Full Breakdown
Spurs Nuns: Faithful Fans Courtside During the NBA Finals
6/6/2026, 9:33:47 PM
Courtside Presence During the 2026 NBA Finals
During the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, a group of Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco attended games, drawing attention on social media. Nicknamed the “Spurs Nuns,” they sit in Spurs jerseys over their habits, bow before play, pray, greet players, and exchange handshakes. Video clips show them praying with Luke Kornet and receiving a greeting from Victor Wembanyama, while fans request prayers for a Spurs victory.
Historical Roots and Mission
Founded in 1872, the Salesian Sisters are the largest religious congregation, with over 10,500 sisters in 97 countries. Their charism focuses on evangelizing youth through reason, religion, and loving kindness, and the San Antonio chapter uses basketball games to reach young people where they gather.
Key Figures: Sister Bernadette Mota and Spurs Players
Sister Bernadette Mota, director of mission advancement for the Western province, leads the San Antonio sisters. She notes support for players such as Luke Kornet, who received a blessing before a Conference Finals game, and Victor Wembanyama, who greeted each sister during Game 1 of the Finals.
Numbers Behind the Story
The sisters receive tickets; a dealership donated seats for the NBA Finals. Their involvement spans more than two decades, including letters with coach Gregg Popovich, who visited the convent with his late wife Erin. Games 3 and 4 are set for June 8 and 10 in New York, with a possible Game 5 on June 13 in San Antonio.
Official Statements
The sisters say attending games extends their mission to serve the poor and youth, emphasizing that loving what young people love builds a bridge for evangelization. The Spurs organization welcomes the sisters, noting prayers encourage players. Archbishops Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio and Thomas Hicks of New York announced a wager exchanging foods if their teams win.
Criticism & Opposition
Some social-media commenters argue the sisters’ prayers could give the Spurs an unfair advantage, joking that the team now has “Jesus on their side.” No formal objection has been recorded from the NBA or the teams.
Verbatim Quotes
- “because there’s a lot of division in our world out there.” — Sister Bernadette Mota, Salesian Sister
- “We’re serving the poor and the young,” — Sister Bernadette Mota, Salesian Sister
- “I just really look up to the way he’s not afraid to share his faith on the public scene,” — Sister Bernadette Mota, speaking about Luke Kornet
- “Faith and sports can go hand in hand,” — Sister Bernadette Mota, Salesian Sister
What's Next
Games 3-4 in New York; Game 5 in San Antonio if needed.
