Spurs react to first NBA Finals practice on Championship court ahead of Game 1 vs Knicks

San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks are going to face each other in the 2026 NBA Finals featuring a historic matchup.

Game 1 between Spurs and Knicks is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3 at 8:30pm ET on ABC.

The finals hold a significant importance as it is the rematch of the 1999 NBA Finals, when the Spurs defeated the Knicks 4-1 to win the franchise’s first championship.

Ahead of Game 1 during the practice on Championship court, the Spurs expressed their emotions, citing what it feels like to play this rematch.

With their goal underneath their feet…the Spurs react to practicing on the NBA Finals court for the first time.

When asked about what they think of the trophy, One Spur player said, “It’s gonna bring another environment to the game. And it is really gonna make it feel like the Finals for us.”

San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama said, “It is great. It is hard to realize we are there.”

“Falling in love with basketball happened really early on in my life. I mean, I have pictures of myself with a basketball at an age where I was not even old enough to have memories.”

Carter Bryant, the Spur Forward, revealed his emotions, “Crazy. Me and Vic were checking it out for like the first 5 to 8 minutes of practice. We grew up having the NBA trophy on the floor, bringing it back to be part of one of the first games. It is gonna be very special.”

“I like it. It takes me back to my childhood. Honestly watching the Finals on the ABC and now I am on the court,” Luke Cornet said.

2026 NBA Finals schedule

All games are scheduled to be broadcast on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET. The schedule is:

• Game 1: Wednesday, June 3, San Antonio
• Game 2: Friday, June 5 San Antonio
• Game 3: Monday, June 8 New York
• Game 4: Wednesday, June 10 New York
• Game 5 (if necessary):Saturday, June 13 San Antonio
• Game 6 (if necessary): Tuesday, June 16 New York
• Game 7 (if necessary): Friday, June 19 San Antonio