There probably isn't much to glean from a single game in December, but the Knicks beat the Spurs in this season's Emirates Cup final.
And in that contest, New York absolutely pummeled San Antonio on the boards, 59-42.
Of course, Victor Wembanyama only played 25 minutes that night. He's bound to average significantly more in the Finals, but Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson will lean on him plenty during the series. And with OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, New York has a chance to win on the physicality front on the wings.
That, of course, doesn't really extend to the backcourt. The size and athleticism of Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper could cause problems for Jalen Brunson, but the Knicks star has loads more experience.
And though San Antonio's lack of the same hasn't really shown up in this postseason, that's historically been a critical component for deep playoff runs.
Towns, Brunson, Anunoby, Bridges and Hart have all taken plenty of playoff lumps during their careers. Even when you include De'Aaron Fox, the Spurs really haven't.
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