The 2026 NBA Conference Finals opened with two legendary Game 1 matchups, both requiring extra time, resulting in a historic first for this round. In the West, the San Antonio Spurs outlasted the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in a double-overtime thriller to steal home-court advantage. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks miraculously came back from down 22 in the 4th quarter to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime at Madison Square Garden.
Below is a recap of the emphatic game 1’s, and previews for the rest of the series
Western Conference Finals: Spurs 122, Thunder 115 (2OT), Spurs lead 1-0.
Western Conference Series Preview & X-Factors
The Perimeter Defense: Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper harassed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander all night, limiting his paint touches and forcing the rest of the Thunder to hit their outside shots. OKC struggled out of the gate, missing wide open looks. Gilgeous-Alexander was held to a 7-23 shooting night, which is a rare off night for me.
Fox’s Health: If De’Aaron Fox returns from his ankle injury, San Antonio gains a clutch scoring closer, which makes them even more lethal. If he remains sidelined, Harper and Castle must limit their turnovers, as they have been prone to them this year, like most young and inexperienced guards.
Thunder Response: Expect OKC’s perimeter shooting to improve to its normsl rate. Holmgren will need to continue physical play against Wembanyama, limiting him as much as he can, to keep OKC from losing a second straight home game.
Eastern Conference Finals: Knicks 115, Cavaliers 104 (OT), New York leads 1-0
For almost 40 minutes, the Cleveland Cavaliers completely dismantled the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Driven by Donovan Mitchell’s 29 points and a lights-out, efficient shooting display, Cleveland built a massive 93-71 cushion with just 7:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. ESPN Analytics calculated New York’s win probability at 0.1%. Then, Jalen Brunson decided to take over. The Knicks’ star point guard put on a masterclass, harping on his team in the huddle before unleashing himself in the 4th quarter. Brunson dropped 17 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter and overtime combined.
New York suffocated the Cavs on defense and completely shut their offense down. Cleveland shot just 22% the rest of the way, completely collapsing under the pressure. New York finished the game on an unbelievable 44-11 run to secure the largest playoff comeback in franchise history.
Eastern Conference Series Preview & X-Factors
The Mental Fallout: Blowing a 22 point lead in an unexplainable collapse looms large over the Cavs heads. How Mitchell and the Cavs respond to the MSG crowd in Game 2 will dictate the series. They can’t go down 2-0 in this series.
Knicks’ Shooting: New York shot horribly for most of this Game 1 before catching fire late. If role players like OG Anunoby find their rhythm early, the Knicks won’t have to play from behind like they did in Game 1.
Cavs’ Depth: Cleveland spent a lot of energy surviving consecutive seven-game series in the first two rounds against the Raptors and Pistons. Fatigue may have played a massive part in their fourth quarter collapse, and their coaching and rotations will be key.
With all of that said, we are looking forward to some of the most electric basketball we will see this season, and even in the history of the NBA. Both series’ will be grinded out, and will lead to an incredible finals matchup. The storylines, the stars, the drama, the 2026 NBA conference finals has it all.
