New York Times releases June 20 hints for Strands and Connections puzzles

The New York Times published hints and answers for its daily Strands word‑search game on June 20, 2026. The puzzle’s theme was “Knicks knack,” with theme words COURTSIDE, CHANT, JUMBOTRON, MARQUEE and RAFTERS, and the spangram GARDENPARTY referencing Madison Square Garden.

The same day the Times’ partner The Athletic released the Connections: Sports Edition puzzle (No. 635). The four solution groups were: Yellow – New York Yankees (Bronx Bombers, Evil Empire, Pinstripes, Yanks); Green – Tour de France jersey colors (green, polka‑dot, white, yellow); Blue – locations of Big 12 schools (Boulder, Fort Worth, Manhattan, Waco); Purple – meanings of “boot” (cleat, eject, kick, mishandle).