Knicks face Spurs in Game 5 of NBA Finals amid coaching and trade talks

The New York Knicks lead the NBA Finals 3-1 against the San Antonio Spurs after Game 4's stunning 29-point comeback.

Knicks and Spurs battle in Finals The New York Knicks return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, facing the same opponent, the San Antonio Spurs. The series has featured four close games, all decided in the final two minutes, keeping fans on edge. Eastern Conference executives describe the series as unpredictable nightly, with one calling it 'Did you just see that?' moments every game. The Knicks have won three of the first four games, including a 107-106 victory in Game 4 on Wednesday night. ## Game 5 preview and Spurs' challenge The Spurs face a must-win Game 5 at home on Saturday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC) after blowing a Finals-record 29-point lead in Game 4. A Western Conference scout calls it 'a real test of the Spurs' resolve,' acknowledging their resilience but questioning if Game 4 was the final straw. Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper has averaged 16.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in the series, including 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting in 32 minutes in Game 4. Multiple observers suggest Harper should play a larger role down the stretch, with one executive proposing he start the game as San Antonio's seventh start of his career. ## Victor Wembanyama's recovery critical Victor Wembanyama played 44 minutes in Game 4 and appeared increasingly fatigued as the game progressed. The two days between games could allow him to recover fully, potentially propelling the Spurs back into the series. The Spurs' ability to manage his workload may determine their chances in Game 5 and beyond. Observers note his dominance despite the physical toll. ## Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga intensifies With less than two weeks until the NBA draft, the biggest non-Finals storyline involves Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam stated either Antetokounmpo will be moved by the draft or the franchise will build around him, signaling a new level of urgency this time. An Eastern Conference scout says 'everyone else's business is on hold until we see what happens with Giannis.' A trade remains challenging due to his high-value contract and limited draft assets for Milwaukee. ## Potential destinations for Giannis The Miami Heat are reportedly interested, offering a package including 2025 All-Star Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakucionis. If teams like Cleveland or Orlando enter bidding, their offers could surpass Miami's, especially with players like Evan Mobley or Paolo Banchero included. Antetokounmpo has not publicly declared a preference, and his willingness to influence trade talks remains unclear. Past refusals to engage in trade discussions suggest this may not change now. ## NBA coaching carousel updates Three teams—the Chicago Bulls, Portland Trail Blazers, and Dallas Mavericks—still need head coaches. The Bulls, with the No. 4 and No. 15 picks in the draft, are close to hiring someone like Minnesota assistant Micah Nori. Portland’s search is paused as new owner Tom Dundon focuses on the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup pursuit. Dallas, after parting ways with Jason Kidd, may elevate an assistant, following Masai Ujiri’s past hires with Toronto. ## Adam Silver to address flopping rules NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced the competition committee will review flopping rules during next month’s summer league in Las Vegas. Only four flopping technicals were called during the entire regular season and none in the playoffs so far. Silver noted players often sell fouls, and the league will examine over 1,000 plays to determine if the rule needs adjustment. Coaches and executives argue that exaggerated falls help prevent injuries, as seen with Joel Embiid’s past tactics.