Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs spoiled New York’s big party Monday by defeating the Knicks 111-115 in the first NBA Finals game in the city since 1999 to cut New York’s series lead to 2-1.
New York had waited 27 years for the NBA Finals. In addition, they faced it with a 2-0 advantage after the duels won in San Antonio (Texas). Madison Square Garden was a party, which even the booed Donald Trump did not want to miss.
Spurs strike first at the Garden
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With the ring slipping through their fingers, the Spurs came out in desperation, owning the start of the game.
It was Stephon Castle’s show, who at halftime had 18 points to Wembanyama’s 15.
Karl-Anthony Towns was again in trouble at times with a very physical game.
The Spurs closed the first quarter with a 22-33 lead that gave reason for hope.
But the Knicks responded with a 42-24 run in the second to go into the break up 64-57.
A small sample of a Knicks with 13 straight victories that are on their way to the title.
Jalen Brunson with a three-pointer with 4:18 left had put the Knicks ahead for the first time at 50-49.
OG Anunoby and Josh Hart shielded Brunson in that near-perfect second quarter for New York (Filed under: Victor Wembanyama revives Spurs).
Spurs come back to life
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The Knicks’ whiplash before halftime could have just about wrecked the Spurs.
But Wembanyama and company returned from the locker room with renewed energy, ready to give their all to hang on to their title chances.
New York’s Julian Champagnie took the reins of the Spurs’ reaction.
While Mitch Johnson gave Wembanyama a long rest to ensure that he would not be too tired for a possible tight finish.
By the end of the third quarter the Spurs were up again, 91-92. All open.
The Spurs scored the first six points of the final quarter.
Opening a small gap that would eventually become unreachable for the Knicks (Filed under: Victor Wembanyama revives the Spurs).
A referee challenge put San Antonio in check
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Everything could have changed when Wembanyama scored a foul-plagued three-pointer to give the Spurs a 10-point lead, maybe 11.
However, the play was disallowed after a challenge by Mike Brown, as the referees signaled a previous foul by Keldon Johnson.
It was one of those plays that change the fate of games, but this time the Spurs withstood the Knicks’ final onslaught.
Gritting their teeth and clinging with all their might to the last chance to stay alive in these Finals (Filed under: Victor Wembanyama revives the Spurs).
Knicks unable to stop Wembanyama
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‘Wemby’ led with his 32 points for the Spurs, who had five other players in double figures to complete the assault on Madison Square Garden.
Castle finished with 23 points, Dylan Harper with 13, De’Aaron Fox and Champagnie with 12 each and Devin Vassell with 11.
For the Knicks, Brunson matched Wembanyama’s 32 points, with 28 from Anunoby and 16 from Josh Hart.
Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 11 points and 8 rebounds.
While Mikal Bridges, who came from scoring 20 in San Antonio, had to settle for just one basket (Filed under: Victor Wembanyama revives the Spurs).
The series is still open
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The Spurs’ victory on Monday is not just about ruining New York’s party.
But also to have closed the door on the sweep the Knicks were dreaming of heading into Wednesday.
The Spurs came out desperately
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Whatever happens at the Garden, the Finals will return to San Antonio for Game 5 this coming Saturday (Filed under: Victor Wembanyama revives Spurs).
With information from EFE
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