Knicks Focus On Fresh Start As Josh Hart Downplays NBA Cup Win Over Spurs

The stage is set for a highly anticipated 2026 NBA Finals matchup between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, two franchises arriving at the championship round through very different paths. For New York, the series carries additional historical significance, as the Spurs were the last team the Knicks faced in the Finals back in 1999.

This year’s Knicks squad enters the Finals with renewed confidence after a strong postseason run that has put the franchise within reach of its first championship in more than five decades. The team has consistently found ways to overcome challenges, fueling optimism among fans eager to see a long title drought come to an end.

Standing in their way, however, is a Spurs team that has rapidly emerged as one of the NBA’s elite contenders. Led by a talented young core and supported by experienced contributors, San Antonio earned its place in the Finals after defeating the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a grueling seven-game Western Conference Finals.

Despite having beaten the Spurs in the championship game of the 2025 NBA Cup, the Knicks are not viewing that result as a meaningful indicator of what lies ahead. Veteran guard Josh Hart recently made that point in a humorous fashion, suggesting that the previous meeting offers little insight into the battle that will determine the league’s champion.

1. Hart Keeps The Focus On The Present

As preparations for the Finals began, Hart was asked whether the Knicks could take lessons from their NBA Cup victory over San Antonio earlier in the season. His response reflected both his personality and his understanding of the difference between regular-season success and championship basketball. Hart jokingly dismissed the relevance of the December contest, noting that the circumstances surrounding that game bear little resemblance to what both teams are about to experience in the Finals. His comments drew laughs while also delivering a serious message about maintaining the proper perspective. The veteran emphasized that the atmosphere, intensity, and pressure of the NBA Finals create an entirely different environment. Every possession carries greater weight, and both teams enter the series with months of additional development since their previous meeting. His remarks also highlighted an important principle often embraced by successful playoff teams: avoiding assumptions based on past results. Regardless of what happened earlier in the season, New York understands that the Finals represent a completely new challenge requiring a fresh approach.

2. Why The NBA Cup Result May Not Matter

Although the Knicks can take pride in winning the NBA Cup championship, the context surrounding that game differs significantly from the circumstances they will encounter in the Finals. The earlier matchup took place on a neutral court in Las Vegas rather than in either team’s home arena. Neutral-site games remove many of the factors that can influence a playoff series. Crowd energy, travel demands, and home-court advantages all become more significant when teams face each other over multiple games rather than in a one-night event. The Finals will also begin in San Antonio, giving the Spurs the opportunity to play in front of a passionate home crowd. Spurs supporters have long been known for creating a strong postseason atmosphere, and that environment could present an additional challenge for New York. Furthermore, both teams have evolved since their NBA Cup encounter. Rotations have changed, players have gained experience, and coaching staffs have made adjustments throughout the season. As a result, neither side is likely to rely heavily on what occurred months earlier.

3. Respect For A Dangerous Opponent

The Knicks’ cautious mindset also reflects the respect they have for their opponent. San Antonio’s journey to the Finals demonstrated that the team is capable of handling pressure and defeating elite competition on the biggest stage. Their seven-game victory over Oklahoma City showcased resilience, discipline, and maturity beyond their years. Winning a decisive Game 7 on the road against the defending champions served as further proof that the Spurs belong among the league’s top contenders. For New York, overlooking such an opponent would be a mistake. The Spurs have developed into one of the NBA’s deepest and most balanced teams, with contributors throughout the roster capable of impacting games in different ways. That reality is why Hart and his teammates appear committed to treating the series as an entirely new competition. Rather than relying on memories of a previous victory, the Knicks are focused on preparing for the challenges that accompany a championship matchup between two teams playing their best basketball of the season.