Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs met with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks met with the press Tuesday ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals, which is scheduled to be broadcast Wednesday, June 3 at 8:30 ET on ABC.
Catch up on the best quotes and moments from Media Day with the NBA.com live blog!
What we know about NBA Finals Media Day:
- Players discussed their reactions to being in the Finals, their strategies, memories and remembrances of the season, and more at the 2026 NBA Finals Media Day in San Antonio.
- Jordan Clarkson shared his thoughts on growing up in San Antonio.
- Dylan Harper detailed his relationship with De’Aaron Fox, who he calls “unc.”
- Josh Hart spoke on meeting Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, and why he initially hated both of his now-storied teammates.
- Victor Wembanyama discussed falling in love with the game and the success of the Jackals cheering section.
- Coaches Mitch Johnson and Mike Brown gave insight into their team’s mindset and growth over the season, as they step onto basketball’s biggest stage.
- NBA Finals Podcast Row has additional podcasts and digital shows from on-site for the Finals following, with top basketball podcasts previewing the series and featuring appearances from NBA legends, league executives and special guests.
5:35 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
NBA Finals Podcast Row is up and running in San Antonio
We're LIVE from the NBA Finals!! 🍿@Tmac_213 @ShamsCharania @AshNicoleMoss https://t.co/uX00E2ls8p
— Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady (@VinceAndTmac) June 2, 2026
4:15 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Karl-Anthony Towns speaks
Karl-Anthony Towns talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On taking a second nine-day break…
“We just made some tweaks to our approach and our practice schedule. Shout out to the coaches for being receptive, hearing the players out, and I think we had a great week.”
On being on the Finals stage…
“I’m just focused on the task at hand, honestly. After all the dust clears, and this moment has come and gone, I’ll be able to take that step back and really appreciate the season we’ve had.”
On preparing for Victor Wembanyama…
“Obviously he’s a special talent, and the NBA’s blessed to have him and showcase his talent to the world. We just have to have discipline in our game plan and execute at a high level.”
On what it means to be in the Finals…
“It means a lot, because in my career, I’ve only been able to see that Finals logo on TV. So it means a lot to be the person that sees the logo on their jersey and has this opportunity. The word ‘grateful’ is all I can say. I’m grateful for the team I have here and the brothers I have here, and honored to be here.
On what this means to his family…
“It means a lot. My mother, when she immigrated from (Dominican Republic) to New York, she saw Madison Square Garden for the first time and saw the energy the city has for Madison Square Garden and the Knicks. My Mom, even to the day she passed, wasn’t big on the NBA rules, but one thing she did know is only best of the best perform and play at Madison Square Garden.
To have this moment in Knicks history, where we’re back here — New York’s been hungry to be back in this Finals. It means a lot to me, to my loved ones, to be part of the Knicks’ history that’s doing this. You never know what life has for you. You never know if you’ll get another opportunity. But just appreciating it, and being grateful that you do get this opportunity is everything. My life has taught me a lot of things, but one thing’s always taught me is the word ‘grateful.’ Being grateful all the good, all the bad, and every single moment is an opportunity to grow.”
On uplifting Mikal Bridges and the team…
“We know the value he brings to the team, so all the chatter outside of the locker room doesn’t mean anything to us, and shouldn’t mean anything to him. It’s our job as teammates to uplift him, be positive, and also remind him how great he is.
In the moments where ‘Kal had to show Knicks fans and the world how great he is, he’s always shown up. Last year against Boston; this Playoff run — he’s shown the world why his value is so high, and why were the ones who saw the value he brings to a team.”
On the challenge posed by the Spurs’ defense…
“I think all experiences are going to help us in this moment. This is a culmination of what life, work and basketball comes to — playing in the NBA Finals. All of us are going to have to tap into that reserve of experience, whether it’s Jalen with winning in college, winning a national championship, or me, personally, with the failures I have, not getting to the Finals, or in college, not winning it all. We’ve all got to tap into that experience we have to give ourselves the best chance, put ourselves in the best position to win.”
On getting involved early in the game…
“It’s important just to impact winning. I learned that a long time ago on the Dominican national team, when I wasn’t play, and I was watching Al Horford, Francisco Garcia and them play in Venezuela. It’s more important for me to be aggressive in my playmaking, whether it is making the shot or making that right pass, and getting our offense in a flow. For me, it’s just continue to do what’s gotten us here, and continue to believe in our team.”
On Jeremy Sochan’s help with game-planning for the Spurs…
“Obviously, he was here with the team, but to be honest, both of us, when we got to the Cup, were different teams than we are today. They’ve adjusted their offense and defense throughout the season, and we have as well. It’s going to be a little unfamiliar for both teams come Game 1.”
3:48 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Jordan Clarkson speaks
Jordan Clarkson talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On being back in San Antonio…
“It definitely feels amazing. Kind of unreal, honestly. Having a teammate that went to the same high school as me as well, Kevin (McCullar Jr.). A lot of memories — playing in state championship games, a lot of growth, man, from here as a kid. It definitely feels great.
Seeing my family members, them being able to come to a Finals game — it’s just amazing.”
On the Filipino matchup between he and Dylan Harper…
“Another amazing thing that’s happening right now. Definitely inspiring to the Filipino-Americans, and the Filipinos all around the country. It’s definitely going to be fun to watch. He’s been really good throughout the whole year. I’ve been watching him, keeping up with him as well. Him being so young, and having so much poise throughout this whole Playoffs, it’s a great sight to see — a young star coming in this league, and doing what he’s doing.
One of us taking a championship back to the Philippines, and representing that well.”
On memories of the Spurs’ runs when he was growing up…
“My stepmom worked at the Weston, so I would see the parades from the hotel balconies. I would sneak around there. At the hotels at that time, everybody was staying at the Weston downtown, being able to take pictures and run up on players for autographs. I was definitely that kid, being able to see that energy and see how alive this city becomes when the Spurs are in the Finals and winning championships.”
On his Dad’s rooting allegiance and his family’s influence…
“My Dad definitely — he’ll be a Knicks fan this series. I wouldn’t let him have it every other way.
They’ve definitely been super-inspirational. Growing up here in San Antonio, my Dad detailed the cars of a lot of Spurs players, in terms of washing them, and doing that. My Mom worked at the hotel with those NBA teams.
For my Dad, just seeing the grind and the fight he’s always put up with the battle with cancer. His strength has poured into me over this time, and I’ve been losing myself in the game, in terms of basketball. Just been focused on trying to win, but my Dad’s strength and everything has meant the world to me. Seeing him continue to fight, it’s been an amazing battle.”
On the Knicks’ success on the offensive glass…
“That’s just our identity. One through 15, we all try to impact the game in any way. That’s one of the ways you really can get on the floor and impact the floor in this. We have a lot of players that do multiple things; we’re very versatile in all positions, so doing the small things is a big emphasis for us.”
3:38 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Josh Hart speaks
Josh Hart talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On the responsibility of bringing a title to New York..
“Obviously a tremendous honor. I don’t think we’re looking at it like that way right now. I think we’re just locked in and focused on the task at hand, and then we can look back when everything’s all said and done and really embrace this process and this run.”
On Mikal Bridges’ perseverance and effort during this run…
“I’ve seen him since he was 17. I’ve seen him face adversity, and face adverse situations head-on, and come out on top. He’s a hell of a player, and he’s a winning player, and you need a guy like him to win games. I can’t tell you how many games he’s won, in terms of making big shots and big plays defensively — blocks, steals, those kinds of things.”
On preparing for the 7’4″ Victor Wembanyama…
“I don’t know that you can really prepare for that, because there’s not really a situation that’s similar. But I think if we focus on ourselves, focus on the habits we’ve been building, we’ll put ourselves in good situations to be successful. We can’t focus too much on one player, because obviously they’ve got a number of extremely talented guys.”
On sacrificing minutes for this team…
“I didn’t see the bigger picture in those moments. There were moments I went home and I was like ‘damn…’ There’s a lot of those moments. Whenever you hear minutes will go down, or you get benched, you have that thought process. But for me, it was ‘okay, how can I build off it? How can I improve as a player to not put myself in that situation?’
Now, I’m cool with it sometimes. Game 1 I got benched and Lan’ was out there hooping, and I was happy about it. But that took a little bit of time and self-reflection to get to that point.”
On the team’s focus going into Game 1…
“I think we truly believe we’ve been building championship habits since October. When you truly believe that, nothing changes. Everything’s the same; you really double down on those habits.”
On seeing celebrities like Timothée Chalamet at games and enjoying the New York spotlight…
“Before the national anthem of every game, I take a couple seconds and embrace the situation God put me in. I’m blessed to go out and play a game. In a big picture, this is a game I get to do since a little kid, having fun with. It’s a blessing that I think about every single game, and it’s cool. It’s fun to be in it.”
On meeting Brunson and Bridges at Villanova…
“I hated Jalen. I thought he was one of those annoying, five-star recruits that come in entitled. Unfortunately, he was the opposite, and we sparked a friendship, and we’re still friends to this day.
‘Kal was the same way. I hated him too. We play a similar position, especially in college, and he was weaker, more frail than I was, so he would grab me and I hated it.
Obviously love those guys now. I think I lived with Jalen sophomore year, and we became close through that situation… I tormented ‘Kal a little bit, as an older guy. I threw him to the ground one practice, then texted him. We hashed it out and we’ve been cool ever since.”
3:33 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Mikal Bridges speaks
Mikal Bridges talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On being in the Finals…
“Just extremely grateful. Blessed and grateful. That’s pretty much it — really surreal.”
On Jose Alvarado’s impact on the team…
“His energy, off the jump, when he first got here. His energy on and off the court, especially in timeouts, where he’s really grown a lot. In key moments, when we need a voice, he’s telling us to keep battling, keep getting through, or sometimes waking us up if we’re starting off sloppy or something like that. He’s been very key for us.”
On overcoming challenging times…
“I always think I had great people around. That’s pretty much it, when it comes to coaches or teammates… and trying to get better at whatever it is.”
On handling criticism and expectations from the outside…
“I don’t really worry about the outside. That’s been me for a while — just worry about what I’m doing, and my team. Sometimes it’s tough for the outside to understand really what’s going on. You can’t feed it too much — just stay who are, stay level-headed and keep working.”
On acclimating to Mike Brown’s offense…
“It’s going to take a little minute to understand and gravitate to. As the season went on, and the Playoffs now, it’s coach figuring us out (as well)… Sometimes, you’ve really got to be around your players, see the habits of guys, and see what they’re more comfortable with… It’s going to take time, him with us and us with him, and it’s been great.”
On returning to the Finals and the love from Knicks legends…
“I appreciate the love from the OGs, being at every game, and the atmosphere — them loving it, and being a fan, and just the culture. One day, that’d be dope — how much I love the city, how much I love the fans, of course you want to be that.
And just grateful to be here again. It’s not easy to be here. A lot of work, a lot of tough times — it’s just a blessing.”
On battling the Spurs…
“Those (Emirates NBA Cup and) regular season games matter. Really well-coached team, really talented team, and you can tell how together they are, which is very dope. With all that, they’re ready to go out and fight, they’re going to battle.
Watching them in the Playoffs — not soft at all, and they’re going to go out and battle. I think we’re the same.”
3:28 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
OG Anunoby speaks
OG Anunoby talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On managing Victor Wembanyama’s impact on rebounds…
“Just seeing where the ball is going off the rim, and seeing who’s guarding me, and doing it with energy as well.”
On being back at the Finals for the first time since 2019…
“I was a young player last time… grown a lot, on and off the court. It’s really cool. The first time, it was really cool, but it wasn’t the way I wanted it. This time, happy to be here, happy to be healthy and ready for the games to start.”
On the danger posed by the Spurs’ guards…
“They’re relentless. They’re always attacking, always getting downhill, creating plays. They’re a very versatile team, very deep… They have talent all over the court, at all positions. They’re getting the rebound, as a one-man fast break, they can push the pace — they do a great job doing that.”
On defending Wembanyama as compared to anyone else…
“He’s pretty unique. There’s little things, like guarding a Jokić or a Porziņģis or a Joel, but he’s different. He’s taller, and being aware of where he’s at all over the floor — super-talented… Just being aware of him at all times, trying to make it as difficult as possible.”
On winning 11 straight…
“We’re in a great rhythm, offensively, defensively. We’re gelling at the right time, clicking on all facets.”
On becoming a great corner 3-point shooter…
“Just a lot of practice, a lot of shots. It opens up the floor… great release valves for the offense.”
3:18 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Landry Shamet speaks
Landry Shamet talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On being here…
“It’s special. It’s been a longer break… with that, comes an idle mind and a chance to think about things… trying to play the game and not spend too much time reflecting. The drive over, there’s a lot of emotions — it’s pretty cool, pretty surreal to be playing in the NBA Finals. Really grateful, really excited — tired of waiting, ready for tomorrow so we can just get this thing started.”
On competition between the Knicks’ players…
“With this team, we’ve got a group that truly roots for each other and want each other to succeed… There’s a lot of reasons on paper you can get a little bitter… but truthfully, with this team, we really have a special group. I think you have a healthy amount of competitiveness — all of us for here for a reason, and we want to compete and contribute. But at the end of the day, wins speak louder than any of that.”
On Karl-Anthony Towns’ role in the offense…
“KAT’s one of the most talented basketball players I’ve ever been fortunate (enough) to be teammates with. I think he’s lived within a number of different seasons-within-the-season this year. It’s kind of a theme with our whole team. Everybody’s had to evolve and adapt and do something a little bit different than they’ve always been asked to… KAT, coming into that role in the Playoffs, he’s been a fantastic facilitator, playmaker at the top of the floor for us as well. Been really aggressive offensively as well, been asked to defend at a high level and he’s done that… We rely on him every night, and he’s super-important to us in a lot of different areas.”
On the benches of the two teams…
“They’re obviously a very talented group, a deep group. A lot of the same things I’m saying — can rely on a different guy each night off the bench to be a spark. We’ve got to be prepared for that and take our individual matchups seriously, understand the personnel and understand a multitude of guys, not just honing in on one matchup.”
3:08 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Jalen Brunson speaks
Jalen Brunson talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On returning to the same stage as his father, Rick, was on in 1999…
“It’s pretty surreal… It’s definitely a cool feeling.”
On facing Stephon Castle…
“He’s great. I think his intensity and tenacity are special. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, and he’s had that since I saw him at UConn… He’s going to be a great player, great defender. He’s something you definitely have to game plan for, and just be smart.”
On playing on the Finals stage…
“I think everything leading up to Game 1 is going to be heightened… When you prepare the right way, when you do your routines, you treat it like a normal game, it allows it to be as normal as possible for you. For me, just trying to make sure that I’m level-headed, making sure I do the things I need to do pregame-wise. Not changing anything just because it’s the Finals.”
On the Spurs’ defensive versatility…
“They’re very physical. The way they play, they’re able to pressure on the perimeter. Obviously, having Wemby down there on the weak side creates havoc… paying attention when it comes to the details is very important to us.”
On overcoming imposter syndrome…
“The only time (I felt that) was probably my rookie year, coming in to my rookie season… watching Luka do his thing so effortlessly. It made me question myself, and how hard I had to work to be where I want to be.”
On Wembanyama…
“Watching him as a player, it’s pretty unbelievable. The things he’s able to do on both sides of the ball, people have never really seen before from a player of his size… as an opposing player, it’s something you constantly have to be on the watch for… he’s pretty incredible.”
On reaching the Finals as a New York Knick and their time off…
“I’m very excited to be here — once in a lifetime opportunity that you can’t take for granted… (We took a couple days off), but when we were in the gym, we were focused, we were practicing pretty hard… It was really important for us to have those days, because we saw how we came out in Game 1 last time, when we had those rest days.”
On the fabric of this Knicks’ team…
“I think we’re a focused group; I think we’re a hard-working group. I think we’ve been doubted a lot. There’s a lot of noise from the outside, that we could obviously talk about, do something about, but we always went back in the gym… We kept getting better and better… I think our mentality is in the right place at the right time. Just have to stay focused and stay learning.”
On learning from the 1999 Knicks…
“When it comes to being the leader, there are a lot of different leaders in this world. The way I’ve gone about being a leader is taking bits and pieces of different things that I’ve learned from different people and trying to make it my own… The biggest experience you get is actually going through things… We’re going to go through this together, ups-and-downs… that’s what’s most important.”
2:39 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Coach Mike Brown speaks
Mike Brown talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On Mitchell Robinson’ status…
“I don’t know what he’ll be listed on the injury report. He did individual stuff yesterday.”
On Gregg Popovich’s influence…
“There’s a time on the court; there’s a time off the court. He was very influential life in my time, not just professionally, but personally as well. The biggest thing is just to stay the course, keep trying to grow, keep trying to learn, make sure you try to keep everybody… as connected as possible.”
On De’Aaron Fox, who he coached with the Kings…
“Lovely, lovely family… Great human being… I enjoyed my time being around him as a human first. And then, just — talented. Sky’s the limit for him. He can give it to you on both ends of the floor. He’s a game-changer, and in big moments he knows how to come up big.”
On developing the Knicks’ bench…
“There’s always rocky moments during the course of the season — that’s what the season is there for. I actually hoped there’d be some rocky times, some adverse times, because you have to fight through them as an organization to see if everyone can stay connected. Getting to the Finals is not easy, and if you can navigate through some of those adverse times… you’ll give yourself a chance when it really matters, which is in the postseason.
In terms of the minutes, it’s just a philosophy I had. It’s one the things I learned from Pop and Steve (Kerr). Steve was really good at trying to play a lot of different guys… that kept guys engaged, or on their toes, or however you want to call it. And at the end of the day… the medical people say if you can try to control the minutes during the regular season, it helps you in the postseason.”
On his journey since taking the Cavaliers to the Finals in 2007…
“I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason… I’ve enjoyed every single job that I’ve had. My time as an assistant under Steve was fantastic for a lot of reasons, not just professionally, but personally too. Learned a lot of life lessons and professional lessons during it. Everybody wants to be a head coach for 30 years until they retire — the pay is a little different — but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade anything that I went through along my journey… You learn more in adversity, getting knocked down, than just riding the high wave.”
On what James Dolan brings to the Knicks…
“He challenges Leon, he challenges me, he challenges the players in the right way. You want that from your boss.”
2:35 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Devin Vassell speaks
Devin Vassell talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On being the longest-tenured Spur…
“It’s definitely been a long process, and I’m definitely glad to be in this room, be in this position, but we’re not satisfied — we’re here to win it all.”
On when the mindset changed from Game 7 against the Thunder…
“I think next day, honestly. Plane ride, we were all excited, but we didn’t get here to say we’re the Western Conference champions. We want to sit here and say we’re the NBA champions, we won the Finals. So it was great while it lasted, but we’re ready for the next chapter.”
On fighting against slipping mentality after such a big win…
“It’s already there. We feel like the Knicks have played us really well this year. We went into their house and they beat us, they beat us in the In-Season Tournament, they beat us last year on Christmas, so we feel like we’ve got to get some get-back, because they’ve been successful against us.”
On the team’s chemistry…
“Playing the game of basketball that you love, it’s obviously tough when you’re not winning… but we always knew to keep our heads, and that the tide would turn as long as we’re doing the right things, staying together, and eventually it did.”
On handling the Finals’ atmosphere and hubbub…
“We’re just trying to keep everything the main thing, and keep our goals here. We don’t want to look to the outside, and worry about the media, worry about everything else that’s going on. We’ve had a goal since we started this year, training camp. We’re going to keep trying to stay focused, stay laser-focused.”
On the team’s mental focus…
“I think it starts with the players, for sure. We have some great vets, with HB, Fox, Luke, Bis — they definitely try to keep us grounded. But then with Coach Mitch, all the other coaches that we have, our GM B-Wright, everyone’s just laser-focused. It’s been like that since training camp. We were going through open gym, and we had pretty much all of our players there, and that’s rare… We’ve just been so locked in, on and off the court… When we get between those lines, we’re ready to go.”
On talk of the team’s lack of experience…
“We’re just trying to block out all the noise. We’ve heard it all year… but we’re here now.”
On guarding Jalen Brunson…
“Very, very talented player. Knows how to get to his spots. Just have to stay disciplined with him. We know he likes to do a lot of shot fakes, and is a very crafty player. It’s going to be a tough task, obviously, but with watching film, just getting ready to go, I’m excited for the challenge.”
On when he knew the team was special…
“When we went on that stretch in February (when the Spurs went 11-0). Just us being that locked in, and we felt like we could still be a lot better. There are games where we’d come in and we’d watch film and we’d still have so many mistakes, so many turnovers that we can clean up. There’s even games in the Playoffs where we feel like we could be a lot better… With these Finals, we could be a whole lot better, and that’s an exciting thing to say.”
On what it means to play for San Antonio…
“It’s an honor; it’s a blessing. The city of San Antonio has welcomed me with huge arms. Even when we weren’t winning, they were still super supportive of us. And when we started winning, it’s been nothing short of amazing. We’re still playing for San Antonio… At the end of the day, we’re nothing without these fans. We know these first two games are going to be crazy, and we’re excited to be playing.”
2:33 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Keldon Johnson speaks
Keldon Johnson talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On Carter Bryant’s role…
“He’s been amazing for us. He’s been giving us that spark. His drive to want to get better and learn more has been off the charts. He’s so locked in; he’s taking notes… It’s been good to see his growth.”
On being ready for the Knicks…
“Be prepared for anything. They’re a good team… they’re rough, they’re tough, they’re physical, and coming in and matching that, doing whatever I need to do for our team to be successful, and keeping the main thing the main thing, and that’s winning the Finals.”
On adjusting his role from being the man to coming off the bench…
“I think ego. There’s a point when you look in the mirror — do you want to be part of something special, or do you want to chase personal goals? Being here, being throughout this season, and winning has been the ultimate reward. It just shows everything has been worth it.
Obviously, I went from being the guy to coming off the bench and being the sixth man, but I feel like winning is the most addictive thing in this league… It means more than anything I’ve done in the past.
The energy of this group is contagious… What we have here is special, and me being able to contribute that is exciting, and it’s what I love to do.”
On Jordan Clarkson, also a former Kia Sixth Man of the Year…
“Jordan’s an amazing player. When you talk about those sixth men, you have to bring his name into those conversations. I think he’s been a spark on every team he’s been on… He’s honed his craft, and he’s an exciting player to watch. I tip my cap to him.”
On the love between the players on the team…
“It just clicked. We all came together, and we experienced a lot of things together… I think the group loves each other. It’s genuine. When you see one of us, you see all of us, and that’s how it’s been from the start.”
On Victor Wembanyama’s approach to dissecting defenses…
“You send any coverage at him, he knows how to adjust on the fly. It just shows how locked in to the game of basketball he is, what he gives to the game of basketball.”
On the Knicks’ multifaceted offense…
“They’re here for a reason. We’re in the NBA Finals. We’ve just got to continue to lock in… and I feel like we’ll do that.”
On going from 22 wins to the Finals in two seasons…
“We have a task ahead. That’s what’s most important — keeping the main thing the main thing.”
On fans from Hong Kong…
“We love all our fans, worldwide. Hong Kong and wherever else fans that come in to support the Spurs, we love you. We can’t wait to put on a performance for you guys. We can’t wait for you to experience San Antonio if you do come here, and I hope your experience is the best.”
On his teammates adaptability to living on his ranch…
“Who would adjust the quickest? I would say Vic, because he’s always intrigued by new things, and nature as well… Vic, Bismack and Lindy.”
2:30 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
De’Aaron Fox speaks
De'Aaron Fox talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On the hard moments in Sacramento…
“Losing is definitely the hard part. I think the hardest part was, you have a good year, and then you expect it to get better, and it doesn’t.”
On being called ‘Unc’…
“I’m actually a literal uncle, but I’m not an ‘unc’ in the sense that I’m old.”
On providing veteran leadership…
“I think my big message for guys… to one, obviously, enjoy the moment. This is a hard thing to do. But don’t change anything that we’re doing. There’s a reason we’re in the Finals; there’s a reason we won 60 games; there’s a reason we didn’t lose three games in a row all season.”
On learning from Gregg Popovich…
“It’s great. The organization as a whole, there’s a lot people walking through this building that have been there, done that. We can just have practice and Manu’s there, Tim’s there. We have these guys who have won multiple championships and been to the mountaintop multiple times. Obviously, Pop’s going to come in, he’s going to speak his mind… just to have that source of information that’s always willing… They’re able to just give you those tidbits. It doesn’t have to be a big thing — it can be as small as boxing someone out on a free throw… They want to see other people be successful.”
On the matchup with the Knicks’ offense…
“Throughout the whole year, they’ve been one of the better-shooting teams. They’ve played faster in the Playoffs. For us, it’s getting back, limiting our turnovers… playing a team that has a high-powered offense, you can’t help them.”
On creating something new in San Antonio while connecting to the past…
“I think these guys have such a level of respect for the guys that have walked through here… You just feel it, like whenever I went to Kentucky… You feel the wind of a program whenever you step into the building… They’ve stepped into it and they want to be a part of it.”
On playing for Mike Brown…
“I think the biggest thing is just how open that he is, from an organizational standpoint. Whenever he came in, the first thing was ‘I want the whole organization to be in a line, from ownership to front office to coaching staff, players, medical staff — everybody on down. Whenever you have that — and I’ve seen that since I’ve been here — there are no secrets, everybody knows exactly what’s going on. I think that’s what makes a team good. A little bit of luck, a little bit of health, but when you have it from a foundational standpoint, you give yourself a chance to be good year-in and year-out.”
2:27 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Dylan Harper speaks
Dylan Harper talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On playing with De’Aaron Fox…
“Growing up, in my era at least, Fox was a big name, watching the high school, college highlights with him. To be a part of his journey, and to have him as — he hates when I say this — my ‘unc,’ my big brother… He’s done a great job of mentoring me. Every team would love to have him, and I’m just lucky to play with him.”
On being in the NBA Finals against the Knicks as a rookie…
“A dream come true.”
On the attention close to home…
“Everyone wants to be there. Everyone wants to be a journey, be a part of it. A ticket request is going to be a ticket request… I let other people handle that for me. As much as they say those tickets are going to be, there aren’t going to be a lot of tickets going out.”
On his Rutgers experience…
“It meant a lot to me. I feel like a lot of people look at that Rutgers experience as a downside… but for me, it taught me a lot… At the end of the day, life ain’t always going to go your way… You’ve got to go through some hard times, and I had to go through that so I could more prepared for this level.”
On the Filipino matchup between he and Jordan Clarkson…
“Me and him get to do something really special — represent our country, where we’re from on the biggest stage in basketball. I think over there in the Philippines, basketball is probably the biggest thing. We’re very excited for that, and we’re very blessed and grateful to be in this position.”
On his advice for his younger self…
“Just keep being you… Don’t ever shy away from the moment, attack the moment, and stay in the gym. I think that’s what got me here — just grinding and grinding and grinding.”
On similarities between he and Manu Ginóbili…
“I think that’s a fair comparison… I think that’s an accurate comparison… We’re both lefties, big guards… Me and he talked a lot about the role of the team, and what to do.”
On advice from his father, Ron, a five-time NBA champion…
“I picked his brain. We talked a little yesterday. He tells me… ‘be you, you don’t have to switch who you are in this situation.'”
On similarities between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Brunson…
“Jalen Brunson, when he gets in the paint, his footwork is elite, is among the best. There’s an adjustment… at the end of the day, I think we have great defenders that will want to take that challenge.”
On improving his 3-point shot…
“I think it was just shooting the ball every day… For me, it was more just finding my rhythm, my flow, outside the game and on the court.”
2:17 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Stephon Castle speaks
Stephon Castle talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On guarding the opposing team’s best player…
“Knowing that it’s a positive in my game, it’s a strong suit in my game, using that to my advantage. And my competitive nature — wanting to win so bad and do whatever it takes.”
On losing the Emirates NBA Cup to the Knicks…
“Obviously, it’s a tough loss. It wasn’t season-ending… but obviously, we wanted to win. As competitors, we want to win every game.”
Top three rappers from Atlanta…
“Lil’ Baby, Pradabagshawty, Key Glock.”
On being drawn to defense…
“Not wanting to take plays off. Just having pride in guarding one-on-one. The success that I had at UConn with it, and understanding how much of that was needed for us to win, I think it just became natural… I don’t think before UConn, I saw it as a strong suit of mine… and now I do.”
On guarding Jalen Brunson…
“What’s worked for me is trying to be physical with him. He’s obviously shorter than me, but he’s very physical… trying to be as disciplined I can, crowd his space, but not give him the angles that he’s looking for… Just trying to impose my will and use my physicality to my advantage.”
On looking forward to such matchups…
“I love those challenges.”
On selling calls…
“I sell calls too, I’m not going to lie… I think we talk to refs a lot, especially me, but they’re mostly right.”
2:06 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Julian Champagnie speaks
Julian Champagnie talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On being from New York and playing the Knicks…
“I grew up in Brooklyn — not Staten Island… To be able to go back to the Garden and compete for the championship, it’s the best feeling ever.”
On the Larry O’Brien trophy on the court…
“I didn’t know it was hand-painted.”
On the camaraderie amongst the team…
“Just keeping ourselves connected and combined. We’ve been doing that since July, June last year… We’ve been doing it for a while now.”
On his story to reach this point…
“In my opinion, I have the best parents ever. They made sure my brother and I were on the right track — keeping us in the parks, keeping us out of trouble, (ensuring) we were coachable.”
On potentially being the villain in NYC…
“I have a lot of friends who are New York fans, and I’d love to spoil their plans. It’d just be fun… I want to win.”
On seeing Jeremy Sochan…
“It’d be great to see Jeremy. That’s my guy right there… Right now, we’re competing for a championship. There’s no love lost there. It’d be great to see him, but that’s as far as it goes until after the series.”
On being a late bloomer…
“I’m super-appreciative of it. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the Spurs organization… It comes down to opportunity at the end of the day. You have to work hard, stay grounded and persevere… hope one day that you get the right opportunity, and you just take it.”
2:00 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Quentin Richardson on home court advantage
The former New York Knick broke it down on NBA TV and the NBA App.
“Going down to (San Antonio), it’s a tough building…
But everyone knows, MSG, it’s like nowhere else… You’ve heard Spike Lee and Stephen A talk about ‘we’re tired of seeing people come through and have their big moments in the Garden…’ That Garden is absolutely a home court advantage.
I thank the man upstairs that I’m going to be in the building for Game 3, and walking around the city, enjoying the atmosphere and getting something to eat and feeling the energy… I can’t wait to really be in-person and feeling that energy… I know it’s going to be bananas.”
1:51 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Victor Wembanyama speaks
Victor Wembanyama talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On becoming a fan of basketball…
“Falling in love with basketball happened early in my life. I have pictures of myself holding a basketball from before I have memories.”
On connecting to the Spurs’ culture while starting something new…
“We’re really being put in the best settings to do that. It’s not really an effort I have to make, because there all these guys you mentioned, they’re carrying us, they’re moving us in the right direction.”
On the matchup with the Knicks…
“It’s a great team of experienced guys, who are not here by chance, but by relentless effort over the years… They’re right where they’re supposed to be, in my opinion, and they’re all going to be super-hungry.”
On being in the spotlight of the basketball world…
“It doesn’t motivate me. At the end of the day, only 20,000 people fit in the arena, so it really doesn’t make a difference.”
On speaking with Gregg Popovich after Game 7…
“The emotion is really something I haven’t felt in a while… We still really need to come back down to Earth and know we haven’t done the hardest yet. The job isn’t done at all. We’ve still got… 30+ hours to reset.”
On his training and focus over the years…
“Details are the difference-maker.”
On the Jackals cheering section…
“With tremendous effort and results (they’ve realized my vision). They dominated the away court in Game 7. I knew for years this Spurs community had it in them, and now to see it organized into something efficient and effective, it’s a great joy.”
1:35 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Coach Mitch Johnson speaks
Mitch Johnson talks with the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
On the Spurs’ experience…
“At times, experience is something that’s very well-suited to be anchored to, if you use it in the right way… I think there are just different things that we anchor to at different times (such as habits, discipline, consistency), when we can’t change what we can’t control.”
On Stephon Castle’s defensive effort on opposing stars…
“In terms of output of energy, when you think about what he’s doing defensively and offensively, it takes you to some pretty rare territory… It’s similar to Victor, in that he’s in the middle of every single play, but he’s on the basketball… I think the best way to explain Steph Castle is he had 20+ turnovers in the first two games, and then you watch the rest and you have no idea.”
On his relationship with former Coach Gregg Popovich…
“Feedback, discussion, challenging each other, supporting each other. Me asking him a lot of questions, him giving me a lot of wisdom. He’s a pretty good resource… I could not have created a better rhythm or build-out of him being a constant resource for me, but also totally giving me the freedom and runway to roll this thing out as a reflection of myself… (The Spurs culture) allows people to feel valued and feel themselves, but also be competitive and know how hard we have to work to get where we want to be… My restaurant and wine list might not be the same as Pop’s, but we’re trying to connect it all and write new chapters.”
1:00 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
“The Association” brings you inside Media Day
Lauren Rosen and Quentin Richardson are locked in as Media Day begins from the Frost Bank Center.
Enjoy some of the sights and sounds of the affair with our NBA.com live stream.
12:05 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
The Knicks are realizing their vision
The New York Knicks have come together, completing a 27-year odyssey to return to the NBA Finals.
NBA.com’s Shaun Powell gives you some keys to the Knicks’ success, as they build on their Emirates NBA Cup victory over the Spurs and a foundation that’s solidified and grown during a historic playoff run, including their current 11-game winning streak.
“The Knicks are now in the NBA Finals, again. This is their best chance to win a championship since 1994, when they lost a Game 7 to the Houston Rockets. The Knicks’ 1999 team lost to Tim Duncan and the Spurs, but injuries played a major role. Patrick Ewing was hurt in the East Finals and never suited up, Larry Johnson got injured in the Finals and the Knicks, overall, were underdogs.
Not necessarily so this time. When the opportunity presented itself this season, the Knicks were the best-prepared team to represent the East. They’re bringing a solid starting five, a pair of All-Stars, an extremely clutch point guard, enough frontcourt size to measure up to Victor Wembanyama and a capable bench.”
11:55 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Go inside the Spurs
Manu Ginóbili and Keldon Johnson celebrate Johnson winning the Kia Sixth Man of the Year award.
NBA.com’s Jeff Zillgitt takes you inside the dynastic connection in San Antonio, as a new generation of Spurs learns from the lessons and heroes of the past.
“The old Spurs want to see the young Spurs succeed, and the new Spurs want to learn from the old Spurs. The ethos of what’s required to win a title still permeates through the organization, and while (coach Mitch) Johnson isn’t going to coach the same way (former coach Gregg) Popovich did, the tenets of Spurs basketball still ring true: effort on defense, use the pass to create quality offense (‘pass up a good shot for a great shot”’is a Popovich proverb) and a commitment to team.
‘We have the talent, Fox said. “That’s where it starts. I just tell guys all the time, when you go from college to the NBA, it’s a totally different game. They’ve learned that, and our coaching staff has been excellent for us all year with the film, making minor adjustments, the big adjustments.
“And we have a group of guys who are willing to listen to coaches and willing to listen to one another and we just help each other.'”
11:45 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
NBA.com predicts the Finals
Tap in with the NBA.com writing crew as they predict who will win the 2026 NBA Finals.
11:25 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
The summer of Wemby
Read more about Victor Wembanyama’s summer, as he took a new step on the journey that’s led him to the NBA Finals.
1. 🤔
2. Training with the Shaolin warrior monks
3. Visiting NASA's Space Center in TX
4. 🤔
5. 🤔Wemby had quite the time last summer… fast forward to June 2026, he's making his NBA Finals debut in just his third year in the league! pic.twitter.com/BR8wGpDoWk
— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2026
10:55 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Got to stay up on the latest style
Wemby’s reaction is gold.
Is wearing black socks with white sneakers valid??
Every hooper has their own answer… but the @spurs give us their take 👀
San Antonio hosts Game 1 of the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014 tomorrow night at 8:30pm/et on ABC! pic.twitter.com/veeRrjY4DE
— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2026
10:30 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Luke Kornet’s gone viral — again
Luke (Korn)et is "The Big Elote" 🌽😂
Learn how Spurs center Luke Kornet got his viral nickname ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals!
🍿 NYK/SAS NBA Finals Game 1
📺 Wednesday, June 3 at 8:30pm/et on ABC pic.twitter.com/SCOsXvarpO— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2026
10:15 ET / JUNE 2, 2026
Check out the courts
The Larry O’Brien Trophy is back in the design for the NBA Finals courts.
The design for the NBA Finals court at Madison Square Garden.
