NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks are currently navigating a high-stakes journey in the NBA Finals. After their last defeat, they didn’t face another loss for over a month and a half. Following their initial setback against Atlanta in the NBA playoffs’ first round, they transformed desperation into dominance, securing 13 consecutive victories. Many of these wins were decisive, marking one of the most impressive postseason streaks in NBA history.
With a 2-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, the Knicks do not require another dramatic turnaround. Recording just two more wins in the remaining games would secure New York’s first championship since 1973. Hence, after losing Game 3, they don’t need a complete overhaul, but they must improve.
“We have a veteran group. Nobody is, so to speak, panicking or anything of that sort. Everyone is disappointed that we didn’t execute and play to our standard. This doesn’t take anything away from San Antonio, but we know we can play better,” said Knicks coach Mike Brown. “We’re eager to hit the court and demonstrate that.”
Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday in a series where the away team has won all three games so far, an occurrence only witnessed once before in NBA Finals history.
The Spurs took command from the start and surpassed the Knicks at the finish, securing a 115-111 victory on Monday. Victor Wembanyama led with 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. Unfazed by a hostile away environment during his first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999, Wembanyama and the Spurs appeared capable of winning a title without undergoing the typical growing pains associated with young teams.
“We’ll see. But I’d bet it’s possible,” Wembanyama commented.
Despite losing their first two games in San Antonio, the Spurs believed they could make history by becoming the first team to win the championship after starting 0-2 at home. This belief stems from having one of the world’s best players and considerable talent surrounding him. The group’s confidence was evident as players did not overemphasize Monday’s success.
“I didn’t want us to become too content with one victory and ease off for the next game. I believe we’ve been confident we’ll win this series since the end of Game 2, and that’s our plan,” said guard Stephon Castle, who scored 23 points.
The Knicks’ first loss since April 23 did not send them scrambling for solutions. They have been consistently seeking improvement, even in their winning stride. “In every game, regardless of the situation, we’re growing as a team. I think we’re learning and improving — obviously before last night. Whatever happens, we’ll stay united. We’ll execute, we’ll be better. That must be our mindset moving forward,” noted Jalen Brunson.
There are areas to address. Karl-Anthony Towns isn’t scoring in the fourth quarter. Wembanyama has found ways to challenge the Knicks’ defense recently, after struggling initially. They need to reduce turnovers and improve defensive play without fouling, regardless of Brown’s thoughts on the Game 3 officiating.
The Knicks have performed well enough to achieve the second-longest winning streak in postseason history. Now, they must quickly recover from a defeat or face Game 5 in San Antonio with the series tied. “We’ve got, what? Thirteen games in a row, 50 days of footage to show what it looks like when we’re at our best. We have great material. We’ll return to our fundamentals, to what makes us great, and get back to work,” Towns added.
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