NBA FINALS: Spurs get on board, beat Knicks in Game 3

Sports

NEW York’s 13-game winning streak is over. Their first NBA Finals game at home since 1999 was a loss.

And all of a sudden, San Antonio is back in the thick of things.

The Spurs avoided falling into the deep 0-3 hole after beating the Knicks, 115-111, in Game 3 of their best-of-seven title showdown on Tuesday (Philippine time), June 9, at the Madison Square Garden.

After losing the first two games of the series at home, San Antonio put up a tough stand in front of a hostile crowd that included US President Donald Trump, rallying within 1-2 in the series with a chance to even things up in Game 3 slated Thursday, June 11.

Game 3 will still be played in New York.

Victor Wembanyama collected 32 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, Stephon Castle fired 23 points as all Spurs starters scored in double figures to secure the critical victory.

Castle delivered crucial baskets for San Antonio. He sank a three-pointer that shoved the Spurs to a 111-104 lead with only 1:53 left then dropped two free throws after New York moved within 111-113 with 9.4 seconds to go.

New York battled back from a 22-33 deficit by outscoring San Antonio in the second period, 42-24, and led at the half, 64-57.

San Antonio responded with its own big run, outscoring New York in the third, 35-27, to wrest the upper-hand, 92-91, going into the final period.

The Spurs made a living from the free throw line in the second half. They took 24 free throw attempts in the final two quarters while the Knicks only had 8.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points while OG Anunoby put in 28.(CCM)