NEW YORK — The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks 115-111 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, cutting the Knicks' series lead to 2-1.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists, according to official statistics. Stephon Castle added 23 points for San Antonio. Jalen Brunson scored 32 points for the Knicks, while OG Anunoby contributed 24 points, reports from the game showed.
The Spurs trailed at halftime but mounted a comeback in the second half. Stephen Castle hit a clutch three-pointer and two free throws in the final minutes to secure the victory, ending the Knicks' 13-game winning streak, NBA officials and multiple outlets reported.
The game took place in front of a capacity crowd at Madison Square Garden. President Donald Trump attended as the first sitting U.S. president to be present at an NBA Finals game, according to reports.
Wembanyama, the second-year standout, played 39 minutes and added three blocks and two steals. He has been a focal point for the Spurs throughout the playoffs.
"At home, it really feels like playing six against five. Here, it feels like five against six," Wembanyama said after the game, according to statements reported by multiple outlets. "It really shows what teams are made of."
The Spurs improved to 1-2 in the best-of-seven series. The Knicks had won the first two games in San Antonio. Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, officials said.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praised his team's execution. "I thought we showed better poise at times," he said, according to postgame coverage.
Knicks coach Mike Brown noted the competitiveness of the matchup. "It's a seven-game series for a reason," Brown said. "They are a great team."
The Spurs shot better in key moments in the second half and earned a significant advantage in free throw attempts, though exact figures varied slightly across reports. Both teams committed turnovers in a tightly contested fourth quarter.
The series now shifts focus to Game 4, with the Knicks still holding home-court advantage. Full details on player availability and adjustments for the next game remained unclear immediately after the contest, according to team statements. Officials said ticket sales and broadcast preparations for the remainder of the series are proceeding as planned.
