots waver or boost your confidence. It’s a make or miss league. We’re in 103, 104 or something this year, so you try not to let that be the reason that you play defense better, or you box out better, or you do all these other things that can affect the game, because there are days where you are going to come in and shots aren’t just going to fall, there are games you can’t miss a shot. You try not to let that be the roller coaster that you ride over the course of a season.”
On whether he’s been surprised by the Spurs’ young stars unflappability…
“They just don’t have the personalities that you think are going to be overwhelmed by something. I don’t know what they’re feeling on the inside obviously, but what you see out there on the court with them, what you see on their faces when New York is going on a run, you don’t see them panic…
“You don’t see that out of young guys all the time, but that’s why we’re so good, because we have the youth, we have the size, we have the athleticism, we have the poise to be able to withstand those things.”
On Victor Wembanyama embracing a villain role…
“I don’t think it’s a villain role. If you get hit, you hit back. That’s life. If life hits you need, you need to figure out a way to get back on your feet and hit it back. Vic, every time he rolls, he gets tagged, he gets hit. If he’s trying to go set a screen, if he’s trying to box out… he’s getting grabbed, he’s getting held. It would be crazy for him to think that he’s going to get open by not hitting somebody.
“But that’s basketball. It’s going to be physical. Nobody expects anybody to come out here and not have bumps or bruises or injuries, or all these things. I don’t think it’s trying to be a villain, but you know teams are going to be physical with you and you try to hit first.”
On being cross-matched with Karl-Anthony Towns…
“You try to get under him. I try not to let bigger guys dribble against me. Obviously, the closer that they get to the basket, the easier it is for them. And I think despite my size, I feel like I’m pretty physical, especially on the defensive end. Just trying to take those hits and stand guys up — if you can force a shot to be 13-feet rather than 10 feet, the numbers drop drastically.”
On the biggest challenge heading into Game 4…
“Keep them out of transition. Don’t turn the ball over, and giving up offensive rebounds. That’s when they’ve gone on their runs. I think we’ve been in control of the game these three games most of the game. When they hit us, when they go on these runs, it’s how quickly we can stop the bleeding — and that’s been most of the series.”
JUNE 9 / 1:45 ET
Julian Champagnie speaks
Julian Champagnie talks with the media ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On playing in the Garden as a New York native…
“It was pretty cool. Obviously, we had a game to win, and that was the most important thing, especially being down 0-2. But the initial reaction of just running out there, seeing all the celebrities, the fans, the music, it was definitely a surreal feeling that I’ll carry for life.”
On the booing Victor Wembanyama faced…
“That’s just regular. I don’t feel like there’s anything to that. Obviously, Vic is a great player, and that’s what people are going to do to him, so no hard feelings.”
On sticking together in a hostile environment as the Playoffs ramp up..
“I don’t find it to be harder. Obviously, the noise and the media and the fans, it gets to be more the further you go into the Playoffs. But I think it’s pretty easy to stay locked in your teammates when you guys have a such a good bond. And obviously, we’ve done a lot in this season… so I don’t feel like it’s too, too hard.”
On shooting amidst the noise and physicality in Game 3…
“You’ve got to remember I’m from here, so the noise is the noise — that’s just how it goes. We’ve also played in a bunch of arenas to this point that have been loud, even our own, so I don’t think blocking it out is too hard, we have something to focus on.
“The Knicks play super, super physical. That’s part of their identity. We have to do a good job of matching that and doing more of that. But I’m assuming it’s not going to get easier, so it’ll more physical tomorrow.”
On limiting the Knicks’ passing in Game 3…
“We have been them in that situation a lot of this series, when we get them into late clock… and we don’t quite finish the possession… I feel like last night, being down 0-2, we couldn’t have too much of that, because that’s when they’re going to capitalize, especially being an older team… That thought overtook all.”
JUNE 9 / 1:30 ET
Dylan Harper speaks
Dylan Harper talks with the media ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On getting booed in New York City…
“It’s my first time in New York, walking out and getting booed — I can say that. But it’s kind of been ever series — OKC, we got booed a little bit. Not so much Minnesota and Portland. But it’s New York, hostile environment, and I don’t think it would feel the same if it wasn’t as hostile.”
On finding his 3-point shot and reacting to the Knicks’ defense…
“Last night I couldn’t make a shot, and that’s just the reality of the game. I’m going to keep shooting them, because I feel like the confidence I have in myself, the confidence the team has in me. It’s just really taking the best shot for the team, not for myself, and I feel like yesterday shots weren’t really falling.
“I can’t hang my head too much, because we’ve got a lot of basketball yet to be played.”
On the team’s comfort on the road…
“I feel like we just stay together in environments like this. The biggest thing, when we come to away games in the Playoffs, is just staying together and holding each other accountable. With the level of desperation and desire we played with last night, I feel like we’re pretty hard to beat when we do that.”
On building continuity that holds up in the Finals…
“We hang out outside of basketball a lot as a team, do things like team dinner and play games as a team. I feel like those kind of events, and things like that, make up for the years that we weren’t together, or the years we haven’t had.
“The biggest thing is chemistry when you get in a building like this, when you get in an environment like this, and I think we have as much chemistry, camaraderie and togetherness as anyone else.”
On Victor Wembanyama’s comfort in a hostile environment…
“He steps up to the moment, all the time, no matter what moment it is… That’s just the big-time player he is.”
JUNE 9 / 1:15 ET
Victor Wembanyama speaks
Victor Wembanyama talks with the media ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On enjoying playing with a crowd, whether home or away…
“Both scenarios are very exciting. I like lively crowds, active crowds, both at home and on the road. At home, it’s on extra motivation, because you want to give the people who support you a good show, and on the road, you want to do the opposite.”
On learning fast enough to succeed in his first Finals appearance…
“My bet would be yes, it’s possible. What we’ve learned — many things, across this Playoffs… Brace with your hands, not with your chin. Hit below the head, if you do. And many other things, but most importantly, be relentless.”
On rolling to the rim early in Game 3…
“Especially early in games, you have to put pressure on the rim, because it’s the most efficient shot.”
On building his coordination over the years and its impact on this series…
“I think the key would be not to play on your strengths all the time. I received this one piece of advice a long time ago, that said, ‘as a kid, you’re not working for the present right now.’ Right now, me, myself, I’m working for right now — I don’t even care about next season, we have to win Game 4.
“As a kid, whether you’re 10, 13, 16-years-old, you’re working for the future. You’re trying to develop your range of skills. Long story short, play on your weaknesses, not only your strengths.”
On dissecting defenses in real time…
“I think I’ve gotten much better at it. When watching film from past years, sometimes it was just shooting shots, and even still to this day, and sometimes it goes in. But the efficiency, the purposefulness, is so much better now.”
On keeping the momentum from Game 3 and going inside…
Player correspondent AJ Dybantsa asked this question.
“The goal is always to go inside — the best shot in the game is an alley-oop… I think what we’ve built with this team is we’ve got an identity that makes everybody dangerous, and sometimes, it’ll pay off over a season, over a Playoff series, we’re going to get easy buckets.”
JUNE 9 / 1:00 ET
Stephon Castle speaks
Stephon Castle talks with the media ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On the team’s 11-0 streak in February and reacting to its end…
“In February, we were having a lot of fun playing basketball… We were connecting on defense, rebounding our misses, giving ourselves extra shots. I think us losing that first game — I don’t think it was a humbling experience, but it made us realize we’re not invincible. I think it gave us a view on how good we are when we do the right things… It was an eye-opener.”
On he and Dylan Harper reacting if the Knicks pack the paint in Game 4…
“Us being aggressive, whether that’s taking an open catch-and-shoot three or taking up that space and still trying to touch paint, I don’t think we’ve let the defense force us to do anything all year. I feel like they’ve given us stuff, and most of the time, we take what they give us.”
On the Spurs’ ability to handle hostile environments…
“Our connectivity. Coming into environments like this, you expect it. It’s something you can’t shy away from, especially for the goals and aspirations that we have for our season. We knew that it was a must-win game, so focus on the things that matter throughout the game, and not paying too much close attention to the crowd. They’re going to be there regardless, especially cheering on their team. You should want to play in those kind of environments.”
On not losing three straight all season…
“I think our coaches do a good job of explaining why we lost most of the time, and what we can do to help ourselves. I think we do a good job of applying it to the game, whether it looks bad… or it doesn’t work out the first couple of times. I think our process, and just sticking with things, has helped us all year… Us being able to take a loss, look at it, and see what we’re able to do better right away.”
On his process in between games…
“The mental rest is definitely needed. Today is when we’ll do most of our film. Physically, these are very physical games. Both teams are getting beat up. We’re at the end of the year, so everybody’s tired… It’s no excuse; everybody needs their rest. But mentally, going back and watching the game, whether we had a good game or bad game, I think that little break is definitely helpful.”
On the feeling in the locker room after Game 3…
“I think everybody was feeling good. I didn’t want us to get too happy about one win, and get satisfied, and take our foot off the gas for the next game. I think since the end of Game 2, we’ve been confident we’re going to win this series, and that’s what we plan to do.
“I think we’re very connected as a team, and we all want to win. That’s just the selflessness that runs through our locker room, and it shows every night.”
JUNE 9 / 12:40 ET
Coach Mitch Johnson speaks
Mitch Johnson talks with the media ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On the team’s comfort in being in rotation defensively…
“I think we’ve had some really good moments in being connected in those rotations, and taking certain things away… We’ve forced them to take a lot of shots at end of clock…
“I think we’ve shown that we can be impactful when we’re connected and do it in the right way. They’ve shown that they do a great job of moving the ball.”
On Victor Wembanyama’s ability to read defenses and make adjustments…
“The players of his caliber see so many coverages, personnel groupings, matchups, take this away, force them to do that. Over time, I just believe there becomes a comfortability, and that leads to familiarity and then even confidence… That takes a lot of time — that’s pattern recognition, and in that pattern recognition, there’s processing, and at the highest level, there’s manipulation and dictating by the greats that have done it over the years. I think he’s on that same pathway.”
On the team’s sense of belief…
“We’ve played over 100 games now, so what I’ve seen, the belief is going to be there… We’ve just been honest all year… We believe in what we put into this deal and each other, and how we’re going to operate and respond.”
JUNE 9 / 12:00 ET
Get ready for ‘The Association’
The Spurs win Game 3 in a thriller at MSG, setting the stage for Game 4 tomorrow on ABC! 🍿
Get exclusive access with @JZFish and @QRich on The Association: NBA Finals Media Day, live on NBA TV and the NBA App at 12:30 PM ET.
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— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 9, 2026
JUNE 9 / 11:30 ET
Catch up on last night’s highlights
The nightly recap for June 8, 2026, as the Spurs controlled the fourth quarter to win Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
