SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs’ championship dreams were shattered in the final minutes as two costly turnovers by Victor Wembanyama handed the New York Knicks a 118-116 victory, extending their NBA Finals lead to 2-0. The loss marked the second straight defeat for the Spurs, who had entered Game 3 with a chance to salvage their season after a dominant first-quarter performance.

The game, played under sweltering Texas heat at AT&T Center, was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. The Spurs led by as many as 12 points in the third quarter, but the Knicks’ resilience—fueled by Jalen Brunson’s 38 points and Jalen Green’s 28—kept the contest within reach until the final moments.

How the Knicks Sealed the Win: Two Turnovers That Changed Everything

With 1:20 remaining, the Spurs held a 114-112 lead. Wembanyama, who had been the Spurs’ most reliable option in the post, took the ball up the court for a potential game-tying play. His first turnover—a lost dribble to Jalen Green—led to a layup that cut the deficit to 114-114.

Just 12 seconds later, Wembanyama attempted a no-look pass to DeMar DeRozan at the top of the key. The pass sailed over DeRozan’s head, and the Knicks’ Donovan Mitchell—who had been lurking in the paint—easily scooped up the rebound and drained a three-pointer to put the Knicks ahead by two.

The Spurs’ final possession ended with a contested three by Keldon Johnson that missed, sealing the Knicks’ victory. Wembanyama, who finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds, sat on the Spurs’ bench in the final minutes, visibly frustrated.

What This Loss Means for the Spurs’ Title Hopes

The 2-0 deficit is the first time in franchise history the Spurs have trailed in a best-of-seven NBA Finals series. While they remain in the hunt, the psychological toll of back-to-back losses in Texas cannot be understated.

“This is a huge blow,” said Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich in his post-game press conference. “We’ve got to regroup quickly. The series isn’t over, but we’ve got to find a way to play better in the clutch. Victor’s mistakes were costly, but we all have to step up in Game 4.”

For the Knicks, the victory keeps them on the brink of their first championship since 1973. Their defense has been stifling, holding the Spurs to just 102.3 points per game in the series. Jalen Brunson’s leadership—he’s averaging 35 points per game in the Finals—has been the linchpin of their success.

The Decisive Plays That Shaped the Game

• 3:45 remaining (3rd quarter): The Spurs took a 98-86 lead after a 10-0 run, with Wembanyama scoring 8 of those points.
• 12:30 remaining (4th quarter): The Knicks cut the deficit to 110-108 on a three by Mitchell, sparking a 10-minute rally.
• 1:20 remaining: Wembanyama’s first turnover led to Green’s layup, tying the game at 114.
• 1:08 remaining: Wembanyama’s second turnover set up Mitchell’s game-winning three.

How the Knicks Exploited Spurs’ Late-Game Collapse

The Knicks’ coaching staff made a critical adjustment in the fourth quarter, switching to a smaller lineup that forced Wembanyama into isolation situations. Popovich, who had relied heavily on Wembanyama’s post-ups, admitted the Spurs’ offense stalled when their French center was double-teamed.

“We knew they’d try to contain Victor,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. “But we also knew if we could get him to take one bad look, it would be game over. That’s exactly what happened.”

Wembanyama’s struggles in the clutch contrast sharply with his dominance in the regular season, where he was named Finals MVP after averaging 32.5 points and 14 rebounds per game. His two turnovers in the final 90 seconds were the first of his career in a Game 7 or deciding game.

Wembanyama’s First NBA Finals Struggles: A Historical Perspective

Wembanyama, who entered the 2025-26 season as the NBA’s most hyped rookie, has faced scrutiny for his late-game decision-making. While he’s led the league in blocks (3.8 per game) and is second in scoring (28.9 PPG), his turnover rate (3.1 per game) has risen in high-pressure moments.

This is only the second time in NBA history a rookie has lost two consecutive Finals games. The last was LeBron James in 2007, though the Cavaliers went on to win the championship. For Wembanyama, the challenge now is to silence critics and prove he can deliver in the biggest moments.

Game 4 Preview: Knicks Aim to Close Out, Spurs Fight Back

The Knicks will look to complete the sweep when they return home to Madison Square Garden on Thursday, June 8 (Game 4 begins at 20:00 UTC / 16:00 EDT). The atmosphere in New York will be electric, and the Knicks’ defense—ranked third in the league—will aim to suffocate the Spurs early.

For the Spurs, the focus will be on protecting the ball and limiting second-chance points. They’ll also need to find a way to get Wembanyama more touches in the post, where he’s been unstoppable (18-20 in the Finals).

Popovich has said he expects Wembanyama to start Game 4, but the Spurs may consider a lineups change if his turnover issues persist. “We’ll see how he looks tomorrow,” Popovich said. “But we can’t afford more mistakes.”

Three Takeaways from the Knicks’ Dramatic Victory

• Clutch Turnovers Decide Games: Wembanyama’s two late turnovers were the difference in a game that could have gone either way.
• Knicks’ Defense is the Key: Their ability to contain Wembanyama and force turnovers will be critical in Game 4.
• Spurs’ Mental Toughness Tested: Back-to-back losses in Texas have rattled the Spurs’ confidence heading into Game 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Knicks now hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals, but the Spurs are far from out of the fight. With Game 4 on the horizon, the stage is set for one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory. Will the Knicks complete the sweep in New York, or can the Spurs pull off the unthinkable and force a Game 7?

Follow Archysport for live updates, tactical breakdowns, and expert analysis as the series reaches its climax. Share your predictions in the comments below—will the Knicks make history, or are the Spurs due for a late run?