The Lone Star State vs. the Empire State. It's not just a basketball series — it's a full-on political smackdown before the 2026 NBA Finals even tip off.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott wasted no time throwing shade at New York and its governor, Kathy Hochul, ahead of Wednesday night's Game 1 between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. Abbott posted an AI-generated image on social media, showing a Spurs player dunking over the New York skyline, with the caption: “Spurs about to dunk on Knicks like Texas has been dunking on New York. Go Spurs Go 🔥👽”
The taunt comes as the Spurs, fresh off a thrilling Game 7 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, prepare to host Jalen Brunson and the Knicks, who swept the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
But the pre-series trash talk didn't stop there. Hochul, perhaps trying to fire back at the president, made an embarrassing blunder when she challenged Donald Trump to name the starting lineup from the last Knicks championship team — incorrectly citing the 1993 title. In reality, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won it all that year; the Knicks last hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 1973.
The gaffe quickly drew ridicule online, with many suggesting politicians should stay out of sports banter. Meanwhile, Abbott's AI-generated image has gone viral, adding fuel to an already fiery series.
For Knicks fans, there's plenty of other drama to distract from the political jabs. Mitchell Robinson's race to recovery has been a major storyline, as the big man sprints through surgery to try and suit up for Game 1. And in a bizarre twist, WWE star Danhausen claims he lifted the curse behind the Knicks' historic run, adding a supernatural layer to the team's resurgence.
Even the Vatican has weighed in — Pope Leo XIV gave a thumbs-up to the Knicks, suggesting a divine push for the Finals. And in a heartwarming gesture, the Knicks gifted hundreds of tickets to underserved youth, ensuring the series has a community impact beyond the court.
As the political trash talk heats up, the real battle begins Wednesday night in San Antonio. Game 1 promises to be a clash of titans — both on the hardwood and in the governor's mansions.
