Watch Patrick Ewing, Shaq turn back clock in heartwarming Game 3 moment

The stage is set for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. It marks the first time that an NBA Finals game will be played at Madison Square Garden since 1999.

Thus giving those who played at “The World’s Most Famous Arena” a chance to remember their glory days. Among them were Patrick Ewing and Shaquille O’Neal, who took part in a symbolic tip-off per the NBA on ESPN.

Shaq and Patrick Ewing lining up for tip-off like the old days

Legends pic.twitter.com/QRAH0uVk9W

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 8, 2026

The pre-game tip-off also featured Shaq’s colleague and former player Kenny Smith, per ClutchPoints.

Patrick Ewing and Shaquille O’Neal getting ready for tip-off!

The stars are out ahead of Game 3

(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/elKvaTa8rU

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 8, 2026

All three of them took part in quite a few moments at Madison Square Garden over the years. Ewing played in two Finals with the Knicks in 1994 and 1999. In 1994, he lost to Smith and the Houston Rockets in seven games. Five years later, the Knicks lost in five games to, ironically, the Spurs.

O’Neal had played in postseason games at Madison Square Garden in the 1990s. In 1995, the Magic defeated the Knicks in seven games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The next year, the Magic swept the Knicks in three games in the first round.

The Knicks are gunning for their first NBA title since 1973. Meanwhile, the Spurs are looking for their first since 2014. Game 3 is bringing out the biggest and brightest stars to bear witness to history. Among them are the usual suspects, including Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Fat Joe, and Tracy Morgan.

Also, fellow legends such as Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Allen Houston are expected to attend to support the Knicks.

The post Watch Patrick Ewing, Shaq turn back clock in heartwarming Game 3 moment appeared first on ClutchPoints.