After a month of action in the NBA playoffs, we are down to two teams in the Finals: the New York Knicks of the Eastern Conference going up against the San Antonio Spurs of the Western Conference.
Before they tip off from Texas on Wednesday night, here are the three biggest storylines heading into one of the most anticipated NBA Finals of the 21st century.
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The Rise of Wemby
Ever since Victor Wembanyama was drafted into the NBA three years ago by the San Antonio Spurs with the No. 1 pick, it wasn’t a question of whether he’d become the best player in basketball, but if his body could withstand the NBA wear and tear to rise to the level everyone knew he could with his 7-foot-4 frame.
Wembanyama has been better than advertised, and although a blood clot in his shoulder took him out of play last season, he’s only taken more physical steps in his third season, leading to one of the most dominant center performances in recent playoff history.
If the Spurs can win the title this season, there is no question that the French big man is the best player on the planet today and would expedite the discussion of where he already fits into the grand scheme of basketball’s all-time greats.
Will the NBA Finals be the story of how Wembanyama needed to feel heartbreak on the biggest stage possible to grow into a champion, or will he simply speedrun the NBA and conquer it as a 22-year-old?
Reverse the Curse
While Wembanyama and the Spurs are thinking about rebuilding a dynasty out in San Antonio, all the Knicks fans care about is one.
One championship.
One Larry O’Brien Trophy.
If New York can win four more games and achieve their first league title in 52 years, they won’t care about all-time lists, legacies, or anything but burning down Manhattan in euphoria over finally lifting the most prestigious trophy in basketball.
Whereas the Spurs have a decade-plus contention window as long as Wembanyama stays healthy, this could be New York’s one shot at the title.
Can they do it?
Escape From New York
Outside the actual game on the court, one of the biggest storylines is how New York City will hold up over the next two weeks.
We’ve already seen riots in the streets following simple series victories. Back in the day, Los Angeles Lakers fans would light things on fire and maybe ride public transit if they won a title.
But what is going to happen, win or lose, in New York City?
Vancouver turned upside down 15 years ago when the Vancouver Canucks fell to the Boston Bruins in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. If the Knicks get to a Game 7 or somehow win the title at home, what is the scene going to look like at Madison Square Garden?
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