For the first time during an NBA Finals, a sitting U.S. president attended a game. President Donald J. Trump, a New Yorker, was present at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3. The final score was 115-111, ending the Knicks’ 13-game winning streak.
Victor Wembanyama played a crucial role for the Spurs, scoring 32 points. No team has overcome a 3-0 deficit in an NBA playoff series, and Wembanyama ensured the Spurs stayed competitive. Despite the loss, the Knicks still lead the series 2-1 and will host Game 4 on Wednesday. This marks the first finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999. The Knicks have not captured a championship title since 1973.
Wembanyama delivered his best performance so far in this series, hitting 11 of 18 shots, grabbing eight rebounds, and contributing six assists along with three blocks. Stephon Castle added 23 points, including important free throws near the end. Dylan Harper also made an impact off the bench with 13 points and nine rebounds.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points, followed by OG Anunoby with 28 points. Jordan Clarkson, who was inactive in Game 2, came off the bench with 10 points for New York. Game 2 star Karl-Anthony Towns was limited to 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting.
The atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden was electric, with chants of “U-S-A!” before the national anthem. When Trump appeared on the video board, boos erupted from the home crowd, to which Trump responded with a smirk. The operator then switched the screen to Brunson.
San Antonio took an early lead with a 33-22 score after one quarter. The Knicks rallied in the second quarter thanks to strong performances from Anunoby and Brunson, taking a 64-57 lead at halftime. Anunoby impressed during his nine minutes on the court in the second quarter, contributing significantly to the Knicks’ offense.
San Antonio regained control in the third quarter, maintaining a slight lead while trading baskets with the Knicks in the final two minutes. Harper responded decisively to a Clarkson three-pointer in the third quarter’s closing seconds, maintaining a tense back-and-forth throughout.
The Spurs held fourth-quarter leads in the previous two home games but couldn’t sustain them. Castle’s three-pointer with under two minutes left in Game 3 placed the Spurs ahead. Despite a late three from Brunson, De’Aaron Fox secured a crucial step-back jumper with 12.2 seconds remaining, solidifying the Spurs’ victory.
Spurs’ Strategy and Knicks’ Turnovers
Free throws played a vital role for the Spurs. Achieving the bonus with over nine minutes left in the game allowed them to capitalize on every foul, resulting in easy points. This strategy gave them an edge over the Knicks’ attempts beyond the three-point line.
Wembanyama effectively utilized his size to draw fouls and turn them into points. This tactic limited the Knicks’ ability to establish offensive momentum. Harper’s rebounding and Fox’s timely plays added to San Antonio’s transition success.
The Knicks’ loss ended their remarkable playoff streak, largely due to turnovers. They had 13 turnovers, resulting in 21 points for the Spurs, while the Spurs had only eight turnovers for New York to score from. Key turnovers by Brunson, who averaged 4.3 per game in the series, highlighted a need for tighter control against a strong Spurs guard defense.
Despite a lively home crowd, the Knicks appeared unsettled at key moments. Their uncharacteristic mistakes could make the series unpredictable if not addressed in future games.
Keys to San Antonio’s Win
San Antonio’s successful adjustments resulted in significant outcomes. Unlike in previous games, they effectively penetrated the Knicks’ defense and found success inside the paint. Setting Wembanyama for lobs and dunks created necessary spacing and scoring opportunities.
Maintaining composure allowed the Spurs to execute their game plan and secure this pivotal win, achieving a significant comeback in the finals.
Challenges for New York
The Knicks stuck to their usual strategies but struggled in the fourth quarter, particularly with shooting accuracy. Despite strong performances by Brunson and Anunoby, they couldn’t close the gap due to poor shooting, going 7 of 27 from the field.
New York now finds itself in a series after trailing the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs’ first round. Sharper execution is necessary to avoid turning this into a more contentious series.
Madison Square Garden’s Impact
The iconic basketball venue, regardless of Trump’s logistical challenges, delivered an intense atmosphere. The game marked a significant moment, as it was the first finals game there since 1973 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite overwhelming Knicks support, this time the energy couldn’t translate to a win.