Stan Van Gundy Explains Why Cavaliers, Spurs Have An ‘Advantage’ In Game 1

BusinessSportsMoneyStan Van Gundy Explains Why Cavaliers, Spurs Have An ‘Advantage’ In Game 1ByAdam Zagoria,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I'm a basketball and tennis insiderFollow AuthorMay 18, 2026, 07:00am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 22: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a score during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 22, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe New York Knicks haven’t played a basketball game since sweeping Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers on May 10.The Oklahoma City Thunder haven’t played since sweeping LeBron James and the L.A. Lakers on May 11.Newly-minted NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will have had a week off when they host Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals Monday night against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.It will have been nine days since Jalen Brunson and the Knicks last played when they host Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.And former NBA head coach Stan Van Gundy believes the time off will serve as a disadvantage to the Knicks and Thunder. The Cavaliers and Spurs “have a little bit of an advantage in Game 1” because “they’re still in rhythm,” Van Gundy said on Amazon Prime during the Cavaliers’ 125-94 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 7 Sunday night. “I’ve been the team that’s been rested as a coach, it takes time to get back into it,” he added. “....I think they can both go in and have a great shot at getting road wins in Game 1 of the next series.”MORE FOR YOUOf course, the coun...