Wembanyama Spurs Game 3 Victory Cuts Knicks Lead To 2-1 In Finals

Victor Wembanyama led a strong response from the San Antonio Spurs, who edged the New York Knicks 115-111 and trimmed the NBA Finals deficit to 2-1. The road team again prevailed, leaving Madison Square Garden quiet after a tense finish in Game 3 on Monday night.

Wembanyama shook off the Game 2 late turnover that hurt the Spurs, dominating with 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists on 11-of-18 shooting. The centre added three blocks and two steals and claimed a first NBA Finals victory, as San Antonio finally converted a strong start into a win.

The French star attacked the paint early, with San Antonio’s first two baskets coming from Wembanyama dunks. The Spurs raced to the first seven points and stretched the margin to 12 late in the opening quarter. Yet New York slowly reduced the gap and stayed within reach despite another sluggish start.

That early pattern has become familiar. Across the three Finals games, the Knicks have been outscored by 28 points in first quarters. In Game 3, the hosts recovered with a strong second period and closed the half on a 10-1 surge, taking a 64-57 lead into the locker room.

San Antonio controlled the second half by valuing possession and drawing fouls. The Spurs committed only three turnovers after the break and converted 20 of 24 free throws. That discipline gradually overturned the halftime deficit and set up a nervy closing stretch inside Madison Square Garden.

Stephon Castle played a major role down the stretch. With the shot clock running down and a broken possession, Castle drilled a deep three that pushed the Spurs ahead 111-104 with 1:53 remaining. Castle later added two pressure free throws with seven seconds left and finished with 23 points, five rebounds and five assists.

New York still had chances. Jalen Brunson cut the margin to 111-108 with a three-pointer, keeping the Knicks alive. DeAaron Fox answered by hitting a contested jumper over OG Anunoby from the foul line with 12 seconds left. Fox closed with 12 points and eight assists in 32 composed minutes.

Spurs vs Knicks NBA Finals statistics and player performances

Brunson again led New York’s scoring with 32 points and produced several late baskets, yet shot 11-of-25 overall. Anunoby supported with 28 points, while Josh Hart contributed 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists. The Knicks, however, lacked impact from some usual sources in this crucial home game.

Karl-Anthony Towns, who had featured in early Finals MVP discussions after Games 1 and 2, attempted only 10 shots. Towns ended with 11 points and eight rebounds and saw fewer touches down the stretch. Mikal Bridges struggled as well, scoring two points on 1-for-5 shooting in 29 minutes.

Spurs vs Knicks NBA Finals atmosphere and what lies ahead

Before tip-off, attention briefly moved away from basketball. Donald Trump became the first sitting President to attend an NBA Finals game and was loudly booed when shown on the big screen during the national anthem. Once play began, the focus in the arena shifted entirely back to the court.

This result gave the Spurs renewed belief ahead of Game 4, which also takes place in New York on Wednesday. The Knicks still lead the series 2-1 but are yet to win a Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999, adding extra pressure to the next matchup.