The San Antonio Spurs led in every game of the NBA Finals, yet they still lost in five games to the New York Knicks. The loss has triggered widespread discussion, with blame spreading far and wide.
While many factors led to their downfall, a former All-NBA guard believes that one personnel move would have changed the outcome.
Ex-NBA Star Isaiah Thomas Believes Spurs Win Title With Chris Paul
When the Spurs built a 29-point lead in Game 4, many believed they would tie the series at 2-2. However, the Knicks embarked on a comeback for the ages, capped off by an iconic tip-in by Knicks forward OG Anunoby. From there, the rest of the series seemed like a foregone conclusion, and New York won its first championship since 1973.
Meanwhile, the Spurs were left to ask questions about what could have been. Isaiah Thomas, a two-time NBA All-Star who played 12 seasons in the league, believes the Spurs would have hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy if they had Chris Paul on their roster. While hosting his “Point Game” podcast, Thomas explained further.
Isaiah Thomas says if the Spurs kept Chris Paul they would’ve won the NBA Finals:
“I believe if they had Chris Paul on this roster, they would’ve won the finals… His experience & who he is would’ve helped De’Aaron Fox, Castle, Harper.”
(Via @pointgamepod h/t @TheHoopsAlerts) pic.twitter.com/9DXssZyn0h
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 22, 2026
“I believe if they had Chris Paul on this roster, they would’ve won the Finals. And not even saying Chris Paul to get out there and play. Like, he doesn’t even have to get valuable minutes,” detailed Thomas, adding that Paul’s veteran presence would‘ve significantly helped the younger players.
“His experience and who he is, his Hall of Fame career would’ve helped De’Aaron Fox, would have helped [Stephon] Castle, would have helped [Dylan] Harper, would have slowed that whole team’s mind down in those situations.” Thomas said.
Looking at the 29-point lead, a veteran guard could’ve helped the younger players settle down and close the game. That large lead did not vanish in seconds. That is to say that the Knicks chipped away, making shots and playing excellent defense while the Spurs took questionable shots and made mistakes as they collapsed down the stretch.
During the 2024-25 season, Paul played in San Antonio, so they were already familiar with him. Paul was an unrestricted free agent after getting waived by the Toronto Raptors following a trade-deadline deal. Paul announced his retirement in February, but perhaps he wouldn’t have if the Spurs had expressed interest in a reunion.
Whether Paul would have made such a significant difference in the series is unclear, but Paul’s ability to lead can’t be questioned, so Thomas may be onto something.
