The San Antonio Spurs have moved to block Knicks fans from purchasing tickets for Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals, per a TMZ report confirmed by Yahoo Sports. The restrictions aim to preserve home-court advantage in a series that could shift momentum decisively. San Antonio leads the series 3-1, making Friday night's matchup a potential close-out game at the AT&T Center.
New York averaged 118.2 points in its two home wins this series, while the Spurs held the Knicks to 101 points in Game 3 in San Antonio. The Knicks' offense has leaned heavily on Jalen Brunson's 28.5 points per game in the Finals, but his efficiency dipped below 40% from the field on the road. The Spurs countered by forcing 14 turnovers per game at home, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities.
A Spurs win would clinch the franchise's sixth championship, tying the Celtics and Lakers for the most in NBA history. A Knicks victory forces a Game 6 in New York, where the Knicks are 8-2 in the playoffs. The series has swung heavily on home-court splits: San Antonio went 50-12 at home in the regular season, while New York posted the league's third-best road record (27-14).
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Eastern on ABC. The Knicks have not won a championship since 1973 and are seeking to become the first team to rally from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals since the 2016 Cavaliers. Ticket resale prices on secondary markets have surged past $1,800 for lower-bowl seats.
"We're taking every measure to ensure our fans have the best chance to support the team," a Spurs spokesperson told ESPN. The Knicks declined to comment on the policy, which applies to both primary and resale tickets purchased within a 150-mile radius of San Antonio.