Star player Victor Wembanyama scored 32 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-111 victory over the host New York Knicks in the third game of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, New York, Tuesday WIB.
"We've done what we had to do, but the job is by no means done," said the 22-year-old Wemby after the match.
This narrow victory snapped the Knicks' 13-game winning streak in the playoffs. The positive result also allowed the Spurs to narrow the deficit to 2-1 in the best-of-seven semifinals.
In addition to scoring the most points, the 6-foot-2 Wembanyama also had a dominant performance, contributing eight rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals . He emphasized that his team is now playing more seriously, minimizing mistakes and reducing turnovers.
The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was very lively because this was the first NBA Finals game held at the arena since 1999. The crowd's excitement was also marked by boos from supporters who jeered President Donald Trump when his face appeared on the arena's video screen.
Another Spurs player, Stephon Castle, also contributed 23 points, followed by Dylan Harper who added 13 points off the bench.
On the home side, star player Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks with 32 points, followed by OG Anunoby who scored 28 points.
San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson assessed that his players played in an attacking style with greater composure. However, Johnson felt his team still had some areas to improve for the next match.
Meanwhile, Knicks coach Mike Brown acknowledged the superiority of his opponent but criticized the officiating, particularly regarding the significant disparity in free throw counts in the second half. Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the two teams will be held in New York.
