In a bold declaration, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has already crowned the New York Knicks as the 2026 NBA champions following their 105-95 victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Portnoy's confidence stems from the Knicks' ability to erase a 14-point deficit, showcasing the poise and composure characteristic of championship teams. Jalen Brunson was pivotal in this win, scoring 30 points and demonstrating leadership during critical moments, particularly in the fourth quarter. In contrast, Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, despite scoring 26 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, struggled with his shooting, finishing at 6-for-21 and committing six turnovers. This disparity in performance led Portnoy to assert that Brunson and the Knicks are superior to Wembanyama and the Spurs. The Knicks' overall shooting performance was also noteworthy, as they outperformed the Spurs, who shot just 36.0% from the field. Portnoy's early endorsement of the Knicks as title favorites is backed by their strong showing in Game 1, setting a promising tone for the rest of the Finals.