NEW YORK — Victor Wembanyama scored 32 points and helped the San Antonio Spurs rally for a 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night, cutting New York’s lead in the best-of-seven championship series to 2-1. The win at Madison Square Garden gave the Spurs their first victory of the Finals and kept their title hopes alive.
Wembanyama added eight rebounds and six assists in a performance that followed a difficult finish in Game 2, when the Spurs narrowly lost after surrendering a late comeback opportunity. The 22-year-old forward led San Antonio on both ends of the court as the visitors responded after opening the series with two defeats.
Stephon Castle provided additional scoring support, finishing with more than 20 points and contributing key plays late in the game. Other Spurs players also made important contributions as San Antonio improved its defensive intensity and limited New York’s opportunities in crucial stretches of the second half.
The Knicks entered Game 3 carrying a 2-0 series advantage after victories in San Antonio and were seeking to move within one win of their first NBA championship since 1973. However, New York was unable to hold off the Spurs despite playing in front of a home crowd for the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999.
San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson credited Wembanyama’s response after the previous game.
“I’m sure Victor has numerous sources of motivation,” Johnson said after the victory. “I don’t think any of us are surprised or expect anything different than a strong performance.”
The victory also ended New York’s lengthy playoff winning streak and marked a significant turnaround for a Spurs team that had faced mounting pressure after falling behind 2-0 in the series. Wembanyama’s all-around performance included scoring, playmaking and rim protection as San Antonio maintained its composure in the closing minutes.
The Knicks still hold a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals, with Game 4 scheduled to be played in New York. The series remains ongoing, and both teams will return to Madison Square Garden looking to strengthen their position in the race for the championship.
