The NBA Finals are headed to Madison Square Garden for the first time this century, and there will be no shortage of storylines when the New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 tonight, streaming live on ESPN.
The Knicks enter the game with a 2-0 series lead after winning in the Alamo City in the opening two games, putting San Antonio in a must-win situation as the series shifts to New York. With the possibility of a 3-0 deficit, a hole no team has ever overcome in NBA playoff history, San Antonio’s back is against the wall. A victory tonight would put the Knicks just one victory away from capturing the championship, while a Spurs victory would completely change the complexion of the series.
Adding even more attention to the matchup, President Donald Trump is expected to attend the game at Madison Square Garden. As one of the country’s most high-profile sports and entertainment venues, the President’s presence is expected to bring additional attention to a game that was already drawing national interest. Plus, the last NBA Finals game played at MSG took place in 1999, when the Knicks made their memorable run to the championship round as an eighth seed. More than a quarter-century later, the Finals are finally back in New York, but due to heightened TSA-style levels of security, watch parties have been canceled around the arena.
For cord cutters, here’s everything you need to know before tip-off.
What to Know About Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals
When to Watch NBA Finals Game 3: Spurs at Knicks — Monday, June 8, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.
For the return of the NBA Finals at MSG, ESPN is rolling out a special alternate presentation designed to give fans even more ways to watch. For Game 3, ESPN’s “NBA Full Court Press” presentation will provide viewers with enhanced coverage and additional perspectives as the Finals move to New York. The alternate feed is designed to give fans a deeper look at the action, offering unique camera angles and additional analysis while complementing ABC’s main game broadcast.
Tonight’s All-Access coverage on ESPN features The Pat McAfee Show, including Kendrick Perkins, Quentin Richardson, Pat McAfee, Ty Schmit, Darius Butler, and Connor Campbell. With the series reaching a pivotal point, ESPN is treating Game 3 as one of the marquee events of the sports calendar.
How to Watch the 2026 NBA Finals on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV & More
Fans in ABC-over-the-air markets can watch the Finals free with a TV antenna, since ABC is a broadcast network received over the air. Using a site like Antennas Direct can help you find which ABC affiliates are in your area and the best antenna to watch.
The series will also be available through live TV streaming services that carry ABC, including DIRECTV, Fubo, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV, though local channel availability can vary by service and market.
The 2026 NBA Finals will also be available to stream on the ESPN app.
2026 NBA Finals Schedule
- Game 4: Spurs at Knicks — Wednesday, June 10, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
- Game 5: Knicks at Spurs — Saturday, June 13, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, if necessary.
- Game 6: Spurs at Knicks — Tuesday, June 16, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, if necessary.
- Game 7: Knicks at Spurs — Friday, June 19, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, if necessary