Knicks Face Spurs in NBA Finals

The New York Knicks are formidable competitors, and the 2026 NBA Finals are shaping up to be intense.

In Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, the San Antonio Spurs edged out the Knicks with a score of 115-111. The Knicks had been on a 13-game playoff winning streak, mostly in convincing fashion, but the vibe was disrupted by President Donald Trump’s presence at the game, which caused some logistical issues for fans. The Spurs started strong, but the Knicks rallied, scoring 42 points in the second quarter to seize a halftime lead. San Antonio managed to weather a tight second half, putting them 2-1 ahead in the series as they head into the pivotal Game 4.

The Knicks certainly had a chance to extend their series lead to 3-0, and it feels somewhat like a lost opportunity. Still, there’s plenty of basketball left to play. Let’s break down how the Spurs managed to secure their victory and why it’s crucial for the Knicks to win Game 4.

Wembanyama’s Key Plays

Victor Wembanyama had an impressive outing, scoring 32 points while pulling down 8 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists. The Spurs effectively utilized their star center near the basket—eight of his eleven field goals were within the restricted area, many coming from lobs by the Spurs’ guards.

Wembanyama set solid screens, enabling him to slip through and surprise the Knicks late in the game.

When in doubt, just get it to Wembanyama.

Interestingly, Wembanyama’s shooting from the rim has been a mixed bag; he’s made 38% of those shots this year, which isn’t great for a big man, but during the playoffs, that number improved to 44%. He showcased his scoring versatility with a four-point play. Opponents ideally want him to rely on outside shots, but when he decides to attack the basket, that’s when he truly shines. In this game, the Spurs cleverly used him as a finisher, which paid off significantly.

Standing at 7-foot-5, Wembanyama’s reach is an asset; he just needs the ball near him to make a play.

Castle’s Defensive Impact

The Spurs adjusted their defensive strategy in Game 3, which helped contain the Knicks’ offense. Although Wembanyama is touted as a top defender, he had struggles early on against Karl-Anthony Towns. The Spurs assigned Stephon Castle to Towns, allowing Wembanyama to focus on more impactful plays.

Castle, despite being listed as a guard, has the build of a linebacker. His low center of gravity helps him stand firm defensively, and he effectively disrupted Towns’ dribbling attempts. This tactic allowed the Spurs to switch easily in plays involving taller players. Castle’s speed also enables him to pressure while minimizing defensive breakdowns.

Offensively, Castle made his mark by scoring 23 points and adding five assists with efficient shooting. He avoided turnovers, which had been a concern earlier in the postseason. His aggressive approach to the basket, featuring eurosteps, makes him a tough player to keep off balance.

Despite some evident weaknesses in his outside shooting and decision-making, Castle’s ability to drive to the rim is a critical strength, and the Spurs effectively leveraged that during Game 3.

His crucial three-pointer late in the game extended San Antonio’s lead, proving pivotal.

It felt almost surreal, but moments like this highlight the unpredictable nature of the league.

Brunson’s Struggles

Jalen Brunson is undoubtedly a standout player, but his habit of dominating the ball could potentially disrupt team flow. He led the Finals in touches, averaging nearly 100 per game, significantly more than any other player. His average time per touch is also much longer than that of his peers.

Having Brunson be the focal point hasn’t been entirely beneficial for the Knicks. It seems the Spurs encouraged him to take on a starring role in Game 3, and while he scored 32 points efficiently, his defensive mark was concerning.

Less could be more for Brunson; the Knicks need him in clutch moments, not carrying the entire offense throughout the game.

Looking Ahead to Game 4

Currently, the Spurs lead the series 2-1, but the Knicks are poised to make a strong response in Game 4. Several factors are in play:

• Landry Shamet is expected to bounce back after an off night shooting in Game 3, where he made just one of three attempts.
• A review of officiating could balance out any discrepancies in free throw counts, as the Spurs shot significantly more free throws in the last game.
• The Knicks have shown they can force turnovers better than the Spurs have managed, suggesting San Antonio may struggle with ball security again.
• De’Aaron Fox’s performance has been inconsistent. While he made important plays, he’s struggled to maintain that level across games, particularly with his shooting.

Game 4 is set to be competitive, with Madison Square Garden expected to be electric.