Wembanyama Leads Spurs Past Knicks, Cuts NBA Finals Deficit to 2-1
The win cut New York’s series lead to 2-1 and snapped the Knicks’ 13-game playoff winning streak, the second-longest postseason run in NBA history. It was also New York’s first loss in 46 days.
Victor Wembanyama delivered his first NBA Finals win Monday night, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
The win cut New York’s series lead to 2-1 and snapped the Knicks’ 13-game playoff winning streak, the second-longest postseason run in NBA history. It was also New York’s first loss in 46 days.
Wembanyama finished with 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists, responding strongly after his late turnover in Game 2 helped cost San Antonio a chance to even the series.
“I’m sure Victor has numerous sources of motivation,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “I don’t think any of us are surprised or expect anything different than a strong performance.”
The Spurs had lost the first two games of the Finals at home and were facing the threat of a 3-0 deficit, something no NBA team has ever overcome. Instead, they now have a chance to tie the series Wednesday night in New York, with Game 5 guaranteed back in San Antonio on Saturday.
Stephon Castle added 23 points for the Spurs and hit one of the biggest shots of the night, a three-pointer with 1:53 remaining that put San Antonio ahead 111-104. De’Aaron Fox also made key plays late as the Spurs held off another Knicks comeback attempt.
Jalen Brunson scored 32 points for New York, while OG Anunoby added 28. But Karl-Anthony Towns was held to 11 points, and Mikal Bridges struggled with foul trouble as the Knicks failed to take control in their first Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999.
The night began with heavy security and major attention around the arena, as President Donald Trump attended the game and was loudly booed when shown during the national anthem.
San Antonio opened the game sharply. Wembanyama scored the Spurs’ first two baskets on dunks, and the visitors built a double-digit lead less than five minutes into the game. The Spurs made nine of their first 11 shots and led 33-22 after the first quarter.
The Knicks rallied in the second quarter, fueled by Anunoby and Brunson. Anunoby’s three-pointer capped an 11-2 run that cut the deficit to 40-38, and Brunson later gave New York its first lead with a long three. The Knicks finished the half strongly and led 64-57 at the break.
But San Antonio responded in the third quarter and regained control. Wembanyama scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Spurs build enough of a cushion to survive New York’s late push.
Anunoby hit a three-pointer in the final seconds to cut the Spurs’ lead to two, but Castle answered by making two free throws with 6.8 seconds left to seal the win.
The Knicks are still ahead in the series, but the loss changes the tone of the Finals. New York missed a chance to move within one victory of its first championship since 1973, while San Antonio kept alive its attempt to become the first team ever to win the NBA Finals after dropping the first two games at home.