The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks 115-111 [1] in Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Monday.
The victory prevents the Knicks from taking a commanding lead and halts a dominant postseason run. By winning in New York, the Spurs have shifted the momentum of the series after the Knicks claimed the first two games.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 32 points [2], eight rebounds [3], six assists [3], and three blocks [3]. His performance was central to the Spurs' ability to outscore the New York offense in a hostile environment. The crowd at Madison Square Garden reacted strongly to the Spurs' success, with some fans chanting "f‑k you, Wemby" [4].
Jalen Brunson matched Wembanyama's scoring output with 32 points [2], while adding five rebounds [3] and five assists [3]. Despite Brunson's efficiency, the Knicks were unable to maintain their recent momentum. The loss ended a 13-game playoff winning streak for New York [1].
The result leaves the Knicks with a 2-1 lead in the series [1]. San Antonio now looks to capitalize on this win to narrow the gap as the teams continue their battle for the championship.
The game was characterized by a high-scoring duel between the two stars, Wembanyama and Brunson, who both finished with 32 points [2]. This parity at the top of the box score highlighted the clash of styles between the Spurs' length and the Knicks' guard play.
“The loss ended a 13-game playoff winning streak for New York.”
The Spurs' victory in Game 3 is a critical psychological turning point in the series. By snapping a 13-game winning streak and winning on the road at Madison Square Garden, San Antonio has proven they can execute under extreme pressure. While the Knicks still hold a 2-1 series advantage, the momentum has shifted toward Wembanyama's ability to dominate both ends of the floor against New York's core.
