Full Breakdown
Spurs End Knicks' 13-Game Playoff Run with 115-111 Game 3 Win
6/10/2026, 4:01:38 AM
Game 3 Overview
On June 8, 2026 the San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks 115-111 at Madison Square Garden, cutting the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. The Spurs opened with a 33-22 first-quarter lead, survived a 42-24 Knicks surge in the second, and reclaimed the edge in the third. Stephon Castle’s three-pointer with 1:53 left and two free throws in the final seconds secured the win.
Key Performances & Statistics
Victor Wembanyama posted 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks; Castle added 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. For New York, Jalen Brunson scored 32 points on 11-of-25 shooting, OG Anunoby 28, Karl-Anthony Towns 11. The Spurs were 25-for-32 (78 %) at the line versus the Knicks’ 18-for-22 (82 %); in the second half they attempted 24 free throws to the Knicks’ eight. Turnovers favored San Antonio 21-13.
Series Impact
The win ended the Knicks’ 13-game postseason streak, the second-longest in NBA history, and avoided a 0-3 deficit for the Spurs. It was the second time a road team has won the first three Finals games, shifting momentum before Game 4 in New York.
Official Statements
Mitch Johnson: “We don’t know nothing else.” Wembanyama: “At home, it feels like playing six against five. Here, it feels like five against six.” Castle: “I expect us to win the next three.” Mike Brown: “I never thought I would be in NBA Finals and see a team get 24 free-throw attempts in the second half to a team’s eight.”
Criticism & Opposition
Brown criticized the Knicks’ execution, citing 13 turnovers and an offense, and said the team “didn’t do what we’ve been doing for 13 straight wins.” He also questioned the officiating, the free-throw disparity, as a factor in the loss.
On-the-Ground Report
President Donald Trump attended in a suite with Knicks owner James Dolan, prompting Service and NYPD security. The crowd’s reaction to Trump’s appearance during the anthem was mixed, with boos and cheers. The hostile environment intensified physical play but did not affect the Spurs’ composure.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Wembanyama’s block total (two versus three) and on the exact free-throw split (some list a 24-8 second-half disparity, others cite a 25-for-32 overall rate). No clarification has been issued.
Verbatim Quotes
“I expect us to win the next three,” — Stephon Castle, Guard, Spurs
“At home, it really feels like playing six against five. Here, it feels like five against six,” — Victor Wembanyama, Forward, Spurs
“The hardest is yet to come.” — Victor Wembanyama, Forward, Spurs
“I never thought I would be in the NBA Finals and see a team get 24 free throw attempts in the second half to another team’s eight,” — Mike Brown, Head Coach, Knicks
