Spurs receive harsh reality check from Knicks at the worst possible time

After a historic collapse, the San Antonio Spurs are left to pick up the pieces against the New York Knicks. With them down 1-3, they can't realistically expect to win four-straight games.

A lot would have to go right for San Antonio to get to that point, and it's clear that the Spurs aren't yet ready to hang with the Knicks. Yes, they were pummeling New York with a 29-point lead in the second half of Game 4.

However, they managed just 30 points in the second half. It's hard to glean anything from that other than the Spurs choked and that the Knicks wanted it more.

Sure, they settled for contested threes instead of continuing to attack, but the Knicks also may just be the better team.

The Spurs' late-game execution is costing them a championship

Many could argue that San Antonio has outplayed the Knicks this series. That is probably true, but what good is it if San Antonio can't close a game to save their life?

During the regular season, San Antonio was an impressive 24-12 in games decided by five points or less. Unfortunately, in the playoffs, they are 2-7 in those games.

When they win in the playoffs, they tend to win big. But when they lose, they lose in painful fashion.

That isn't just a fluke; the Knicks are a much more experienced team. Even if San Antonio were more talented than them, the Spurs' late-game execution has been disastrous.

The Spurs aren't ready to win a championship yet

Barring a collapse of epic proportion, the Knicks will likely win the NBA championship this season. That's not what any of us want to hear, but it's likely the case.

This season is far from a loss however. In fact, this team is well ahead of schedule but in need of some renovations.

San Antonio has a much better idea of which players will rise to the occasion and which won't. De'Aaron Fox seems unlikely to be traded this summer, but his awful NBA Finals might push them to move on from him sooner rather than later.

They may also be willing to let Keldon Johnson leave after next season. Then there is the need for an actual power forward. San Antonio must also prioritize finding larger roles for Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant.

Ultimately, there are a lot of takeaways from the NBA Finals for the Spurs, with the Knicks forcing them to learn some hard lessons.

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