NBA Finals Midseries Roundtable: Is KAT the MVP and What’s Wrong With the Spurs?

The 2026 NBA Finals have shifted dramatically in favor of the New York Knicks, who lead the San Antonio Spurs 2-0 after winning the first two games on the road. While the results look lopsided, the games themselves have been competitive in stretches, making the series feel more like a potential blowout in the standings than on the court. As the Finals move to New York City for Game 3, the key questions are whether the Knicks can keep controlling the matchup, whether Spurs star Victor Wembanyama can respond with more aggression, and whether San Antonio can make meaningful tactical adjustments.

Across a panel of The Athletic’s NBA writers, the consensus is clear: Karl-Anthony Towns has been the Finals MVP so far. Towns has attacked Wembanyama directly, stretched the floor with his perimeter shooting, passed effectively when doubled, and consistently created problems for the Spurs’ defense. His play has been a major reason New York has been able to generate offense even when Jalen Brunson has not been at his most efficient. Brunson has delivered in clutch moments, but Towns has been the most complete and dependable player in the series.

The Knicks’ supporting cast has also played a major role. Josh Hart has supplied rebounding, hustle and defensive energy in every key moment. Landry Shamet has been one of the most important bench contributors, bringing pace, confidence and instant offense. New York’s depth has helped maintain pressure even when Brunson sits, and the team’s ball movement has kept San Antonio from focusing entirely on one scoring threat.

On defense, the Knicks have made life difficult for the Spurs by clogging the paint and forcing them into uncomfortable possessions. They have repeatedly tested Wembanyama physically and mentally, throwing multiple bodies at him and forcing him to work for every touch. They have also disrupted San Antonio’s spacing and perimeter shooting, limiting the effectiveness of a team built around athleticism and interior dominance.

For the Spurs, the biggest concern is Wembanyama’s assertiveness. He has had strong stretches, especially in the second half of Game 2, but has also drifted too often to the perimeter or settled for difficult shots. The panel believes San Antonio needs more aggressive drives, more involvement from Dylan Harper, better shot creation, and possibly even a two-big lineup to stabilize the defense and free Wembanyama near the basket.

Before the series, most analysts picked the Knicks in six or seven games. After two games, several have shifted toward a quicker New York victory, including a possible five-game finish. The Spurs still have time to respond, especially with home-court games ahead, but the Knicks have looked more confident, more connected, and more prepared for the moment.

If New York completes a sweep or dominant title run, it could enter the conversation as one of the greatest playoff runs in NBA history.