The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks 115-111 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday, evening the series at 2-1. According to game reports, Victor Wembanyama’s 32-point performance helped San Antonio overcome a massive second-quarter deficit to end the Knicks’ 13-game winning streak.
How did the Spurs weather the Knicks’ massive second-quarter run?
The second quarter of Game 3 nearly sent the San Antonio Spurs into a 3-0 series deficit. After building an early 12-point lead, the Spurs watched that advantage evaporate as the New York Knicks orchestrated an incredible scoring burst.
The Knicks scored 42 points on just 23 possessions during that period. This surge turned a Spurs advantage into a seven-point deficit, leaving the San Antonio bench needing more than just a standard timeout to recover.
This wasn’t the first time San Antonio struggled to hold onto momentum this series. The Spurs had previously blown a 14-point fourth-quarter lead in Game 1 and a 12-point second-quarter lead in Game 2. The halftime break proved essential for stabilizing a team that had been reeling.
“It’s like a fight,” De’Aaron Fox said after the game. “A UFC fight, boxing fight, whatever it is. You get hit. You’re wobbly at the end of a round. We gave up 42 points and only scored 24 points in that quarter. It was a break we needed.”
Why was the third quarter the turning point for San Antonio?
The Spurs entered the second half with a completely different energy, producing their best offensive output of the series. They outscored the Knicks 35-27 in the third quarter, utilizing high-efficiency scoring to reclaim control.
San Antonio’s efficiency was staggering during this stretch. They scored 35 points on just 22 possessions, averaging 1.59 points per possession. This offensive explosion was fueled by forced turnovers and quick transition opportunities.
The comeback began with Julian Champagnie, who scored a layup following a flare screen from Victor Wembanyama. Shortly after, Wembanyama delivered a skip pass to Champagnie for a left-wing three-pointer, a play that coincided with a flagrant foul called on Jalen Brunson.
Dylan Harper also played a significant role, coming off the bench to provide much-needed production late in the period. This balanced attack allowed eight different Spurs players to score during the third quarter.
Which players secured the win for the Spurs?
Victor Wembanyama continued his dominant postseason run, finishing the night with 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three blocks. His presence in both the paint and as a playmaker helped solve the Spurs’ previous offensive struggles.
Before Game 3, the Spurs had struggled to find scoring rhythm, averaging an anemic 100.5 points per 100 possessions through the first two games. Wembanyama’s ability to facilitate and finish helped break that pattern.
While Wembanyama provided the foundation, Stephen Castle provided the finishing touches. Castle hit a clutch three-pointer and converted two critical free throws to seal the 115-111 victory.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson emphasized the importance of the team’s mental reset. “Time to time really to catch your breath,” Johnson said, noting the importance of discussing improvements during the break.
Game 3 Statistical Comparison
| Metric | Spurs (3rd Quarter) | Knicks (2nd Quarter) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 35 | 42 |
| Possessions Used | 22 | 23 |
| Points Per Possession | 1.59 | 1.82 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current NBA Finals series score?
The New York Knicks lead the series 2-1.
Who was the leading scorer in Game 3?
Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs with 32 points.
When is Game 4 of the NBA Finals?
Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday at 8:30 ET on ABC.
Will the Spurs carry this momentum into Game 4, or will the Knicks bounce back to take a commanding 3-1 lead? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!
