In 1999, the NBA faced a lockout which not only shortened the season, but also delayed the postseason. On June 16, 1999, the Spurs tipped off against the New York Knicks.
The Knicks were without the services of superstar Patrick Ewing, who was sidelined with an injury that forced him to observe from the bench.
The Spurs would take Game 1 89-77 at the Alamodome.
Six years later on this same date, the Spurs played the Detroit Pistons in Game 4 of the 2005 NBA Finals.