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Spurs Fall 94-90, Wembanyama’s Title Hopes End

6/16/2026

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Summary

Wembanyama Finals Loss

Spurs lost 94-90 to Knicks in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals, ending Victor Wembanyama’s title hopes.
Wembanyama averaged 23.8 points and 10.9 rebounds on 48.5% shooting in the playoffs.
He missed three games after a concussion and an ejection for elbowing Naz Reid, finishing with three flagrant-foul points.
Shaquille O'Neal and Brendan Haywood urged him to add strength and develop a back-to-the-basket post game.

Summary

Doncic Dominates

The Lakers will build their 2026-27 roster around Luka Doncic after his 2024 hamstring injury.
Wembanyama’s Finals loss was likened to earlier fourth-quarter defeats of Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard.
Kawhi Leonard, fifth in MVP voting, posted 32.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and shot 53.8 percent in 2020.
Luka Doncic earned his second scoring title, joining Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in historic scoring company.

History

Historical Context

On June 14, 1998 the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz 87–86 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan delivering the winning shot and sealing his and coach Phil Jackson’s final Bulls victory. The broadcast earned an 18.7 Nielsen rating, the highest ever for a Finals game, and marked the last championship appearance for both franchises as of 2026.

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Wembanyama Finals Loss

Spurs lost 94-90 to Knicks in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals, ending Victor Wembanyama’s title hopes.
Wembanyama averaged 23.8 points and 10.9 rebounds on 48.5% shooting in the playoffs.
He missed three games after a concussion and an ejection for elbowing Naz Reid, finishing with three flagrant-foul points.
Shaquille O'Neal and Brendan Haywood urged him to add strength and develop a back-to-the-basket post game.

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