By Ben Golliver, 2026-06-03 19:00:00
伴随着横空出世的惊艳表现、抢七大战的惊心动魄以及屡见不鲜的下克上奇迹，今年的NBA季后赛终于迎来了其终章：由圣安东尼奥马刺与纽约尼克斯携手奉上的总决赛巅峰对决。
圣安东尼奥马刺在常规赛豪取62胜，并在西部决赛中斩落俄克拉荷马雷霆，正全力冲击自2014年以来的首个总冠军。自1973年以来便无缘总冠军的纽约尼克斯，在常规赛拿下53胜并夺得NBA杯后，在东部季后赛中以12胜2负的势如破竹之势轻松晋级。
在东西部冠军即将展开强强对话之际，让我们对两队有资格在总决赛登场的全部30名球员进行实力排名。
注：此排名基于2025-26赛季常规赛及季后赛的表现、出勤情况以及已知的伤病因素。
1. 维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama)，马刺 | 中锋
**季后赛数据：**场均23.2分、10.8个篮板、2.7次助攻、2.5次盖帽，投篮命中率51.0%，三分命中率37.0%
文班亚马的首次季后赛之旅堪称传奇：这位2023年的选秀状元在效率值（PER）、胜利贡献值（WS）、篮板和盖帽榜上均领跑全联盟。在季后赛出场至少10场的球员中，历史上仅有卡里姆·阿卜杜尔-贾巴尔 (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)、蒂姆·邓肯 (Tim Duncan)、哈基姆·奥拉朱旺 (Hakeem Olajuwon)和大卫·罗宾逊 (David Robinson)能打出与他相媲美的季后赛数据——场均23.2分、10.8个篮板和3.5次盖帽。
但文班亚马展现出的坚韧意志与他的赛场统治力同样令人印象深刻。年轻球星通常需要时间来适应季后赛的对抗强度，但这位22岁的超新星在首轮遭遇头部受伤、次轮因二级恶意犯规肘击被驱逐，以及在西决对阵雷霆一度2-3落后的重重逆境下，依然率队挺进了总决赛。值得一提的是，在对阵俄克拉荷马雷霆的系列赛中，当文班亚马在场时，马刺净胜62分；而当他下场时，马刺净负36分。
在接下来的三周里，文班亚马有机会实现一切可能：他可以带领马刺夺得后邓肯时代的第一个总冠军，成为历史上第二年轻的总决赛MVP（Finals MVP），并奠定自己作为世界篮坛第一人的地位。
2. 杰伦·布伦森 (Jalen Brunson)，尼克斯 | 控球后卫
**季后赛数据：**场均26.9分、2.8个篮板、6.6次助攻、0.9次抢断，投篮命中率48.6%，三分命中率35.2%
布伦森对尼克斯的蜕变式影响远非数据所能完全体现，但“布伦森加盟前”与“布伦森加盟后”的对比数据已经达到了令人瞠目结舌的地步。在2001年至2022年期间，尼克斯仅赢过一轮季后赛系列赛；而在布伦森效力的四年里，尼克斯已经赢下了七轮系列赛。自2022年以来，这位控球后卫在季后赛中斩获了35场胜利，在至少入选过一次全明星的球员中高居第二。他刚刚带领尼克斯打出了自NBA于2003年确立现行季后赛赛制以来，东部球队晋级总决赛最具统治力的一波攻势。
曾经，身材上的劣势让布伦森在2018年选秀大会上跌至第二轮，并在他离开达拉斯独行侠时，引发了外界关于他是否有能力成为建队基石的疑问。如今，这位身高6英尺2英寸（约1米88）的球场指挥官有机会加入斯蒂芬·库里 (Stephen Curry)（6英尺2英寸）、托尼·帕克 (Tony Parker)（6英尺2英寸）和伊赛亚·托马斯 (Isiah Thomas)（6英尺1英寸）的行列，成为联盟历史上身材最矮的总决赛MVP得主之一。
3. 卡尔-安东尼·唐斯 (Karl-Anthony Towns)，尼克斯 | 中锋
**季后赛数据：**场均16.9分、10.6个篮板、5.9次助攻、1.4次盖帽，投篮命中率57.2%，三分命中率48.9%
这正是尼克斯在2024-25赛季前夕交易得到唐斯时的美好愿景：这位2015年的选秀状元用他的空间拉开能力和传导球技术，为纽约的进攻注入了强劲动力。随着唐斯承担了比以往更多的策应任务，尼克斯在季后赛中打出了冠绝联盟的123.3进攻效率，比他们的常规赛水准提升了4.6分。
在2026年季后赛出场至少10次的球员中，唐斯的效率值和胜利贡献值均仅次于文班亚马，且他在防守端的局限性尚未对尼克斯造成实质性的伤害。但在总决赛中，如果他容易陷入无谓犯规麻烦的毛病再次发作，情况可能会有所不同，从而让纽约付出代价。
4. 斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle)，马刺 | 控球后卫
**季后赛数据：**场均19.2分、4.9个篮板、6.7次助攻、1.0次抢断，投篮命中率48.1%，三分命中率36.3%
卡斯尔将两种极具价值的球员类型完美融合于一身：他既是一个能通过持球突破撕裂对手防线的无情突破手，又是一个乐于挑战最艰巨防守任务的外线单防大闸。在队友达龙·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox)和迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper)饱受伤病困扰之际，这位二年级后卫挺身而出，提供了关键的火力支持。在西部决赛中，他成功将两届MVP得主谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander)的发挥限制在远低于其常规赛平均水平的程度。
不过美中不足的是，卡斯尔在整个季后赛期间都受到失误问题的困扰，尤其是在面对雷霆的合围夹击战术时。但平心而论，他通过在今年季后赛中领跑全联盟的总助攻数，弥补了自己在失误上的瑕疵。
5. OG·阿奴诺比 (OG Anunoby)，尼克斯 | 大前锋
**季后赛数据：**场均19.7分、6.9个篮板、1.9次助攻、1.6次抢断，投篮命中率57.7%，三分命中率48.3%
尽管在次轮因轻微的腿筋伤势缺席了两场比赛，阿奴诺比依然在季后赛中为尼克斯展现出了更上一层楼的竞技状态。与常规赛相比，这位28岁前锋的得分、篮板和投篮效率都有了全面提升，而他在防守端的多功能性更是球队的宝贵财富。
虽然纽约近几周出色的进攻吸引了大部分目光，但阿奴诺比同样帮助尼克斯在季后赛中打出了联盟第一的防守表现。尼克斯主帅迈克·布朗 (Mike Brown)会派他去担任“文班终结者”吗？
6. 达龙·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox)，马刺 | 控球后卫
**季后赛数据：**场均16.4分、4.0个篮板、5.9次助攻、1.3次抢断，投篮命中率43.5%，三分命中率31.1%
福克斯在西部决赛中因脚踝伤势缺席了两场比赛且发挥受限，但在关键的抢七大战中，他依然在决胜时刻贡献了15分、5次助攻和一次聪明的犯规，成功帮助圣安东尼奥淘汰了俄克拉荷马雷霆。假设这位两届全明星能在系列赛开打前养好伤，那么在对阵纽约时，他应该会获得更多的施展空间。
在2025年被交易至马刺之前，福克斯在萨克拉门托国王效力的七个多赛季中仅打过一次季后赛。而现在，他有望加入杰森·塔图姆 (Jayson Tatum)的行列，成为2017届乐透秀中唯二夺得总冠军的球员。
7. 米卡尔·布里奇斯 (Mikal Bridges)，尼克斯 | 小前锋
**季后赛数据：**场均14.6分、3.1个篮板、2.5次助攻、1.1次抢断，投篮命中率58.6%，三分命中率34.1%
布里奇斯的复苏是今年季后赛最精彩的故事之一：在首轮对阵亚特兰大老鹰的大部分时间里，他显得有些无所适从，但随后这位全能前锋找回了状态，在对阵费城76人和克利夫兰骑士时，在攻防两端都展现出了积极的影响力。
鉴于这轮对阵马刺的总决赛注定充满身体对抗，布里奇斯极低的罚球率可能会受到对手的针对：在常规赛出场的2692分钟里，他仅尝试了98次罚球，在出场时间至少1500分钟的球员中排名倒数第八。
8. 德文·瓦塞尔 (Devin Vassell)，马刺 | 得分后卫
**季后赛数据：**场均13.0分、4.9个篮板、2.7次助攻、1.4次抢断，投篮命中率41.1%，三分命中率35.6%
瓦塞尔在圣安东尼奥迎来文班亚马之前的重建期中所展现出的耐心，如今得到了丰厚的回报。在他的首次季后赛之旅中，他已被证明是一个合格的副攻手，在场上几乎无所不能。虽然他的首要职责是防止对手对马刺的当家球星进行过度协防，但他在拼抢篮板以及防守多个位置时同样不遗余力。
9. 迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper)，马刺 | 控球后卫
**季后赛数据：**场均13.1分、5.3个篮板、2.6次助攻、1.1次抢断，投篮命中率52.5%，三分命中率36.4%
这位2025年的选秀榜眼在他的首次季后赛之旅中，时常展现出未来常年入选全明星的潜质。哈珀已经是NBA篮下终结能力最强的球员之一，而他的运球、沉稳以及流畅的投篮手感，使他成为圣安东尼奥第二阵容中极具威胁的得分点。如果不是轻微的腿筋伤势影响了他在西部决赛中后段的稳定性，哈珀在这个榜单上的排名还会再上升一两个位次。
10. 朱利安·尚帕尼 (Julian Champagnie)，马刺 | 小前锋
**季后赛数据：**场均11.3分、5.8个篮板、1.5次助攻、1.3次抢断，投篮命中率45.4%，三分命中率39.3%
从纸面实力来看，这位落选且名不见经传的尚帕尼似乎是马刺首发阵容中最容易被遗忘的人。但实际上，他是可靠性的典范，在过去两个赛季中保持全勤，并在过去六周里投进了无数个打击对手士气的致命三分球。在马刺淘汰波特兰开拓者、明尼苏达森林狼和雷霆的晋级之战中，尚帕尼场均贡献19.0分，三分球共计26投15中（命中率高达57.7%）。
11. 约什·哈特 (Josh Hart)，尼克斯 | 得分后卫
**季后赛数据：**场均11.4分、8.6个篮板、4.6次助攻、1.8次抢断，投篮命中率44.3%，三分命中率30.3%
哈特的坚韧、拼劲、无私和幽默感，完美解释了为什么“尼克斯热潮”会席卷整个大苹果城。然而，现在最关键的问题是，他那不稳定的外线投射是否会给纽约运转良好的进攻机器带来阻碍。尼克斯的首发五人组是今年季后赛中出场时间最长的组合，但如果哈特无法让放空他的马刺付出代价，他可能会成为球队潜在的短板。
12. 米切尔·罗宾逊 (Mitchell Robinson)，尼克斯 | 中锋
**季后赛数据：**场均5.3分、5.5个篮板、0.3次助攻、0.6次盖帽，投篮命中率73.7%，罚球命中率30.2%
这位热爱皮卡车的7英尺（约2米13）长人最近接受了手术以治疗右手骨折的小拇指，但他计划在总决赛中全力以赴。罗宾逊顶级的篮板球能力和干脏活累活的意愿使他成为球队宝贵的贡献者，但他那惨不忍睹的30.2%罚球命中率，在季后赛中频繁招致对手教练的“砍人战术”。
13. 凯尔登·约翰逊 (Keldon Johnson)，马刺 | 小前锋
**季后赛数据：**场均8.7分、3.4个篮板、0.9次助攻、0.7次抢断，投篮命中率41.7%，三分命中率36.0%
作为马刺阵中效力时间最长的球员，约翰逊自常规赛荣膺年度最佳第六人以来，其赛场产出和得分效率都有所下滑。尽管遭遇挣扎，但约翰逊的经验、领导力、强硬的身体对抗以及及时的三分球，依然帮助马刺艰难战胜了雷霆。
14. 兰德里·沙梅特 (Landry Shamet)，尼克斯 | 得分后卫
**季后赛数据：**场均5.7分、0.8个篮板、0.6次助攻，投篮命中率55.3%，三分命中率60.0%
沙梅特充分利用了有限的季后赛出场时间，在季后赛中投出了高达60%的惊人三分命中率，并提供了关键的替补火力，帮助纽约锁定了过去两轮系列赛的胜利。这位29岁的后卫应该做好准备，在对阵马刺时他将面临严峻得多的出手难度。
15. 迈尔斯·麦克布莱德 (Miles McBride)，尼克斯 | 得分后卫
**季后赛数据：**场均6.9分、1.4个篮板、1.1次助攻，投篮命中率37.3%，三分命中率42.9%
尼克斯非常希望麦克布莱德能在总决赛中找回外线手感，就像他在次轮横扫76人时单场飙中7记三分球那样。退一步讲，球队也希望他能保持更好的稳定性：这位状态起伏不定的后卫在纽约至今进行的14场季后赛中，有5场得分未能达到5分。
16. 卢克·科内特 (Luke Kornet)，马刺 | 中锋
**季后赛数据：**场均4.5分、4.4个篮板、0.8次助攻、0.9次盖帽，投篮命中率58.9%
作为文班亚马的替补，人们对这个位置的期望值通常不会太高。因此，当看到科内特在西决抢七大战中通过一次退防大帽封盖了以赛亚·哈尔滕施泰因 (Isaiah Hartenstein)，完成今年季后赛最精彩的一次防守时，着实令人热血沸腾。文班亚马在季后赛中增加的出场时间压缩了科内特的上场机会，但这位曾于2024年随波士顿凯尔特人夺冠的九年资深老兵，或许能帮助球队抵御纽约引以为傲的前场篮板拼抢。
17. 卡特·布莱恩特 (Carter Bryant)，马刺 | 大前锋
**季后赛数据：**场均2.9分、2.1个篮板、0.9次助攻，投篮命中率48.7%，三分命中率38.5%
凭借出色的身形和防守潜力，这位20岁的新秀看起来是圣安东尼奥另一个值得长期培养的人才。不过，马刺主帅米奇·约翰逊 (Mitch Johnson)在关键比赛中已经逐渐减少了布莱恩特的出场时间，在奥布莱恩杯近在眼前的总决赛中，这一趋势可能会延续下去。
18. 何塞·阿尔瓦拉多 (Jose Alvarado)，尼克斯 | 控球后卫
**季后赛数据：**场均4.2分、0.9个篮板、1.1次助攻、0.7次抢断，投篮命中率48.8%，三分命中率40.9%
在尼克斯通过季中交易从新奥尔良鹈鹕得到这位作风顽强的布鲁克林本土球员后，他受到了家乡球迷的热烈欢迎。阿尔瓦拉多在场上的活力在对位马刺极具侵略性的后场时，可能会发挥奇效。
19. 乔丹·克拉克森 (Jordan Clarkson)，尼克斯 | 得分后卫
**季后赛数据：**场均5.4分、1.8个篮板、0.7次助攻，投篮命中率47.5%，三分命中率15.4%
尽管这位2021年的最佳第六人在33岁的年纪依然具备得分能力，但在纽约的季后赛征程中，他的三分命中率跌至惨淡的15.4%，且糟糕的防守数据可能会让他在总决赛的舞台上很难获得信任。
20. 哈里森·巴恩斯 (Harrison Barnes)，马刺 | 大前锋
**季后赛数据：**场均2.6分、1.3个篮板，投篮命中率35.1%，三分命中率25.0%
历史是否正在重演？十一年前，巴恩斯作为首发，帮助一支虽然年轻且缺乏经验但充满活力的金州勇士夺得了2015年的总冠军。如今，34岁的巴恩斯成为了这支超前完成重建的马刺阵中的智者老将，球队目前主要在垃圾时间派他登场。
21. 泰勒·科勒克 (Tyler Kolek)，尼克斯 | 控球后卫
**季后赛数据：**出战8场，场均3.5分
这位长着一张娃娃脸的左手控卫在NBA杯决赛中替补登场砍下14分，赢得了队内明星队友们的赞誉。但自那之后，这位2024年的次轮秀的出场时间便受到了压缩，球队更倾向于使用经验更丰富的球员。
22. 阿里尔·胡克波尔蒂 (Ariel Hukporti)，尼克斯 | 中锋
**季后赛数据：**出战8场，场均2.1分
作为2024年的次轮秀，胡克波尔蒂在尼克斯痛击76人的几场比赛中，多次扮演了“胜利雪茄”（垃圾时间登场）的角色。这位德国中锋是一名高产的篮板手，当唐斯和罗宾逊陷入犯规麻烦时，他会被派上场应急。
23. 凯利·奥利尼克 (Kelly Olynyk)，马刺 | 中锋
**季后赛数据：**出战9场，场均2.8分
早在2017年，奥利尼克曾是凯尔特人的季后赛英雄，他在东部半决赛抢七大战击败华盛顿奇才的比赛中砍下了26分。但那已经是很久以前的事了，这位步入职业生涯暮年的中锋在马刺挺进总决赛的9场比赛中，总共仅得到25分。
2026年NBA总决赛 ESPN
24. 穆罕默德·迪亚瓦拉 (Mohamed Diawara)，尼克斯 | 小前锋
**季后赛数据：**出战6场，场均1.2分
这位充满活力的法国前锋在他的新秀赛季曾获得过7次首发机会，通常是在哈特受伤时作为替补登场。在季后赛中，迪亚瓦拉大多时候被要求在场边观摩和学习。
25. 乔丹·麦克劳林 (Jordan McLaughlin)，马刺 | 控球后卫
**季后赛数据：**出战10场，场均1.9分
麦克劳林是一名身材矮小、传球优先的控球后卫，在紧急情况下可以作为值得信赖的控球手。尽管马刺的后场轮换存在伤病隐患，但主帅米奇·约翰逊目前还没有真正需要启用他。
26. 杰里米·索汉 (Jeremy Sochan)，尼克斯 | 大前锋
**季后赛数据：**出战5场，场均4.0分
作为2022年的首轮9号秀，索汉在马刺度过了三个多令人失望的赛季后被球队放弃，而自2月份得到他以来，尼克斯也几乎没有使用过他。他职业生涯早期的挣扎不禁让人产生疑问：如果马刺当年选择的是杰伦·威廉姆斯 (Jalen Williams)（11号秀）或杰伦·杜伦 (Jalen Duren)（12号秀），情况会怎样？
27. 林迪·沃特斯三世 (Lindy Waters III)，马刺 | 得分后卫
**季后赛数据：**出战9场，场均1.7分
走南闯北的沃特斯在去年夏天以一份老将底薪合同加盟马刺，他显然很清楚，在一条充斥着乐透秀天才的后卫轮换线中，出场时间将极难争取。
28. 帕科姆·达迪耶 (Pacome Dadiet)，尼克斯 | 得分后卫
**季后赛数据：**出战7场，场均2.9分
达迪耶是一名拥有极佳身形尺寸的20岁法国侧翼，在他的第二个赛季中，他依然未能进入球队的常规轮换。不过，这位纽约阵中最年轻的球员确实在常规赛收官战中砍下了职业生涯新高的12分。
29. 梅森·普拉姆利 (Mason Plumlee)，马刺 | 中锋
**季后赛数据：**出战6场，场均0.7分
这位36岁的流浪老将在2026年季后赛中的最大贡献，是在垃圾时间对雷霆后卫贾里德·麦凯恩 (Jared McCain)送出了一次恶意犯规，这倒也挺符合他的球风。
30. 俾斯麦·比永博 (Bismack Biyombo)，马刺 | 中锋
**季后赛数据：**出战9场，场均0.7分
极少获得登场机会的比永博在圣安东尼奥的主要任务，就是让外界纳闷：为什么马刺要在15人的大名单中，将多达4个名额分配给30多岁的替补中锋。
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
点击查看原文：Ranking every player in the 2026 NBA Finals: Knicks vs. Spurs
Ranking every player in the 2026 NBA Finals: Knicks vs. Spurs
An NBA postseason highlighted by breakout performances, Game 7 thrillers and more than a few upsets has reached its last chapter: The Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks.
San Antonio is seeking its first championship since 2014 after winning 62 games during the regular season and dethroning the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals. New York, ringless since 1973, won 53 games and the NBA Cup before breezing through the Eastern Conference playoffs with a 12-2 run.
As the conference champions prepare to collide, let’s rank all 30 players eligible to play in the NBA Finals.
Note: These rankings reflect performance and availability during the 2025-26 regular season and postseason, plus known medical issues.
1. Victor Wembanyama, Spurs | C
Playoff stats: 23.2 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.5 BPG, 51.0% FG, 37.0% 3-pt
Wembanyama’s first postseason run has been legendary: The 2023 No. 1 overall pick leads all players in Player Efficiency Rating, Win Shares, rebounds and blocks. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson are the only players to match his postseason stats – 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks – in runs of 10 or more games.
But Wembanyama’s resolve has been as impressive as his production. Young stars usually need time to acclimate to playoff intensity, but the 22-year-old has reached the Finals despite suffering a head injury in the first round, getting ejected for a flagrant elbow in the second round and falling behind 3-2 against the Thunder in the Western Conference finals. Remarkably, the Spurs were plus-62 with Wembanyama on the court and minus-36 when he was off it against Oklahoma City.
Everything is on the table for Wembanyama over the next three weeks: He could lead the Spurs to their first championship of the post-Duncan era, become the second-youngest Finals MVP in history and solidify his standing as the best basketball player in the world.
2. Jalen Brunson, Knicks | PG
Playoff stats: 26.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 6.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 48.6% FG, 35.2% 3-pt
Brunson’s transformative impact on the Knicks goes well beyond the numbers, but the “Before Brunson” and “After Brunson” splits have reached eye-popping status. After winning just one playoff series between 2001 and 2022, the Knicks have won seven series in Brunson’s four-year run. The point guard’s 35 playoff wins since 2022 rank second among players with at least one All-Star selection, and he just led the Knicks on the most dominant run to the Finals by an Eastern Conference team since the NBA instituted its current playoff format in 2003.
A perceived lack of size caused Brunson to slip into the second round of the 2018 draft and fueled some doubts about his ability to emerge as a franchise player when he left the Dallas Mavericks. Now the 6-foot-2 floor general now has the chance to join Stephen Curry (6-foot-2), Tony Parker (6-foot-2) and Isiah Thomas (6-foot-1) among the shortest Finals MVP winners in league history.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks | C
Playoff stats: 16.9 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.4 BPG, 57.2% FG, 48.9% 3-pt
This was the dream when the Knicks traded for Towns right before the 2024-25 season: The 2015 No. 1 pick has supercharged New York’s offense with his floor spacing and distribution skills. With Towns facilitating more than ever, the Knicks’ league-best 123.3 offensive rating in the playoffs has jumped 4.6 points above their regular-season standard.
Towns ranks second to Wembanyama in Player Efficiency and Win Shares among players with at least 10 games logged during the 2026 playoffs, and his defensive limitations have yet to cost the Knicks in a meaningful way. That could change in the Finals if his propensity for committing cheap fouls comes back to bite New York.
4. Stephon Castle, Spurs | PG
Playoff stats: 19.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 48.1% FG, 36.3% 3-pt
Castle is two valuable archetypes rolled into one player: a relentless off-the-dribble attacker capable of collapsing opposing defenses, and a fierce on-ball perimeter stopper who savors the toughest assignments. The second-year guard has stepped up to provide additional scoring with teammates De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper battling injuries, and he helped hold two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander well below his regular-season averages during the West finals.
There is one catch: Castle has battled turnover issues throughout the playoffs, particularly against Oklahoma City’s swarming schemes. In his defense, he has offset his giveaways by leading the NBA in total assists this postseason.
5. OG Anunoby, Knicks | PF
Playoff stats: 19.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 57.7% FG, 48.3% 3-pt
Anunoby has emerged as a playoff riser for the Knicks despite a minor hamstring injury that cost him two games in the second round. The 28-year-old forward has upped his scoring, rebounding, and shooting efficiency compared to his regular-season levels, and his defensive versatility has been a major asset.
While New York’s exceptional offense has garnered most of the attention in recent weeks, Anunoby has helped the Knicks post the NBA’s top-ranked defense in the playoffs. Will Knicks coach Mike Brown cast him as the “Wemby-Stopper?”
6. De’Aaron Fox, Spurs | PG
Playoff stats: 16.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 43.5% FG, 31.1% 3-pt
Fox missed two games and was limited by an ankle injury in the Western Conference finals, but he chipped in 15 points, five assists and one heady foul in crunch time to help lift San Antonio past Oklahoma City in Game 7. The two-time All-Star should enjoy more freedom to operate against New York, assuming he’s able to heal up before the series tips.
After making just one playoff appearance in seven-plus seasons with the Sacramento Kings before his 2025 trade to the Spurs, Fox is now in position to join Jayson Tatum as the only 2017 lottery picks to win a championship.
7. Mikal Bridges, Knicks | SF
Playoff stats: 14.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 58.6% FG, 34.1% 3-pt
Bridges’ renaissance has been one of the best stories of the playoffs: After looking helpless throughout much of the first round against the Atlanta Hawks, the well-rounded forward returned to form and made a positive impact on both ends against the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
With this shaping up to be a physical Finals matchup against the Spurs, Bridges’ poor free throw rate could draw scrutiny: He attempted only 98 free throws in 2,692 minutes during the regular season, ranking eighth worst among players who logged at least 1,500 minutes.
8. Devin Vassell, Spurs | SG
Playoff stats: 13.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 41.1% FG, 35.6% 3-pt
Vassell’s patience through San Antonio’s pre-Wembanyama rebuilding years has paid off handsomely, and he has proved to be a quality complementary scorer who does a little bit of everything in his first playoff run. While his chief responsibility is to keep opponents from overloading on San Antonio’s stars, he scraps and claws as a rebounder and multi-positional defender.
9. Dylan Harper, Spurs | PG
Playoff stats: 13.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 52.5% FG, 36.4% 3-pt
The No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft has looked like a future perennial All-Star at times in his first playoff run. Already one of the NBA’s best finishers around the basket, Harper’s handle, poise and smooth shooting stroke make him an absurd scoring threat for San Antonio’s second unit.
If not for a minor hamstring injury that impacted his consistency midway the Western Conference finals, Harper would be a spot or two higher on this list.
10. Julian Champagnie, Spurs | SF
Playoff stats: 11.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 45.4% FG, 39.3% 3-pt
On paper, the undrafted and unheralded Champagnie might seem like the forgotten man among San Antonio’s starters. In reality, he’s a model of reliability who hasn’t missed a game in two seasons and has hit countless backbreaking 3-pointers over the past six weeks.
During San Antonio’s closeout wins over the Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Thunder, Champagnie has averaged 19.0 points and shot 15-of-26 (57.7%) from deep.
11. Josh Hart, Knicks | SG
Playoff stats: 11.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.8 SPG, 44.3% FG, 30.3% 3-pt
Hart’s grit, hustle, unselfishness and sense of humor help explain why Knicks fever has swept through the Big Apple. The pertinent question now, though, is whether his shaky outside shooting will throw a kink into New York’s offensive machine. The Knicks’ starters have logged the most minutes of any five-man lineup during the playoffs, but Hart looms as a possible weak link if he can’t make the Spurs pay for leaving him open.
12. Mitchell Robinson, Knicks | C
Playoff stats: 5.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.6 BPG, 73.7% FG, 30.2% FT
The pickup-truck-loving 7-footer recently had surgery to address a broken pinkie on his right hand, but he plans to be a full go for the Finals. Robinson’s elite rebounding and willingness to do the dirty work make him a valuable contributor, but his abominable 30.2% free throw shooting has prompted hacking tactics by rival coaches in the playoffs.
13. Keldon Johnson, Spurs | SF
Playoff stats: 8.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 41.7% FG, 36.0% 3-pt
Johnson, San Antonio’s longest-tenured player, has seen his production and scoring efficiency drop since the regular season, when he was named Sixth Man of the Year. Despite those struggles, Johnson’s experience, leadership, physicality and timely 3-pointers helped the Spurs survive the Thunder.
14. Landry Shamet, Knicks | SG
Playoff stats: 5.7 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.6 APG, 55.3% FG, 60.0% 3-pt
Shamet has made the most of his limited playoff minutes, shooting a blistering 60% from deep during the playoffs and providing crucial bench scoring to help seal New York’s last two series wins. The 29-year-old guard should expect much tougher shot quality against the Spurs.
15. Miles McBride, Knicks | SG
Playoff stats: 6.9 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 1.1 APG, 37.3% FG, 42.9% 3-pt
The Knicks would love McBride to get hot from deep in the Finals, just as he did by hitting seven 3-pointers to sweep the 76ers out of the second round. Failing that, they would settle for better consistency: The hot-and-cold guard has been held under five points in five of New York’s 14 playoff games.
16. Luke Kornet, Spurs | C
Playoff stats: 4.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.9 BPG, 58.9% FG
Being Wembanyama’s backup is one of those jobs that comes with lowered expectations, so it was exhilarating to watch Kornet make the biggest defensive play of the postseason with a transition block on Isaiah Hartenstein in Game 7 of the West finals.
Wembanyama’s increased workload in the playoffs has come at Kornet’s expense, but the nine-year veteran, who won a title with the Boston Celtics in 2024, could help counter New York’s vaunted offensive rebounding.
17. Carter Bryant, Spurs | PF
Playoff stats: 2.9 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.9 APG, 48.7% FG, 38.5% 3-pt
The 20-year-old rookie looks like another long-term keeper for San Antonio thanks to his size and defensive potential. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson has gradually gone away from Bryant in bigger games, a trend that could continue with the Larry O’Brien Trophy at stake.
18. Jose Alvarado, Knicks | PG
Playoff stats: 4.2 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 48.8% FG, 40.9% 3-pt
The feisty Brooklyn native was welcomed with open arms by his hometown fans after the Knicks acquired him from the New Orleans Pelicans in a midseason trade. Alvarado’s energy could prove useful in matching up with San Antonio’s aggressive backcourt.
19. Jordan Clarkson, Knicks | SG
Playoff stats: 5.4 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, 47.5% FG, 15.4% 3-pt
While the 2021 Sixth Man of the Year can still get buckets at age 33, he has shot a paltry 15.4% on 3-pointers during New York’s playoff run, and his poor defensive metrics could make him hard to trust on the Finals stage.
20. Harrison Barnes, Spurs | PF
Playoff stats: 2.6 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 35.1% FG, 25.0% 3-pt
Is history repeating? Eleven years ago, Barnes started for a Golden State Warriors team that won the 2015 championship despite its youth and inexperience. Now 34 years old, Barnes is the wise old man for the ahead-of-schedule Spurs, who mostly ask him to come in for mop-up duty.
21. Tyler Kolek, Knicks | PG
Playoff stats: 3.5 PPG in eight games
The baby-faced lefty guard scored 14 points off the bench in the NBA Cup championship, earning kudos from his star teammates. Since then, the 2024 second-round pick has had his minutes squeezed in favor of more experienced options.
22. Ariel Hukporti, Knicks | C
Playoff stats: 2.1 PPG in eight games
Hukporti, a 2024 second-round pick, served as a human victory cigar several times when the Knicks thrashed the 76ers. The German center is a high-volume rebounder who gets called into action when Towns and Robinson encounter foul trouble.
23. Kelly Olynyk, Spurs | C
Playoff stats: 2.8 PPG in nine games
Back in 2017, Olynyk was a playoff hero for the Celtics by scoring 26 points in a Game 7 win over the Washington Wizards in the second round. That was a long time ago, and the aging center has mustered just 25 points across nine games during San Antonio’s run to the Finals.
2026 NBA Finals ESPN
24. Mohamed Diawara, Knicks | SF
Playoff stats: 1.2 PPG in six games
The energetic French forward earned seven starts during his rookie season, usually as a stand-in when Hart was injured. Diawara has mostly been asked to watch and learn during the playoffs.
25. Jordan McLaughlin, Spurs | PG
Playoff stats: 1.9 PPG, in 10 games
McLaughlin, an undersized pass-first point guard, can serve as a trustworthy ball handler in a pinch. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson hasn’t really needed to call his number despite health concerns in his backcourt rotation.
26. Jeremy Sochan, Knicks | PF
Playoff stats: 4.0 PPG in five games
The ninth pick in the 2022 draft was cut loose by the Spurs after three-plus underwhelming seasons, and the Knicks have barely used Sochan since picking him up in February. His early-career struggles raise the question: What if the Spurs had selected Jalen Williams (the 11th pick) or Jalen Duren (12th) instead?
27. Lindy Waters III, Spurs | SG
Playoff stats: 1.7 PPG in nine games
The well-traveled Waters joined the Spurs on a veterans minimum contract last summer, surely knowing that playing time would be very hard to come by in a guard rotation packed with lottery talent.
28. Pacome Dadiet, Knicks | SG
Playoff stats: 2.9 PPG in seven games
Dadiet, a 20-year-old French wing with good size, remained stuck outside the regular rotation in his second campaign. New York’s youngest player did tally a career-high 12 points in the last game of the regular season.
29. Mason Plumlee, Spurs | C
Playoff stats: 0.7 PPG in six games
The 36-year-old journeyman’s biggest contribution during the 2026 playoffs was a flagrant foul on Thunder guard Jared McCain in garbage time, which sounds about right.
30. Bismack Biyombo, Spurs | C
Playoff stats: 0.7 PPG in nine games
The seldom-used Biyombo’s main job in San Antonio is to make outsiders wonder why the Spurs have devoted four of their 15 roster spots to backup centers in their 30s.
By Ben Golliver, via ESPN