What happened: The San Antonio Spurs thanked supporters who turned out for the team's Finals pep rally, posting a shoutout to their "Spur Fam" the night before Game 1. The club said it can't wait for the city to carry that energy into the Finals opener at home.

Why it matters: It marks the Spurs' return to the championship stage, and a home Game 1 gives San Antonio early series leverage if the crowd energy translates on the floor. Fan mobilization around marquee rallies is part of building home-court advantage for a Finals run.

What to watch: All eyes turn to Game 1 tip-off in San Antonio, with the pep-rally crowd expected to fill the building for the Finals opener.