Spurs, Knicks to battle for title

In a rematch of the 1999 NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks will face off to take home the Larry O'Brien trophy.

It's been awhile since the New York Knicks were in the NBA Finals (1999) and even longer since they've won it (1973). They're ready to bring a title back to New York, but there's one very tall Frenchman standing in their way (literally). After conquering the mighty OKC Thunder in seven games, the San Antonio Spurs head back to the NBA Finals with star Victor Wembanyama leading the way. San Antonio makes its first appearance since 2014 when they beat the then LeBron James-led Miami Heat.

The Knicks are rested and ready.

They've had more time off after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers (who have a lot of work to do themselves, the east isn't going to get any easier). Josh Hart and OG Anunoby are going to have their hands full defensively between De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.

Jalen Brunson has been on a tear this postseason, scoring at will and daring defenders to try and stop him. He deserved ECF MVP and has been the motor to the Knicks offense since he arrived there from Dallas. He'll be facing a much tougher challenge with the Spurs guards, as De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle are much tougher defenders than Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. Much like the Spurs star big man, the Knicks will go as far as their own star will take them. It's a guard matchup that will be extremely entertaining to follow as the series unfolds, and it will help determine who hoists the trophy.

The New York Knicks court at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.

The Mitchell Robinson question.

He broke a finger doing non-basketball related activities. He is good to go for game one of the NBA Finals down in San Antonio, but is he going to be impacted by this injury? Robinson's assignment is the most vital one in this matchup, he'll be tasked with defending Victor Wembanyama and trying to disrupt his rhythm, a task that OKC Thunder center Chet Holmgren couldn't accomplish.

Obviously the key is Wemby, we've seen how San Antonio struggles on nights when the former number 1 overall pick can't put it all together and make an impact on the floor. Wemby's numbers look good at first glance, he averages 26 ppg, 14 rebounds and 4 assists per game against Robinson in the three meetings they've had since Wemby was drafted (StatsMuse).

If you dig into those numbers however, you 'll find Wembanyama has struggled against Robinson as recently as their last meeting in March of this season. Sure, he had 25 points, but he was 8-of-17 from the field while shooting 47% from the field. He's not efficient and that's a problem for San Antonio. He was a -13 for the Spurs in their meeting back in March (Statsmuse).

Is Wembanyama ready?

It's fair to say Wemby grew up quite a bit in the Western Conference Finals against the Thunder. He was a net positive every single game, even when he was struggling. He has stepped into leadership and helped elevate his squad over a juggernaut OKC squad.

Wembanyama has fully embraced rivalries and aggressiveness and it's been refreshing to see in a league that just seems so buddy-buddy all the time. Fans love rivalries, and you want your star to feel as passionately about the game as you do. He brings that to the table and makes the whole experience more exciting.

He will need to be better against Robinson, who is a much more physical center than Holmgren. If he can find consistency and stay composed, the Spurs have a great opportunity to capture their sixth title.

This is a matchup full of intrigue and firsts for both squads, as neither core nucleus has reached and NBA Finals together before.

Tip-off for game one of the NBA Finals is Wednesday, June 3rd at 8:30pm ET.