Windhorst Reveals NBA Insiders' Thoughts on Knicks' Chances in Finals vs. Thunder or Spurs

Some may have seen the Western Conference Finals matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs as the de facto NBA Finals going into the series, but the New York Knicks are reportedly changing some minds around the league.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed on his Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast (14-minute mark) that he spoke to head coaches, general managers and scouts Monday about New York's chances in the NBA Finals against the Western Conference as the Knicks were putting the finishing touches on their sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"One or two were like, 'No, they're not beating the West. Forget about it. The Cavs are a first-round Western Conference team,'" Windhorst said. "But for the most part, the answer I was getting was, 'Look, they're going to probably be the underdog. But, yes, absolutely, they can win.'"

At this point, it is impossible to ignore the Knicks as a true threat.

They have won 11 playoff games in a row after falling behind 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round and just steamrolled Cleveland by a combined 66 points in the last three games of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Knicks-Cavaliers Highlights

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Jalen Brunson is a star who is capable of taking over in the biggest moments, while any of the supporting cast members of Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and even Josh Hart can make their impact felt in any given game.

The Knicks will also be the more well-rested team in the NBA Finals, regardless of who they play.

They won't have to take the court again for more than a week with Game 1 scheduled for June 3, while the Thunder and Spurs are battling in a grueling Western Conference Finals.

OKC and San Antonio split the first four games, and it would be anything but surprising if the series goes the full seven.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama may be the two most promising young stars in the league, but it doesn't seem to be a foregone conclusion one of them will be lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy this season.