The New York Knicks have booked their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.
Inside the locker room, players said the championship round was always the objective, even before team owner James Dolan publicly set that bar in January. “We all had that aspiration regardless,” forward Karl-Anthony Towns told reporters. “We understand that we’ve gotta take that next step.” Guard Josh Hart added, “That’s the goal that each and every one of us has. Obviously, it hits a little bit different when the big dog says it, but that’s the goal.”
Thunder brace for decisive Game 7
Oklahoma City will host the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night with a trip to face New York on the line. While guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has endured uneven stretches in the Western Conference finals, veteran backcourt teammate Alex Caruso has averaged 15.3 points and is shooting above 55 percent from three-point range. “There’s no doubt in my mind that the guys are ready to go to war for each other,” Caruso said.
Spurs expect early surge
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson anticipates an aggressive start from the defending champions. “For a team that’s done it multiple times and knows exactly what it takes, I would expect to get their best punch,” Johnson said. “We’re gonna go out with our eyes wide open and expect nothing less.”
The Game 7 winner advances to meet the Knicks in the NBA Finals.
Source: Hoops Wire
