Knicks and Spurs. For the first time since 1999, the two historic ball clubs will meet in the NBA Finals; a series expected to be an instant classic. There's no clear favorite, and there's certainly no clear rooting interest for the Atlanta Hawks and their fans.
Unlike many years in the past, it's a complete toss-up in both the matchup outcome and who the good guys are. Instead of it being a win-win, for the Hawks, this upcoming series is more of a lose-lose. Bummer.
There's going to be some elite basketball being played, so they may just have to put their biases aside and watch the battle unfold.
Hawks are still recovering from Knicks ending their hopes of a deep run
Atlanta wasn't the team of destiny, regardless of what it looked like in the first week of the postseason. They stole two of the first three games in their first-round matchup with the Knicks, but lost each of the remaining three to the better roster.
Since being defeated twice in a row by the Hawks, the Knicks haven't lost. They emerged victorious in 11-straight games, clinching their well-deserved spot in the 2026 NBA Finals. It's almost like the Hawks series was a true wake-up call for a franchise that desperately needed one.
Atlanta feels like a problem of the past for them, but Hawks fans and players alike are going to be thinking about their elimination all offseason. They want justice. They want the Knicks to suffer an embarrassing defeat in the playoffs like they did. It would be undoubtedly sweet for it to come in the NBA Finals, where their fans can almost taste a championship parade.
On the flip side, it's tough for them to root for the Spurs, given their history. They may not have a choice, though, as they need to fully assess who greater evil is.
Hawks can't forget why they shouldn't be too fond of the Spurs
San Antonio has been one step ahead of them at every turn, frustratingly so. While Atlanta was able to recover smoothly, and quickly at that, the organization still hasn't forgotten about the disastrous Dejounte Murray trade.
Atlanta needs to give credit where credit's due. The Spurs fleeced them in that deal. It completely altered the Hawks' trajectory in the worst way, all while their trade partner gathered the necessary assets to build a dynasty.
Spurs fans haven't been quiet about it, either, but it's difficult to blame them. They're in an incredible spot, and they've now reached their championship window way earlier than expected.
Whether the Knicks or Spurs take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy, one thing's for sure: it's going to motivate the hell out of the Hawks to become a true contender. Let's just hope it doesn't result in them making a panic move.
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