There was a mystery surrounding the New York Knicks before their departure from Texas following the Game 2 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.
An X user noticed that the Knicks’ plane was stuck on the runway for an extended period of time before taking off for New York on Saturday.
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We now know what caused the hold-up: the Knicks’ plane blew a tire before making its way to the main runway, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on the Hoop Collective podcast.
“The Knicks charter was driving down the end of the runway and was about to turn on to the main runway to take off and they blew a tire,” Windhorst revealed. “Possible shenanigans?”
Windhorst went on to note that the tire issue caused a delay for the entire airport because the main runway was blocked.
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There was no further issue and the Knicks eventually took off and landed in New York on Saturday evening.
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Even still, that is quite the scary situation and thankfully the tire blew when it did and not while the plane was in the midst of taking off.
Knicks looking to close out NBA Finals at home
Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and forward Og Anunoby (8) react after game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The New York Knicks grabbed a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals over the San Antonio Spurs after taking both games on the Spurs’ home court.
Now, the Spurs will have to overcome NBA history in order to win the finals.
That’s because no team in NBA history has ever come back from an 0-2 deficit in the NBA Finals after dropping the first two games at home.
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The Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns lost the first two games at home in the NBA Finals in 1995 and 1993, respectively, and the Magic went on to get swept by the Houston Rockets while the Suns were defeated in six games by the Chicago Bulls.
Along with having to overcome that, the Spurs will be faced with what will be a raucous Madison Square Garden crowd for Games 3 and 4.
Ticket prices and canceled watch party
Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; The New York Knicks fans celebrate after the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Sadly for the average Knicks fan, seeing the game in-person just isn’t feasible.
That’s because, according to TickPick, the get-in price for Game 3 of the NBA Finals is $4,598 on the secondary market, which is actually a lot lower than it was a few days ago.
However, Game 4’s get-in price still sits at $9,208, and Game 6 is a whopping $10,878.
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Knicks fans won’t even be able to attend a watch party outside MSG.
That has been canceled due to increased security measures in anticipation of President Donald Trump’s attendance for Game 3.
There will still be three different watch parties across New York City, though, with locations such as Bryant Park, Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl set to host Knicks fans for the game.