Knicks’ Playoff Winning Streak Ends as Spurs Secure Game 3 Victory
At the NBA Finals in New York, President Donald J. Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend, witnessing the New York Knicks’ first playoff loss in Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs, ending a 13-game winning streak. The Spurs clinched a 115-111 victory.
San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama scored 32 points in the win, acknowledging the rarity of teams recovering from a 3-0 series deficit. This victory places the series at 2-1 in favor of the Knicks, with Game 4 set for Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. This marks the first finals game at the venue since 1999. The Knicks last claimed a championship in 1973.
Wembanyama’s performance stood out with 11 successful shots from 18 attempts, eight rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. Stephon Castle supported with 23 points, including critical free throws, while Dylan Harper added 13 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson achieved 32 points, and OG Anunoby contributed 28. Jordan Clarkson, who was not present in Game 2, scored 10 points from the bench. Karl-Anthony Towns, a central figure in Game 2, completed four out of 10 shots, totaling 11 points.
The game atmosphere intensified with Trump’s attendance, drawing boos from the crowd before he was substituted for a shot of Brunson on the video board. San Antonio initially led the score at 33-22, extending a lead of 12 at one point, but the Knicks rebounded ahead of halftime, largely through Anunoby’s and Brunson’s scoring bursts.
In a competitive third quarter, Harper replied to Clarkson’s 3-pointer, securing a narrow lead. The Spurs maintained their composure, a feat eluding them in earlier games.
Spurs’ Free Throws an Equalizer
Free throws became crucial for the Spurs, especially with Wembanyama drawing fouls for scoring opportunities, which balanced the advantages the Knicks gained via perimeter shooting. This strategy allowed San Antonio to counteract the Knicks’ attempts to regain momentum.
Castles converted all free throw attempts, finalizing the game’s outcome. Harper’s dynamic play helped sustain the Spurs’ transitional state, vital for their maintaining pace against the Knicks.
Turnovers a Factor in Knicks’ Streak Ending
The Knicks’ self-inflicted errors were pivotal in their streak’s conclusion. They committed 13 turnovers, enabling the Spurs to convert them into 21 points, contrasted with the Spurs’ eight turnovers allowing only seven points.
Brunson, a steady performer, experienced struggles with turnovers across the games. The Spurs targeted him effectively, creating conditions that unnerved the Knicks.
Spurs’ Adjustments Bring Results
San Antonio’s adjustments to penetrate the Knicks’ defense showed marked improvement. Shifts away from familiar plays opened Wembanyama for easier scoring, supported by innovative offensive strategies.
Fourth-Quarter Challenges for New York
The Knicks faltered in the fourth quarter despite their previous consistency. This game became the first in several weeks where they could not close as expected, missing key shots and yielding opportunities to the Spurs.
While Brunson and Anunoby made late game scores, they were insufficient to change the tide.
A Win Within a Knicks Loss
Despite logistical challenges from Trump’s attendance, Madison Square Garden’s energy remained vibrant, marking a significant moment as the first finals presence since 1973. Knicks supporters filled the venue, contrasting the scene from prior games at Frost Bank Center.