Through four games, this series has been extremely exciting and unpredictable, everything the NBA could ask for. There has been controversial officiating, momentum swings, and four dramatic finishes, along with the emergence of the NBA’s brightest young star. The Knicks currently hold a 3-1 series lead over the Spurs, but if the Spurs can sneak out of San Antonio with a game 5 win, the NBA would likely get its most-viewed game of the season.
A Game 6 at Madison Square Garden with the Knicks having a chance to win their first Championship in 53 years. From the association’s standpoint, it’s an easy decision. Every additional Finals game means an increase in ticket sales, more advertising revenue, and more nationally televised games. Why wouldn’t the NBA be in favor of elongating a series between two of the league’s biggest storylines?
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The New Face of the NBA
The biggest storyline outside of MSG is Victor Wembanyama. For years, the NBA has searched for the next face of the league in players such as Ant, Shai, Luka, and Doncic. Now that LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are near the end of their careers, the NBA is in desperate need of a new face of the league. Wembanyama is the league’s best candidate, and this is his first Finals appearance. The more games he plays on basketball’s biggest stage, the better it is for the NBA.
So far, he’s been everything and more than what was expected. He can score at all three levels, is one of the best defenders in the league, and has the ability to completely alter games at only 22. Wembanyama has looked like the future face of the league, and the NBA is treating him as one.
53 Year Drought
The NBA is always better when the big cities are competitive. The Knicks have given the league one of the best postseason stories in years. Madison Square Garden has been electric throughout the playoffs, and a Game 6 in New York would be unlike anything we’ve seen this season.
More importantly, the series deserves it. Game 3 was overshadowed by officiating controversy. Game 4 featured another intense battle between two teams that clearly don’t like each other. All four games have come down to the wire, with both teams backed up against the ropes. The Finals haven’t felt one-sided despite the 3-1 series score.
The Knicks may ultimately win the championship, but for the NBA, the outcome is clear. Wembanyama gets at least 2 more games on the biggest stage, and the Knicks bring home the NBA championship in front of their home crowd.
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