The 2026 NBA Finals are officially here as Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs will host Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks for Game 1 on Wednesday night.
The NBA Finals always comes with some extra pageantry, and that will again be the case this year as the league released the video that will open every broadcast on ABC, and it features Los Angeles Lakers legends Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Jerry West:
Coverage throughout the 2026 NBA Finals will feature new cinematic broadcast opens for each game, celebrating the players, teams and milestones that have defined the league’s biggest stage. The open includes seven themed elements highlighting iconic moments throughout NBA Finals… pic.twitter.com/if9Xczq1m6
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 3, 2026
Bryant, Johnson and West are no strangers to playing in the NBA Finals as they combined to appear in 25 in their respective careers, winning 11 championships for the Lakers.
Dynasties often ruled the league back then, but that is no longer the case as this year an eighth straight unique champion will be crowned in the last eight years. That is the first time in NBA history that will be happening.
The Spurs and Knicks are meeting in a rematch for the 1999 NBA Finals, but this will be the first time on that stage for the current cores of both teams, making for what should be an intriguing matchup.
Magic Johnson gives thoughts on 2026 NBA Finals matchup
One person who will be locked into the 2026 NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs is Johnson, who recently gave his thoughts on the matchup.
“Victor Wembanyama dominated the paint on defense during the Series against OKC while playing in a zone, but that won’t work against the Knicks given the 3-point shooting ability of Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby,” Johnson wrote in a series of social media posts. “And for the Knicks, I’m wondering who’s going to guard Victor Wembanyama. They won’t have as easy of a time on offense due to the much better defensive ability of the Spurs compared to their previous matchups against the Hawks, 76ers, and Cavaliers. What team will be affected the most? The Knicks because of their 8 days off, or the Spurs only having 3 days off after a grueling 7 game Series before Game 1?
“This is set to be one of the most watched NBA Finals because both teams peaked at the right time and got hot in the Playoffs!”
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