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NEW YORK (AP) — Victor Wembanyama has secured his first NBA Finals win, propelling the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-111 victory against the New York Knicks,
who now face significant challenges in their quest to end a 53-year championship drought. Wembanyama's impressive performance included 32 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, narrowing the Knicks' lead in the best-of-seven series to 2-1.
As the Spurs strive for a historic comeback in the NBA Finals, Wembanyama's versatility and skill set make their pursuit seem plausible. "I’m sure Victor has numerous sources of motivation," said Spurs coach Mitch Johnson. "I don’t think any of us are surprised or expect anything different than a strong performance." The Knicks suffered their first loss in 46 days, with the game taking place at Madison Square Garden, attended by notable figures including President Donald Trump.With this defeat, the Knicks' 13-game winning streak, the second-longest in NBA postseason history, came to an end, preventing them from moving closer to their first title since 1973. Prior to this game, their last loss occurred on April 23 against the Atlanta Hawks, after which they won three consecutive games against Atlanta, swept Philadelphia, and Cleveland, and won the first two games against the Spurs.
The Knicks' impressive run had generated excitement across New York, with fans engaging in lively watch parties and paying exorbitant prices for tickets, while the phrase "Knicks In Four" became a common expression in various settings. However, Wembanyama and the Spurs disrupted this momentum, marking the Knicks' first home NBA Finals game since 1999 with a defeat.
Wembanyama noted the intensity of playing at home, stating, "At home, it really feels like playing six against five. Here, it feels like five against six. It really shows what teams are made of." Knicks coach Mike Brown expressed concerns regarding the Spurs’ 24-8 advantage in free throw attempts during the second half, emphasizing the competitive nature of the series.
"I tell the guys, it’s a seven-game series for a reason," Brown remarked. "They are a great team. They are well-coached. They have an iconic player. It’s not going to be easy." The Spurs avoided a potentially devastating 3-0 series deficit, a situation from which no NBA team has historically recovered. With the series now at 2-1, the Spurs have the opportunity to tie it in the next game, scheduled for Wednesday.
Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox made crucial late-game shots, contributing to the Spurs' victory. Castle finished the game with 23 points, initiating the Spurs' ambition to become the first team to win the NBA Finals after losing the first two games at home. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points, while OG Anunoby added 28.
Fans faced lengthy lines and heightened security to attend the game, many of whom invested significant amounts for the opportunity to witness this historic matchup. The game unfolded as a thrilling contest, showcasing the return of the NBA Finals to Madison Square Garden after a 27-year absence.
Wembanyama, who had previously faced criticism for a costly turnover in Game 2, played with poise, scoring 10 points in the final quarter to help San Antonio maintain a narrow lead against Brunson's efforts to mount a comeback. The Spurs established an early advantage, with Wembanyama contributing to their first two baskets, and they quickly secured a double-digit lead within minutes of the game starting.
Despite initial frustrations from Knicks fans, the home crowd rallied behind their team as Anunoby’s three-pointer cut the deficit to two points. The Knicks managed to take their first lead of the night on Brunson's long-range shot, concluding the half with a 64-57 advantage. However, the Spurs regained control in the third quarter, extending their lead to 111-104 with a critical three-pointer from Castle.
The Knicks, who had dominated their playoff matches with impressive scoring margins, found themselves struggling in the fourth quarter, unable to recover from a poor start. The atmosphere was electric as a star-studded crowd, including New York sports icons Derek Jeter and Eli Manning, hoped to witness a pivotal moment in the Knicks' championship journey. However, with key players like Karl-Anthony Towns limited and Mikal Bridges facing foul trouble, the Knicks faced challenges in maintaining their previous performance levels.
