Spurs Strike Back! Wembanyama Explodes for 32+8+6+3 Blocks as San Antonio's Six Double-Digit Scorers Topple New York, Series 1-2

On June 9, Beijing time, the Knicks hosted the Spurs for Game 3 of the NBA Finals. After taking a 2-0 lead in the first two games, New York faced a visiting San Antonio team that jumped out to a double-digit advantage in the opening quarter. However, the second period saw a dramatic shift as the Knicks unleashed a series of scoring runs to surge ahead. Entering the second half, Victor Wembanyama dominated on both ends of the floor, helping the Spurs reclaim the lead. In the final quarter, San Antonio built a steady advantage, but the Knicks hit several clutch shots late to nearly steal the game—though time ran out. The final score: San Antonio 115-111 New York, cutting the series deficit to 1-2.

Game Statistics:

Spurs: Wembanyama 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks; Champagnie 12; Vassell 11; Castle 23; Fox 12 and 8 assists; Harper 13 and 9 rebounds

Knicks: Brunson 32 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists; Anunoby 28; Hart 16 and 9 rebounds; Towns 11 and 8 rebounds; Clarkson 10

Game Flow:

First quarter: San Antonio came out strong, opening with a 7-0 run. Hart hit a three to get New York on the board. The Spurs kept rolling, extending the lead to double digits with a 9-3 burst. Hart again answered with a triple to stabilize things. Wembanyama converted an and-one to maintain the double-digit margin. The teams then traded baskets, with the lead hovering around 10. Near the end of the period, Champagnie drained another three to increase the advantage. Mitch Robinson split two free throws, and the quarter ended with San Antonio leading 33-22.

Second quarter: Alvarado opened with a floater, but Bryant answered with a three. Suddenly, the Knicks erupted on an 8-0 run, cutting the deficit to just two points. Castle responded with a layup to stop the bleeding. San Antonio then went on a scoring spree to rebuild their lead. However, New York kept up the pressure, closing the half with a staggering 14-3 run to take the lead. Wembanyama missed a buzzer-beater, and the Knicks led 64-57 at halftime.

Third quarter: The Spurs started with a 6-0 burst to narrow the gap quickly. Brunson hit a mid-range jumper to keep New York ahead. The teams traded blows, with the Knicks holding a slim edge. Midway through the period, San Antonio went on a 9-0 run to leap back in front. Robinson grabbed an offensive rebound and scored to stem the tide. The Spurs maintained control, answering every Knicks score. Clarkson hit a tough triple to tie the game at 89. Harper then sank a three, and Bridges added a pull-up jumper. The quarter ended with the Spurs up 92-91.

Final quarter: San Antonio stayed aggressive, opening with an 8-2 surge. New York kept chipping away, but the Spurs always had an answer, maintaining a roughly five-point lead. Just as the Knicks looked to mount a comeback, Wembanyama swatted a shot off the glass, and Fox followed with a block on Towns. Brunson then hit a clutch mid-range jumper. With two minutes left, Castle nailed an extremely difficult three, giving San Antonio a seven-point cushion entering the final minute. Brunson responded with a triple of his own, cutting the lead to three. Fox then drained a key mid-range jumper that all but sealed the game. Anunoby hit another three to keep the Knicks alive, but too little time remained. Final score: Spurs 115-111 Knicks, series now 1-2.

Starting Lineups:

Spurs: Wembanyama, Fox, Castle, Champagnie, Vassell

Knicks: Brunson, Bridges, Towns, Hart, Anunoby