Can Victor Wembanyama Spark a Spurs Dynasty by Beating the New York Knicks?
For the first time since 1999, the New York Knicks are back in the NBA Finals—and history has a wicked sense of humor. Standing in their way is a familiar ghost in the San Antonio Spurs. While the Knicks are desperate to exact revenge for that bittersweet ’99 heartbreak, the rest of the basketball world is eyeing a much scarier narrative.
If the Spurs—led by 7-foot-4 titan Victor Wembanyama—crush New York’s championship dreams once again, Spike Lee and millions of New Yorkers won’t just watch a Finals’ defeat, but a possible undisputed birth of a new NBA dynasty.
Regardless of who wins, this will be the eighth straight year the NBA crowns a new champion. Basketball fans have seen their share of dynasties over the years, but with the parity in the league the way it has been in recent years, is it possible for a dynasty to form?
For a team to secure a dynasty in the NBA, they would have to win at least three championships (affectionately called a three-peat) within five to seven consecutive years.
Since 1980, there have been six teams that fit that definition:
Los Angeles Lakers (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988)
Chicago Bulls (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996-1998)
San Antonio Spurs (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014)
Los Angeles Lakers (2000, 2001, 2002)
Golden State Warriors (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022)
Boston Celtics (1981, 1984, 1986)
If the San Antonio Spurs successfully dismantle Jalen Brunson and company starting this Wednesday, June 3, we aren’t just looking at a new champion. We could be witnessing the arrival of the NBA’s next indisputable dynasty—and here is exactly why the rest of the league should be terrified.
Victor Wembanyama
The man affectionately known as “Wemby” is just 22 years old and in his third NBA season, yet he has already carried San Antonio to the NBA Finals. As the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, he became the third No. 1 overall selection in Spurs history, joining the legendary ranks of David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
Given the generational talent of this 7-foot-4 titan, expectations were sky-high long before he entered the league. Historically, whenever San Antonio secures the top pick, championships soon follow. Duncan and Robinson famously dismantled the Knicks in 1999 to secure the franchise’s first of five titles; now, Wemby has the chance to bring home number six.
His resume is already staggering: a three-time blocks leader (2024–2026), a two-time NBA All-Star (2025, 2026), a Defensive Player of the Year (2026), and a member of the All-Rookie First Team (2024), All-Defensive First Team (2024, 2026), and All-NBA First Team (2026).
With stats like these, Wemby is poised to become the most dominant player in the NBA for years to come!
Elite Coaching
Although Gregg Popovich is no longer coaching the team (he is now the President of Basketball Operations), he has set a standard for the franchise since picking up the clipboard in 1996.
In a league where teams change coaches like the weather in New York City (IYKYK), the Spurs are one of the most stable franchises. Besides the Lakers, who was won 11 NBA championships since 1980, no team has won more titles than the Spurs during the past 40-plus years.
Most top management executives have been consistent, creating a stable team environment that, in turn, has kept the team competitive on and off the floor.
A Well-balanced Roster, With Young Core Players
The NBA had gotten used to watching successful teams have a “Big 3,” typically three big-name players who run the team on the floor. The Chicago Bulls had Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. The Los Angeles Lakers had Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy. The Miami Heat’s Big 3 were LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Although Wemby may be the only recognizable name to the average fan, his core includes guards Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. They may not be household names yet, but they will be in the future as they play alongside the young center.
Their contributions are just as valuable, as we know that one man cannot beat an opponent of five players. With coach Mitch Johnson (who grabbed the reins from Popovich when he stepped down as head coach) leading the charge, and starting forwards Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie added in the lineup, the team could be a force no team can stop for years.
The NBA Finals kicks off on June 3 at 8:30 p.m on ABC.
