The NBA Finals are underway between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, which features two hungry teams looking to end their respective franchises’ droughts of not winning a title. New York stunned San Antonio by winning both games in Texas, heading back to what is expected to be a rocking atmosphere at Madison Square Garden for Game 3.
Since going down 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, the Knicks have won 13 straight, not losing a game in over a month. What is arguably more impressive is New York winning eight straight playoff road games, tying the 2001 Los Angeles Lakers, who were in the second year of their eventual three-peat.
2001 Lakers.
2026 Knicks.With their 8th straight road playoff victory in Game 2, New York has tied the 2001 Lakers for the longest road win streak in a single postseason in NBA history 🔥
The Knicks bring a 2-0 NBA Finals lead back to MSG for Game 3 on Monday at 8:30pm/et on… pic.twitter.com/Sqj5Qj93qB
— NBA (@NBA) June 6, 2026
Head coach Mike Brown has his team playing another level right now, especially on the defensive end, headlined by O.G. Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and former Lakers draft pick Josh Hart. All momentum is on the Knicks’ side right now, and it will be a tall task for the Spurs to win a Finals game at Madison Square Garden.
In the 2001 NBA Finals, Los Angeles took on the Philadelphia 76ers, highlighted by Allen Iverson and Dikembe Mutombo. Philadelphia stunned the Lakers by taking Game 1 at Staples Center behind Iverson’s 48-point performance, but then L.A. rattled off four straight to win back-to-back Larry O’Brien trophies. That was the Lakers’ only loss during their postseason run.
While New York does not necessarily have a juggernaut of a team like the Lakers did with a dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, they are a well-oiled machine with a balanced roster around their star guard, Jalen Brunson. Notably, Brunson has shot the ball poorly to begin the Finals, averaging 25 points on 33.9% from the field and 23.5% from 3-point range. But having a deep roster will win games when their star does not play up to par and that is the winning formula in today’s NBA.
Lakers among suitors for Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson
A role player who has stepped up for the Knicks is Mitchell Robinson as a backup center playing meaningful minutes if Karl-Anthony Towns gets into foul trouble. While he is flawed offensively, he provides great rebounding, rim deterrence and energy.
As the Lakers evaluate their roster ahead of free agency, the center position will be something to keep an eye on in terms of improvement. With that, they have already registered interest in Robinson as he is an unrestricted free agent this summer.
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