Preview of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks: All or nothing for Wemby at the Madison

The San Antonio Spurs are down two games to zero in the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks and are facing the third game in a situation where history has only seen five comebacks from 0-2 in this round: the 1969 Boston Celtics, the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers, the 2006 Miami Heat, the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, and the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks. None of those comebacks occurred after losing the first two games at home.

The third game will be held at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks return with a 2-0 lead and the opportunity to widen the gap in front of their fans.

Before the third game, Victor Wembanyama explained the team's situation: "The key is acceptance... taking a step back and understanding the path behind and the one ahead. In the end, this is all I've wanted, there's no reason to overthink it. I'm made for this."

The San Antonio team arrives after a series in which it has made mistakes on both ends of the court, factors that have contributed to the initial 0-2. In the first two games, the Spurs' performance has shown phases where, by reducing those errors, the outcome could have been different.

On the Knicks' side, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have been two of the main offensive focal points. Towns has created advantages in both scoring and space creation, while Brunson has played a decisive role in the New York team's attack.

In the second game, San Antonio adjusted its defense on Brunson, reducing early help and opting in many instances for individual defense with Stephon Castle, along with changes in off-ball screens for Wembanyama to defend in open spaces. This approach resulted in a series of forced decisions by the Knicks' point guard, who finished with 7 for 25 from the field and 4 turnovers.

Offensively, De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper began to feel more comfortable in the second game, along with contributions from Devin Vassell, aiming to maintain that rhythm in the third game.

One key aspect for San Antonio is the pace of play. The team has shown better performances when increasing the speed in transition, especially in the last quarter of the second game, where they managed to narrow the gap by attacking in defensive mismatch situations.

Another relevant factor is the defense in rotations. At various points in the series, the Spurs' defensive assists have arrived late, allowing open shots or clear penetrations into the paint. Adjusting those rotations will be one of the focal points to monitor in the third game.

• San Antonio Spurs (0-2) vs. New York Knicks (2-0)

• June 9, 2026 | 02:30 CET

• Broadcast: Dazn/Prime

• Venue: Madison Square Garden (NY)

Injuries
Spurs: no reported injuries
Knicks: no reported injuries

Key Points of the Game

Defense on Brunson
San Antonio's defensive adjustment in the second game reduced early help and prioritized individual matchups and changes in screens. The impact was reflected in Brunson's efficiency, although he maintained decisive contributions in the final minutes.

Pace of Play
The increase in transition possessions allowed the Spurs to create advantages in the second game. The use of lineups with multiple ball handlers, including Fox, Harper, Castle, Wembanyama, and Vassell, has been one of the variants used.

Defensive Rotations
Improving assists and coordination in closing out perimeter shots remains a key point to limit the Knicks' offensive production on their home court.

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