Jimmy Breaks Down the NBA Finals on Fallon Tonight
- The New York Knicks will face the Denver Nuggets in the 2026 NBA Finals after sweeping the Boston Celtics in six games, according to a breakdown by Jimmy...
- Fallon, hosting the Knicks in Studio 6B, highlighted how New York’s defense and home-court advantage turned the tide in the Eastern Conference Finals.
- Why the Knicks’ win matters The Knicks’ return to the Finals ends a 13-year title drought, the longest in the NBA.
The New York Knicks will face the Denver Nuggets in the 2026 NBA Finals after sweeping the Boston Celtics in six games, according to a breakdown by Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The Knicks’ championship run marks their first Finals appearance since 2013, while Denver seeks back-to-back titles following their 2025 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Fallon, hosting the Knicks in Studio 6B, highlighted how New York’s defense and home-court advantage turned the tide in the Eastern Conference Finals. “They’ve got a core that’s been underrated,” Fallon said, citing Donovan Mitchell’s 28-point, 10-rebound performance in Game 6. The Nuggets, meanwhile, will look to repeat as champions after a 4-2 series win over the Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals.
Why the Knicks’ win matters
The Knicks’ return to the Finals ends a 13-year title drought, the longest in the NBA. Their 4-2 series victory over Boston—led by Jalen Brunson’s 30 points in Game 5—ended a 20-year playoff losing streak against the Celtics, a franchise rival. “This is historic,” said Knicks forward Julius Randle, who averaged 22 points per game in the series. “We’ve been waiting a long time for this.”
How the Nuggets respond
Denver’s path to the Finals was marked by resilience. After losing Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals to Dallas, the Nuggets won four straight, with Nikola Jokić dropping 34 points and 15 assists in Game 5. “We’re not afraid of pressure,” Jokić told reporters. “This team thrives in big moments.”
What happens next
The NBA Finals begin June 20, with Game 1 at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks hold home-court advantage, a key factor after their strong Eastern Conference performance. Analysts note Denver’s depth and playoff experience as potential advantages, while New York’s defensive intensity—ranked first in the league—could disrupt Denver’s offense.
| Key comparisons: 2025 vs. 2026 Finals | Team | 2025 Finals Result | 2026 Key Player | 2026 Series Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | Won (4-1 vs. Mavs) | Nikola Jokić | June 20 | |
| New York Knicks | DNQ | Jalen Brunson | June 20 |
The Finals will test two contrasting styles: Denver’s high-octane offense against New York’s disciplined defense. With both teams healthy and motivated, the series could go the full seven games.
Fallon’s take
Fallon praised the Knicks’ “grit and heart,” calling their playoff run “one of the most exciting underdog stories in recent memory.” He also noted Denver’s championship pedigree, saying, “They’ve got the experience to close out this series.”
The NBA Finals tip-off is set for June 20, with Game 1 airing nationally on ABC. Updates on player availability and potential coaching adjustments will follow as the series approaches.