Victor Wembanyama delivered a stellar performance with 32 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday night. The win marked the Spurs' first in the NBA Finals and reduced the Knicks' series lead to 2-1.
Spurs Hand Knicks First Loss in 46 Days
The Knicks entered the game with a 13-game winning streak, the second-longest in NBA postseason history, but were unable to extend it. New York had not lost since April 23, when they fell to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3 of their first-round series. The loss also prevented the Knicks from taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the Finals.
The game took place at Madison Square Garden in front of a crowd that included President Donald Trump, who was loudly booed during the national anthem. Despite the hostile environment, the Spurs started strong, with Wembanyama opening the scoring with two dunks and helping the team build a double-digit lead within the first 4.5 minutes. San Antonio shot 9 of 11 early and led 33-22 after the first quarter.
Knicks Fight Back but Fall Short
The Knicks rallied in the second quarter, with OG Anunoby's 3-pointer capping an 11-2 run that cut the deficit to 40-38. Jalen Brunson then gave New York its first lead of the night with a 26-foot jumper, and the Knicks took a 64-57 advantage into halftime.
However, the Spurs regained the lead in the third quarter and held on down the stretch. Stephon Castle's 3-pointer with 1:53 remaining put San Antonio up 111-104, and he sealed the victory with two free throws with 6.8 seconds left after Anunoby's 3-pointer had made it a two-point game.
Castle finished with 23 points, while De'Aaron Fox also contributed key baskets late. For the Knicks, Brunson scored 32 points and Anunoby added 28.
Series Shifts to San Antonio
The Spurs avoided falling into a 3-0 hole, a deficit no NBA team has ever overcome. Now they have a chance to tie the series in Game 4 on Wednesday night, with Game 5 scheduled for Saturday in San Antonio. The victory also guaranteed the Spurs at least one more home game.
Fans endured long lines and heightened security to witness the NBA Finals' first game at Madison Square Garden since 1999. The game featured a back-and-forth battle that lived up to the historic venue's reputation.
