NBA Finals: Victor Wembanyama Rescues San Antonio Spurs in New York, Keeps Finals Alive (115-111)

NEW YORK. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks 115-111 in Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, securing their first series victory and cutting the overall deficit to 2-1. Led by a dominant Victor Wembanyama, who recorded 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, the Texans avoided falling into an almost insurmountable 3-0 hole and restored drama to the championship race.

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The victory ended the Knicks' spectacular 13-game playoff winning streak and guaranteed San Antonio at least a return to Texas for a fifth game.

After two painful home losses, the Spurs took the floor at Madison Square Garden with evident urgency. Wembanyama set the tone from the opening possession, converting the first two baskets for his team with back-to-back dunks that momentarily silenced an arena expecting to move even closer to the title.

San Antonio quickly found offensive rhythm and capitalized on a shaky start from New York. The visitors made nine of their first eleven shots and built a double-digit lead before the first quarter was halfway through. The early dominance was reflected in the 33-22 score after twelve minutes.

The Knicks took time to find their footing, but gradually began to respond. Madison Square Garden's energy emerged when OG Anunoby hit a three-pointer that capped an 11-2 run and brought the home team closer on the scoreboard. From there, the game changed pace.

Driven by Jalen Brunson, New York steadily clawed back and completed the comeback before halftime. A deep three-pointer from the point guard gave the Knicks their first lead of the night as part of a strong offensive stretch that sent the home team to the locker room leading 64-57.

The situation recalled the first two games of the series, where the Knicks had managed to respond in difficult moments. However, this time San Antonio had a response prepared.

The Spurs adjusted their defense after halftime and regained control of the game during the third quarter. Wembanyama reassumed prominence on both ends of the floor, while Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox appeared at crucial moments to sustain the visiting offense.

The game remained tight until the final minutes, a contest that reflected the atmosphere of an NBA Finals played for the first time at Madison Square Garden since 1999.

It was then that Wembanyama emerged once again. The Frenchman scored 10 points in the fourth quarter and led the decisive plays that allowed San Antonio to open a small margin on the scoreboard. Castle delivered the knockout blow with a three-pointer with 1:53 remaining that made it 111-104 and forced the home team to fight an uphill battle.

New York refused to quit. Brunson reassumed offensive responsibility and Anunoby kept the Knicks alive until the final seconds. The small forward himself brought the New Yorkers within two points with a three-pointer in the closing moments.

But this time the Spurs did not let the opportunity slip away. Castle converted two free throws with 6.8 seconds remaining to secure a victory that could change the emotional trajectory of the series.

Wembanyama closed out his best performance of these NBA Finals with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, putting behind him the mistake made at the end of Game 2. Castle was a crucial contributor with 23 points, while Fox appeared with key baskets down the stretch.

For the Knicks, Brunson answered with 32 points and once again led his team offensively. Anunoby completed a strong night with 28 points, though his efforts were not enough to prevent New York's first loss since April 23rd.

The victory keeps alive a Spurs team seeking to become the first team capable of winning an NBA Finals after losing the first two games at home. The series continues Wednesday in New York with a fourth game that could completely even the matchup or leave the Knicks one step away from the championship.