Tennessee alumni linked to 1999 NBA Finals ahead of Game 5

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 12:03 PM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Tennessee alumni linked to 1999 NBA Finals ahead of Game 5
Summary

The New York Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. EDT. The Knicks lead the series 3-1 and aim for their first NBA championship since 1973., the current Finals rekindle memories of the 1999 championship series, where the Spurs emerged victorious. Key figures from Tennessee tie into that historic matchup; Ernie Grunfeld was the Knicks' general manager, and Allan Houston played in that series. Grunfeld's No. 22 jersey is retired at Tennessee, alongside Houston's No. 20.

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By the Numbers
  • Knicks lead 3-1 in the series against Spurs
  • Game 5 scheduled for Saturday at Frost Bank Center
  • Grunfeld and Houston connect Knicks to Tennessee
  • 1999 NBA Finals featured Spurs vs. Knicks
  • New York seeks first title since 1973
Latest Updates
  • 12:03 PMYahoo SportsTennessee's ties to Knicks in 1999 NBA Finals
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A look at Tennessee's ties to the Knicks in the 1999 NBA Finals.

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