NBA Notes: Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns, Thunder, Alex Caruso, Spurs

Knicks

The Knicks are headed to the NBA Finals, and according to the players, that was always the expectation.

Back in January, Knicks owner James Dolan raised eyebrows when he publicly said New York “absolutely” needed to reach the Finals. At the time, the team was struggling through a rough stretch and critics questioned whether Dolan had added unnecessary pressure.

Inside the locker room, though, players say the goal never changed.

“We all had that aspiration regardless,” Karl-Anthony Towns said, via Jared Schwartz of the New York Post. “We understand that we’ve gotta take that next step.”

Josh Hart echoed those sentiments.

“That’s the goal that each and every one of us has,” Hart said. “Obviously, it hits a little bit different when the big dog says it. But that’s the goal.”

The Knicks swept the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals and will now make their first Finals appearance since 1999.

Thunder

Oklahoma City enters Game 7 against San Antonio with its season on the line.

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has struggled at times during the series, veteran guard Alex Caruso has emerged as a major contributor, averaging 15.3 points while shooting better than 55 percent from three-point range.

More importantly, Caruso said he has complete confidence in the group around him.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that the guys are ready to go to war for each other,” Caruso told reporters.

The defending champions will need that mindset Saturday night.

Spurs

San Antonio knows exactly what awaits in Game 7.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said he expects the Thunder to come out swinging in front of their home crowd.

“For a team that’s done it multiple times and knows exactly what it takes, I would expect to get their best punch,” Johnson said, via Jordan Davis of The Oklahoman. “We’re gonna go out with our eyes wide open and expect nothing less.”

The winner advances to face New York in the NBA Finals.