Anticipation is building for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks after the latter stole Games 1 and 2 on the road in thrilling fashion.
Many viewers expected Game 3 to take place on Sunday evening, only to discover they would have to wait an extra day, prompting an outpouring of reactions to the puzzling scheduling decision.
Questionable Spurs-Knicks Game 3 Scheduling Choice Sparks Outrage
This year’s Finals have kicked off with two memorable finishes, as Jalen Brunson’s clutch heroics helped New York secure a 105-95 Game 1 win behind an 11-0 game-closing run.
Two days later, the Knicks escaped with a Game 2 victory after Victor Wembanyama committed a costly late-game turnover and missed a potential game-winner, allowing Brunson and Co. to prevail 105-104.
Game 3 will be the first Finals game in New York in 27 years, with the Knicks’ rabid fan base poised to have Madison Square Garden rocking like never before. U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned attendance, heightened security measures surrounding the contest, and historic ticket prices have only added to the buzz.
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Given the one-day break between the series’ first two games, many entered Sunday night gearing up for Game 3. Upon learning — or being reminded — that the highly anticipated clash will instead take place on Monday evening, the NBA community on X was left vexed and confused over the league passing up a primetime scheduling opportunity.
“It’s outrageous the NBA Finals isn’t tonight. Adam Silver is as clueless as they come. Makes zero sense, especially with how the league loves Sundays,” Barstool Sports’ Eric Hubbs vented.
It’s outrageous the NBA Finals isn’t tonight. Adam Silver is as clueless as they come. Makes zero sense, especially with how the league loves Sundays.
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) June 7, 2026
“I know coordinating both schedules on ABC/ESPN isn’t easy, but not having an NBA Finals or Stanley Cup Final game on Sunday seems like a missed opportunity,” The Sporting Tribune’s Arash Markazi wrote.
I know coordinating both schedules on ABC/ESPN isn’t easy but not having an NBA Finals or Stanley Cup Final game on Sunday seems like a missed opportunity.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) June 7, 2026
“No NBA tonight. No NHL tonight. Brutal,” ESPN’s Sam Block opined.
No NBA tonight.
No NHL tonight.Brutal.
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) June 7, 2026
“The NBA, despite a solid postseason, missing out on a primetime Sunday night in June when nothing else is on, in favor of a Monday night, remains a mystery to me,” KCMO Talk Radio’s Pete Mundo remarked.
The NBA, despite a solid postseason, missing out on a primetime Sunday night in June when nothing else is on, in favor of a Monday night, remains a mystery to me.
— Pete Mundo (@PeteMundo) June 7, 2026
“Not having an NBA Finals game on a Sunday is a f**king crime,” former NFL star Antonio Brown chimed in.
“Why isn’t Game 3 of the NBA Finals today? Seems like a miss. There should always be a Finals game on Sundays in my humble but almost always correct opinion,” Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy questioned.
Why isn’t Game 3 of NBA finals today? Seems like a miss. There should always be Finals game on Sundays in my humble but almost always correct opinion
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) June 7, 2026
“I still think the NBA Finals Game 1 or Game 3 should be on a Sunday. I vividly remember watching those Chicago Bulls NBA Finals games on Sunday afternoons/evenings after getting back home from church. This is one detail the NBA needs to fix about the Finals,” content creator Cuffs The Legend weighed in.
i still think the NBA Finals Game 1 or Game 3 should be on a Sunday
i vividly remember watching those Chicago Bulls NBA Finals games on Sunday afternoons/evenings after getting back home from church.
This is one detail the NBA needs to fix about the Finals.
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) June 7, 2026
Notably, the NBA began scheduling a two-day break between Finals venue changes in 2016. While that typically still allows Sunday games to be played, the league reportedly opted to start this year’s Finals on a Wednesday to avoid scheduling conflicts with the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Still, relinquishing its marquee Sunday scheduling slots remains a questionable decision for many, with the last Finals without a Sunday contest coming during the Spurs and Knicks’ 1999 matchup.