After the New York Knicks took both games in San Antonio, it was certainly possible that the young Spurs team would wilt and succumb to the enormous deficit. But San Antonio was resilient, winning in MSG on Monday, and was in position to tie up the series on Wednesday.

Down 29 points at one point, the Knicks did not waive the white flag, though. Instead, New York staged the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, putting the Knicks on the precipice of their first championship since 1973.

The Spurs were young pups entering this playoffs. Now they are grizzled veterans. After losing the opening game in the Minnesota series, the Spurs won four of the next five games. Down 2-1 against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the Spurs blew out the Thunder in Game 4. After losing Game 5, the Spurs took care of business in Games 6 and 7.

The Spurs play physical defense and have confidence. In addition, the Spurs have led in all four games this series, so a play or two in each game could’ve meant a sweep. During the regular season, the Knicks lost at least three straight games four times, so we aren’t in Lloyd Christmas territory.

That said, while 15 teams have overcome a 3-1 deficit in the playoffs, only the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers were able to accomplish the feat in the NBA Finals.

DraftKings Sportsbook lists San Antonio as a 5.5-point favorite over New York, with the total set at 216.5 points.

Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $800K Finals Shootaround [$200K to 1st, 3PT Throne Eligible] (NYK at SAS)

Captain’s Picks

Julian Champagnie ($8,400 CP): Champagnie did not shoot well in Game 4, going 2-for-9 from the field and 1-for-7 from downtown. He did play 33 minutes, though, and has been over 30 in two of the first three contests. During the regular season, Champagnie was a much better shooter at home than on the road – 46% vs. 41% on the road. The True Shooting% was 63% at home compared to 58% on the road. In addition, it’s encouraging that he dished out three dimes in each of the last two games and racked up four steals in Game 4. On the season, Champagnie went over 40 FPTS seven times. During the playoffs, he accomplished the feat once. I like him to make it two on Saturday.

UTIL Plays

Victor Wembanyama ($13,400): Wembanyama has put up over 50 FPTS in every game this series, despite shooting below 37% in two of those contests. He literally stuffs the stat sheet and provides a high floor. We haven’t seen the ceiling yet, but I’m thinking it comes in this do-or-die game. It looks like he’s playing more composed and has gotten used to the physicality. In addition, San Antonio has done a better job of getting Wembanyama easier shots and putting him in the best position to score.

Jose Alvarado ($2,400): Alvarado has played 11, 10, 12 and 16 minutes this series. Is he going to put up a ceiling game and lead one to glory? Probably not, but he can help lead one to the promised land due to his price and production. He has a floor of 8.8 FPTS this series with two games at 15.5 FPTS. His defense, toughness and ability to help with the Spurs pressure has afforded him playing time.

De’Aaron Fox ($7,400): Fox likely still isn’t 100% after dealing with an ankle injury earlier in the playoffs, but it looks like he’s healthier, as he’s been able to break down defenders and get his own shot up. The efficiency hasn’t been great, though, shooting 37% and 28% over the last two games, but he’s been getting good shots. Despite the poor shooting, Fox has put up 34.2, 32.8 and 40.8 FPTS over the last three contests due to the contributions in assists, stocks and rebounds. At home, in a must-win game, I like Fox to remind everyone why he’s a two-time All-Star.

Fades

Karl-Anthony Towns ($10,200): Towns only put up 29 FPTS last game, but he only played 26 minutes due to foul trouble. After running roughshod over the Spurs in the first two games of the series, and looking like a matchup nightmare, the Spurs figured out some things in Game 3 and limited him to 32 FPTS. Towns is going to get his because he is so versatile, but I don’t think he meets salary expectations.

The Outcome

I think the Spurs handle the Knicks fairly easily in this one.

Final Score: Spurs 112, Knicks 101