LeBron Explains Why He Didn't Watch NBA Finals Game 1 and Hypes Knicks' Brunson's Clutch Highlights

LeBron James missed some of the opening game of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs because he was on vacation with his family in Europe, he told Steve Nash on Tuesday's episode of their Mind the Game podcast.

"It came on at 2:30 in the morning, and I was knocked out," James laughed around the 10-minute mark of the podcast.

James added: "I started to make my way to the airport, and I did see a lot of the Jalen Brunson big-time shots. The shot-making ability that he had in that fourth quarter was— it's the reason why they're in the Finals."

Brunson scored 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting in the fourth quarter of Game 1 to help his team take a 1-0 series lead over the Spurs in San Antonio.

James was particularly impressed by Brunson's final two minutes, starting with the corner three he made after the Spurs took a one-point lead.

Brunson then helped close out the game for the Knicks with a contested two-pointer in the final 40 seconds.

"Big three, while San Antonio was trying to make a run," James said. "And then obviously the dagger, playing off two, step back, step through, really high on [Devin] Vassell. That's a tough shot. And you just tip your hat. He's an All-Star, big-time player."

Brunson later helped lead the Knicks to a 2-0 series lead with a clutch steal and late free throw in the final seconds of Friday's Game 2 in San Antonio.

The Knicks lost for the first time in 14 playoff games Monday night, when Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle led their team to a Game 3 road victory.

Brunson will still have the chance to put his team on the brink of a championship if he can power the Knicks to victory when Game 4 tips off Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.