Victor Wembanyama’s 32-point masterpiece and De’Aaron Fox’s late-game heroics snapped New York’s historic winning streak, swinging momentum back to San Antonio as the Finals heat up in Manhattan.
For the first time in 46 days, the New York Knicks lost in their 115-111 contest Game 3 battle with the San Antonio Spurs and it was all because of the resilience of San Antonio's biggest player, both literally and figuratively.
Spurs star forward Victor Wembanyama looked like himself again for the first time in the NBA Finals. For two games he was held in check by Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, who was looking like an early MVP candidate for the series.
But Wembanyama's bounce-back 32-point performance and some late game clutch heroics by struggling guard De'Aaron Fox helped to get the Spurs on the board for the first time in the series, which is now 2-1 headed into Game 4.
For more on the much-needed win, Spurs Roundtable writer Jonah Kubicek has a recap of the action.
There were the typical signs of a victory throughout this game. The Spurs turned the ball over only 8 times to New York's 13. San Antonio made more free throws (25) than their opponent attempted (22) and the victors led for 78% of the matchup.
Otherwise, this was a tightly contested game. The largest lead was held by San Antonio but was only a 12-point separation. The Knicks, at one point, held their own 8-point edge and the two teams were evenly matched in many categories like three-point percentage, points in the paint and rebounds.
What led to Game 3's result were points off of turnovers and clutch play. It was a challenge for the Spurs to hold off the surging Knicks in the fourth quarter, which has been a trademark of New York's 13-game playoff winning streak.
Even star guard Jalen Brunson's late-game push was met with a 10-point frame by Wembanyama, helping to keep the distance long enough for Fox's clutch drive-and-score.
It's been all about the road teams so far this series. Game 4 tips off Wednesday evening from Madison Square Garden with a chance for the Knicks to reclaim momentum or for the Spurs to tie up the series.
