Spurs cut Knicks’ series lead to 2-1 with 115-111 win in Game 3 at MSG | Recap [VIDEO]
Victor Wembanyama scored 32 points and Stephon Castle added 23 as San Antonio avoided a 3-0 deficit
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks 115-111 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on June 8 at Madison Square Garden. The victory cut New York’s series lead to 2-1 and snapped the Knicks’ 13-game postseason winning streak, the second-longest in NBA playoff history.
The Spurs avoided falling into a 3-0 deficit, a hole no NBA team has ever overcome. It was the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999. Attendance was 19,812.
Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting, adding 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. He scored 10 of his points in the fourth quarter and played the entire final period. Stephon Castle added 23 points, including a clutch 26-foot three-pointer with the shot clock expiring that extended the lead to 111-104 late in the game.
The Knicks’ 13-game winning streak had begun Game 4 in the first round. They won Games 4-6 vs. Atlanta, swept the Sixers and then Cleveland Cavaliers in the Conference Finals, and won the first two games of the Finals in San Antonio. The streak ended at Madison Square Garden.
The Game Featured Major Swings
The Spurs opened strong, leading 33-22 after the first quarter. The Knicks responded with a dominant second quarter, outscoring San Antonio 42-24 to take a 64-57 halftime lead. OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson led the comeback.
The third quarter swung back to the Spurs. San Antonio outscored New York 35-27 in the period. The fourth quarter was tight, with multiple lead changes. The game featured six lead changes and four ties overall.
The Spurs’ ball movement was decisive. They recorded 28 assists to the Knicks’ 18. They committed only 8 turnovers while forcing 13. San Antonio outscored New York 21-7 in points off turnovers.
The Knicks outrebounded the Spurs 46-37 but could not overcome their own mistakes. New York shot 13-of-37 from three-point range (35.1 percent) and 18-of-22 from the free-throw line.
Wemby Delivered in the Clutch
Victor Wembanyama played 38 minutes and 44 seconds. He was efficient from the field and the free-throw line, making 8-of-9. Additionally, Wemby recorded 3 blocks and 2 steals, anchoring the Spurs’ defense.
He became the second-youngest player to record a 30-5-5 stat line in the NBA Finals. His performance came after a relatively quiet Game 2, in which he had 29 points but committed critical late turnovers.
Castle was nearly as important. The rookie guard scored 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including 2-of-5 from three. He made his free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
De’Aaron Fox added 12 points and 8 assists, hitting a key step-back jumper late. Dylan Harper contributed 13 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie provided spacing with timely three-pointers.
Brunson and Anunoby Led the Knicks
Jalen Brunson scored 32 points on 11-of-25 shooting, adding 5 rebounds and 5 assists. He also committed 5 turnovers. He was central to the Knicks’ offense but faced constant defensive pressure.
OG Anunoby was efficient, scoring 28 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-7 from three. He added 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. Josh Hart contributed 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Karl-Anthony Towns was limited to 11 points and 8 rebounds. Mikal Bridges played only 28 minutes due to foul trouble and finished with 2 points.
The Knicks’ bench, led by Jordan Clarkson’s 10 points, did not provide enough production to offset the Spurs’ depth.
Officiating Was a Point of Discussion
The Spurs attempted 24 free throws in the second half to the Knicks’ 8. As a result, Knicks coach Mike Brown expressed dissatisfaction with the disparity after the game.
Earlier in the game, Victor Wembanyama shoved Jalen Brunson to the floor. No foul was called on the play. The NBA later reviewed the play and confirmed it was a missed call but not a flagrant foul.
Both teams used coaches’ challenges effectively in the fourth quarter. Several calls were overturned, including an offensive foul on Keldon Johnson that negated a potential four-point play for Wembanyama.
No technical fouls were issued for the shove. The game continued without escalation.
The Atmosphere at MSG Was Electric
The game was the first Finals contest at Madison Square Garden since 1999. The crowd was loud. The stakes were high.
President Donald Trump attended the game, sitting in a suite with Knicks owner James Dolan. He was booed during the national anthem. The president later appeared to argue with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver about a foul call.
Other celebrities in attendance included Fat Joe, Jay-Z, Tracy Morgan, Spike Lee, Derek Jeter, and Eli Manning. Security was heightened, and ticket prices reportedly reached five figures.
Despite the fanfare, the Knicks lost. As a result, the Spurs won. At 2-1, the series is not over.
Game 4 Starts Right Now
Two night ago, Game 3 was played on June 8. Game 4 is preparing for tipoff right now at Madison Square Garden. The Spurs can tie the series with a victory. The Knicks can take a 3-1 lead.
The Spurs have momentum after snapping the Knicks’ streak. Wembanyama is playing at an MVP level. Castle is confident. The role players are contributing.
The Knicks are now forced to protect home court. In order to win, they need to clean up their turnovers and keep Bridges out of foul trouble. They need to win.
Tonight is Wednesday night. The series is 2-1. The Finals are just getting started.