After taking the first two games of the 2026 NBA Finals in San Antonio, the Knicks head home to Madison Square Garden for the next two games with a chance to secure a sweep, which would cap off one of the greatest winning steaks in NBA postseason history.
And while the Knicks, currently on a 13-game winning streak, aren’t allowing themselves to get caught up in all of the outside buzz and excitement leading into the game, they know it will be special to be back in front of their home fans and give them a taste of the NBA Finals at The Garden in Monday night's Game 3.
“I think it’s really cool -- 27 years since the last Finals here in this building,” said Jalen Brunson. “I know our fan base is really excited, as they should be. But as a team, us inside that locker room, we have more work to do.
“In my mind, there’s nothing really to celebrate yet. There’s still a lot of work to be done.”
“I expect our fans to come out and do what they do every game, just come and support us at the highest level,” said Karl-Anthony Towns. “It’s always great when you get to come out and play the game of basketball at its highest level, to be able to lace the shoes up, be able to put the jersey on, and be able to see our fans see Finals basketball after all of this time is going to be really, really special.”
Asked if he’s been able to look around the city and take in what the Knicks have accomplished, Brunson’s answer was very direct.
“Not until it’s over,” he said.
Forward Josh Hart, who has 21 rebounds and 10 assists through the first two games, said he knows the Garden is “going to be rocking” and that “the energy is going to be electric,” but he does wish being able to see the game in person was a bit more accessible for the fans, given the astronomical ticket prices just to get into the arena.
“I kind of wish the ticket prices weren’t as crazy as they are,” Hart said. “I feel like a lot of people have been waiting for this moment for a very long time and unfortunately aren’t able to get into the building, when the cheapest ticket is $7,000-8,000.
“That’s ridiculous, but it should still be rocking. Just wish those were a little cheaper.”
Heading into Game 3, several Knicks touched on the importance of executing in the fourth quarter, as San Antonio erased a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit in Game 2 before a costly Victor Wembanyana turnover helped the Knicks earn the win.
“I feel like we played a little slower,” said Hart. “Transitionally, it wasn’t as crisp as it was in the first three quarters. I think if we focus on that and rebounding, we’ll be good.”
As Brunson said, the Knicks have not yet achieved their ultimate goal of bringing the city their first NBA title since 1973.
But if they can win two more games, this Knicks team would go down in history, and for players like Brunson, being part of the team that brought a title back to New York would be an unforgettable achievement.
“I’m so thankful and so honored to put New York across my chest,” the point guard said. “I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything in the world”
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