Spurs Punch Back in NBA Finals, Defeat Knicks in Game 3
The San Antonio Spurs are back in the 2026 NBA Finals.
Facing a daunting 0-2 series deficit and playing in front of a hostile Madison Square Garden crowd, the Spurs responded with their biggest win of the season Monday night, defeating the New York Knicks 115-111 in Game 3 to cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1.
San Antonio came out aggressive from the opening tip, attacking the paint and pushing the tempo. The Spurs built an early lead before New York answered with a dominant second quarter, using a 42-24 run to seize control and take a halftime advantage. Rather than folding, San Antonio regrouped and delivered its strongest stretch of the Finals in the second half.
Victor Wembanyama once again proved why he is becoming one of the league’s defining superstars. The 7-foot-4 phenom finished with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks, controlling the game on both ends of the floor while making several clutch plays in the final minutes.
Rookie Stephon Castle delivered perhaps the biggest performance of his young career, adding 23 points while providing critical offensive energy throughout the game. Castle’s shot-making and composure helped keep the Spurs within striking distance during key stretches when New York threatened to pull away.
The Knicks were led by Jalen Brunson’s 32 points, but San Antonio’s defensive pressure and timely execution down the stretch proved to be the difference. The victory snapped New York’s remarkable 13-game playoff winning streak and handed the Knicks their first postseason loss since April.
For San Antonio, Game 3 represented more than just a win—it may have saved the series. No NBA team has ever overcome an 0-3 deficit in a playoff series, and the Spurs understood the urgency. Head coach Mitch Johnson described his team’s mentality as “attack mode,” and his players responded accordingly.
Now the pressure shifts to Game 4 on Wednesday night in New York. The Knicks still lead the series 2-1, but the Spurs have regained momentum and confidence. If Wembanyama and Castle continue playing at this level, the 2026 NBA Finals suddenly look far from over.
Series: Knicks lead 2-1
Game 3 Final: Spurs 115, Knicks 111
Next Game: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – Madison Square Garden
