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Charles Barkley impressed by Knicks fans after Game 2 of NBA Finals

If the NBA world didn’t know just how dedicated New York Knicks fans were before the first two games against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, it knows now.

That’s because Knicks fans just about took over the Spurs’ home court in both games.

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We certainly wouldn’t compare it to Madison Square Garden, but Knicks fans were loud enough that it was very noticeable and almost felt like a home atmosphere for New York.

Once the Knicks wrapped up Game 2 and secured a 2-0 series lead over the Spurs, several fans stuck around, which gave us an even better idea of how many attended the game.

MORE: Spurs must make NBA history to overcome 0-2 deficit vs. Knicks

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And the dedication fans showed left Charles Barkley impressed.

“That’s incredible, man,” Barkley said while looking over all the Knicks fans at the arena. “We’re not in New York, Ernie. That’s incredible.”

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“The tickets are less expensive here,” co-host Kenny Smith said. “It’s easier to travel, get a hotel room.”

How much are ticket prices for Game 3?

2. New York Knicks — 19.3%

New York Knicks fans react in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Speaking of ticket prices, at last check the get-in price for Game 3 was a jaw-dropping $7,390, according to TickPick.

That price is 1,148% higher than the get-in price for Game 2, and 143% more than it cost to attend all seven games of the 2025 NBA Finals.

Another absurd stat is this: a fan can spend $4,558 to attend every New York Giants and Jets game this coming season and every remaining Yankees and Mets game.

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That’s a total of 120 games for thousands less than the get-in price for Game 3.

Let all that sink in.

How many Knicks fans attended Game 3?

Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) falls into the fans in the first quarter during game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

We can’t say for sure how many, but we do have a stat from TickPick that at least gives us a ballpark figure.

TickPick revealed that 33% of ticket purchases for Game 2 of the NBA Finals came from New York and New Jersey, and 26% came from Texas while 11% were from California.

MORE: NBA enlisted Michael Jordan to help end Charles Oakley’s ban

Game 3 is seeing a significant difference, with 66% of purchases coming from New York and New Jersey and only 1.6% coming from Texas.

As we suspected, Spurs fans will not be invading MSG on Monday night.

Spurs must overcome NBA history

Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the ball against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) in the second half during game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Five teams have recovered from an 0-2 deficit in the NBA Finals to win, but no team has ever done that after losing the first two games at home.

The Orlando Magic lost the first two games at home in 1995 to the Houston Rockets and were swept, and the Phoenix Suns dropped their two home games in the 1993 NBA Finals before ultimately losing in six to the Chicago Bulls.

Safe to say, the San Antonio Spurs are in big trouble, and that’s especially true when you consider they have to go into an electric Madison Square Garden on Monday night.

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