Coaching

Brown has been part of multiple championship teams as an assistant coach and has also coached in the finals before. He has shown the ability to make adjustments and hold his team accountable to keep the Knicks dangerous throughout a game. Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson learned under legendary coach Gregg Popovich and has developed this young San Antonio team into a title contender in two seasons. Both coaches have shown great strategy throughout the playoffs, but Brown gets the slight edge on experience. Slight Advantage: Knicks

Intangibles

For New York, Jalen Brunson is one of the most clutch players in the league and has repeatedly come through for his team in close games. This Knicks team has been through multiple deep playoff runs together and has built an identity on toughness and physicality. The Spurs have made it to the finals ahead of schedule, as most would say. They have promising young players, led by the French phenom Wembanyama, but might be a bit too green to rise to the occasion just yet. The Knicks have shown urgency to capitalize on the weakened Eastern Conference this season and have a chance to finish the job. Advantage: Knicks

Why New York Wins

San Antonio has Wembanyama and playmakers at guard to constantly create offense, and enough defensive pressure to slow disrupt the Knicks’ offense. New York needs Towns and the rest of the supporting cast to play at their best to take pressure off of Brunson. It will be an epic back-and-forth series with both teams taking control and forcing adjustments. New York will be able to control the pace, win the rebounding battle, and take over the 4th quarters in games. The Knicks will win their first championship since 1973, closing out Game 7 on the back of Finals MVP Brunson.

Prediction: Knicks in 7 games