Offense

Both teams are highly efficient and among the best scoring teams in the league. New York runs the best version of five-out in the NBA, as they can surround Brunson with four three-point threats in various lineups. Towns has the rare combination of elite driving, shooting, and passing as a center. Anunoby has emerged as a scoring option who can create his own shot. Bridges and Hart score in the mid-range at a high rate. Robinson grabs offensive rebounds better than anyone in the league. This is a three-level offense that can attack anyway they choose.

San Antonio uses the threat of Wembanyama to create their offense. He is a unicorn with his skill set at 7’5, which forces teams to double team in order to contain him. This opens up the paint, allowing their guards to attack off the dribble and create easy shots. Fox, Castle, and Harper can shoot and play off the ball well enough to keep a playmaker on the court to keep the team from going into scoring droughts. New York has the edge here with more consistent shooters and Head Coach Mike Brown able to draw up great plays. Advantage: Knicks

Defense

Each team is capable of playing suffocating defense and forcing turnovers to fuel their attacks. The Knicks rely on Anunoby and Bridge to fight through screens and guard the best perimeter players on the opposing team. Anunoby can guard any position on the court with his length and strength, including someone like Wembanyama. Robinson is the Knicks’ best rim protector and will be key in trying to slow down Wembanyama Brunson can draw charges, but is a liability guarding individually. Towns can struggle in pick-and-roll coverage. New York will need to find a way to prevent these two from being exploited throughout the series.

The Spurs have the world’s best rim protector in Wembanyama. His size allows him to get to any shot and alter passes made near him. Wembanyama allows his teammates to play aggressive defense on the perimeter and prevent teams from reaching the paint. It was on full display against the Thunder as Castle, Fox, and Harper were able to force MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander into tough shots every possession. Wembyanma and the multiple individual defenders they have give the Spurs the better defense. Advantage: Spurs