The residual energy from the championship parade may have dried up for the New York Knicks, but they will be hogging the headlines in the weeks to come.
It is impossible to ignore the significance of the Knicks’ historic triumph in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, ending a 53-year title drought for a city that is deeply passionate about basketball.
It could be argued that it is similar to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ iconic title in 2016. Aside from coming back from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors, which was unprecedented, it was the city’s first trophy in the NBA, the MLB, the NFL, and the NHL in 52 years.
A fan on “Club 520 Podcast” asked who would win in a hypothetical duel between the 2026 Knicks and the 2016 Cavaliers. Jeff Teague did not bat an eyelash with his response.
“What are we talking about? Sweep. LeBron (James) and them would sweep them,” said Teague.
Teague’s co-hosts, DJ Wells and Brandon “B-Hen” Hendricks, agreed.
“Cavs in 4… What we talking about? Sweep. LeBron [James] and them would sweep them.”
Jeff Teague on who wins in a 7-game series between the 2016 Cavaliers and 2026 Knicks 🤔
(via @club520podcast)pic.twitter.com/nUxDuDXHYf
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 19, 2026
For the sake of discussion, here are the starting lineups:
C – Tristan Thompson vs. Karl-Anthony Towns
PF – Kevin Love vs. OG Anunoby
SF – LeBron James vs. Mikal Bridges
SG – JR Smith vs. Josh Hart
PG – Kyrie Irving vs. Jalen Brunson
Sure, Towns would outplay Thompson, while Irving against Brunson could be a toss-up. But as for the rest, the Cavaliers have the edge over the Knicks. New York’s bench, however, might have a slight advantage.
The duo of James and Irving would be too much to overcome. James averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks. He remains the only player in league history to lead the NBA Finals in the five major statistics. Irving, meanwhile, tallied 27.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 steals.
James and his former teammates are currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of their memorable championship in Europe.