2026 NBA Finals: Top Google Search Trends
The 2026 NBA Finals have officially arrived, and the anticipation is palpable. Fans are gearing up to tune in tonight at 8:30 pm ET for Game 3, which features a monumental clash between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.
Because this marks the very first time these two storied franchises have met in the Finals since 1999, Google Trends data from the NBA Playoffs was analyzed to uncover exactly what is capturing the public’s attention. From surging player searches to a massive wave of ’90s nostalgia, the search data reveals an incredibly engaged fanbase.
The Bottom Line: Fandom is currently at an all-time high worldwide. “Knicks vs. Spurs” is the top trending Search query in the U.S. over the past week, and local metros are searching for their teams more than the weather!
Key Takeaways
Mapping the State-by-State Support
Support for the two remaining teams is pouring in from states all across the country. According to the data, Texas naturally leads the pack as the state searching for the Spurs the most. They are closely followed by Oklahoma, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New Mexico.
On the East Coast, New York takes the top spot for Knicks-related searches. Rounding out the top five for the Knicks are New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.
Breakout Stars and Fan Favorites
While both teams boast incredible rosters, one player is undoubtedly catching the world’s eye: Victor Wembanyama. Search volumes for Wembanyama have reached unprecedented levels for his career.
When analyzing the top-searched players for each team since the Playoffs began on April 18, clear favorites emerge. San Antonio’s list features a healthy mix of rookies and veterans, while the infamous ‘Nova Knicks heavily dominate New York’s search results.
Top-Searched Spurs Players
Since April 18 (U.S.)
- Victor Wembanyama
- Dylan Harper
- Stephon Castle
- Julian Champagnie
- De’Aaron Fox
Top-Searched Knicks Players
Since April 18 (U.S.)
- Jalen Brunson
- OG Anunoby
- Josh Hart
- Mikal Bridges
- Mitchell Robinson
Interestingly, Jalen Brunson is not the only member of his family trending on Search. Queries for his dad, Rick Brunson, have spiked significantly, with “Rick Brunson 1999 finals” becoming a massive breakout search in the U.S. over the past week.
Teleporting Back to 1999
Because these two teams haven’t met in the Finals since the late ’90s, fans are using Google to take a trip down memory lane. Over the past week, several throwback questions regarding ’90s basketball have hit breakout status:
- “Who made NBA jerseys in the 90s”
- “Who had a 40 inch vert in the 1990s NBA”
- “Who was the last NBA player from the 90s”
- “Good big men in the 90s who could shoot”
- “Who dominated the NBA in the 90s”
This intense nostalgia is actively spilling over into fashion. Searches for “vintage jersey” have hit an all-time high. Consumers are actively hunting for retro gear, with queries for “1999 NBA finals shirt,” “Knicks 1999 finals shirt,” and “1999 NBA finals hat” surging throughout the week.
FAQs — 2026 NBA Finals Search Trends