Best of The Herd

Here we go. Game One’s in the books on a Thursday, and New York grabbed home court without any sneaking—they simply had more juice late while San Antonio’s legs vanished after that seven-game grind.

Finals whistle gets swallowed, and the Knicks lived in that physical lane; Mitchell Robinson and Cat shoved Wemby off spots, and the Spurs bricked good catch-and-shoot looks they usually make.

San Antonio felt too Wemby-dependent on both ends, while New York isn’t Brunson-dependent defensively because Hart, Bridges, OG, Robinson, and Cat give them a sturdy core.

Every team guards differently. I was bad tonight, but I’ll figure it out, and I’m not worried.

I’d worry a little—you lost home court. Expect them to throw the kitchen sink at Brunson, who took a couple knocks; New York’s depth helped, with Hart stuffing the box and that Villanova trio swinging a big plus.

To keep Brunson fresh, let him work off ball more and use Cat as a release valve; the Knicks have owned fourth quarters all year, though equal rest Friday should lift the Spurs’ legs.

Coaching edge feels like Mike Brown, and San Antonio’s second half was rough—outscored by a lot and zero fast-break points after halftime.

Both sides came out flying, but late it was all Knicks energy; the Spurs still created clean looks and missed them badly.

The market moved—New York’s now favored—which might be a touch of an overreaction, but you see why.

Age and size showed up; I could see Castle checking Cat to spare Wemby some body blows, because Hart plays like a power forward and New York’s front line stacked him up.

Offensively, Wemby’s gifts are unreal, but at seven-four with a high center of gravity he’s easier to bump off his line; he’s more finisher than initiator right now, so when teammates don’t hit those corner threes, it gets ugly.

We let it go on an offensive rebound, and their experience flipped the momentum late.

Even when trailing, New York felt in control—boxing Wemby out, building a cushion with OG, Cat, Robinson, and Hart—while San Antonio leaned on one guy too much.

Quick college football pivot: the NIL arms race is real—think mid-thirties to forty million to truly compete—Notre Dame has money and a coach, but can’t find top dance partners, so the schedule’s soft and they need a bigger playoff; USC has leverage, and that Texas series for ND is far from locked.

Taj Gibson joins—this looked like men versus kids physically, and with a finals whistle you can bang; big edge New York, right?

That’s Knicks basketball—tough, connected, built for contact—and the Spurs just came off a war, so I expect a stronger Game Two from them.

Were you surprised by how well Cat guarded Wemby?

Not at all—Cat’s matured, locked in, and that group has a hungry edge this year.

Did you ever think Brunson would reach this level?

Yes—his dad mentored me, I watched that Villanova DNA up close, and he’s got New York believing because he wins and leads.

What makes New York different?

The fans are on you all day and the Garden’s fourth quarter is its own pressure cooker; the city is fully behind this team.

Defense has been excellent under Mike Brown; surprise you?

He’s proven and patient, took the hits, and the group bought in; it’s a great story.

The Knicks didn’t grow up together like the Spurs, yet they’re tight—how?

Leon Rose, Thibs, and that front office built a real family, and shared adversity pulled them even closer.

Any worry Wemby’s too perimeter-heavy at times?

He can do everything and he’s learning matchups; Robinson and Cat pose different puzzles, and his ceiling’s massive.

It’s rare how willingly New York lets Brunson take over late.

I’ve seen that with Westbrook and Rose; Brunson’s a true point who talks to everyone and gets guys to their spots.

Memphis sits at three; thoughts on Cam Boozer?

Big choice for Memphis, and Boozer’s humble and a winner—it’ll be a fun draft.

Could you see LeBron jumping to the Warriors for one last run?

The league always surprises; I like him in L.A., but it’s his call.

Why keep playing at forty-one?

Teams keep calling, I love the work, and I’m grateful for every chance.

Do young guys seek you out?

All the time—each one teach one, and it always comes back.

There’s just something about New York: the way the Garden’s lit, the faces you can see, the big-stage feel—like old Forum nights—makes the whole thing look larger than life.