Wembanyama and Castle Shine as Spurs Stun Knicks to Cut NBA Finals Deficit

Posted : 09 June 2026

The San Antonio Spurs kept their NBA Finals hopes alive with a hard-fought 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, cutting the series deficit to 2-1.

Despite trailing in the series, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said the team remained confident that sticking to their identity would eventually produce results. That belief was reflected on the court as San Antonio delivered one of their most complete performances of the postseason.

The spotlight belonged to the Spurs’ young core, nicknamed “Area 51,” as Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle made history by becoming the first teammates aged 22 or younger to each score at least 20 points in an NBA Finals game. Wembanyama tied for the game-high with 32 points, adding eight rebounds, six assists, and three blocks, while Castle contributed 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Together, they combined for 55 points to end New York’s 13-game postseason winning streak. Wembanyama also joined franchise legend Tim Duncan as the only Spurs players to score 25 or more points in three consecutive Finals games, highlighting his rapid rise on the biggest stage.

The Spurs played with renewed intensity and structure, attacking the paint, sharing the ball effectively, and registering 28 assists as a team. Six players finished in double figures, with De’Aaron Fox leading the playmaking effort with eight assists alongside his 12 points.

Coach Johnson praised the improved ball movement and composure, noting that the team better trusted its system and made more consistent decisions in attack. He added that while there were still areas to refine, the performance marked a clear step forward compared to earlier games in the series.

San Antonio’s approach reflected the identity built under former coach Gregg Popovich and continued under Johnson, with players emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and trust in their system. Keldon Johnson said the group simply focuses on playing their style, believing it can compete with any opponent.

The game took place under unusual circumstances, with heightened security in New York following the attendance of U.S. President Donald Trump, which caused delays and increased restrictions around Madison Square Garden.

Despite the hostile atmosphere and a loud home crowd expecting a Knicks sweep, the Spurs stayed composed throughout. Castle said the team anticipated New York’s runs and remained united under pressure, stressing that the win does not change the fact that the series is still far from over.

San Antonio’s victory marked only the second time in NBA Finals history that the road team has won each of the first three games, setting up a tightly contested continuation of the series.

Wembanyama and Castle Shine as Spurs Stun Knicks to Cut NBA Finals Deficit

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