Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox delivered critical late-game field goals on Monday night as the San Antonio Spurs secured a 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
The win narrowed New York's NBA Finals series lead to 2-1.
>>> Wembanyama's 32 Points Keep Spurs Alive in NBA Finals
San Antonio avoided falling into an insurmountable 3-0 deficit. The Knicks suffered their first loss in 46 days, according to the Associated Press.
The high-stakes matchup drew a capacity crowd that included President Donald Trump.
Castle contributed 23 points for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama recorded 32 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
The French center rebounded from a critical late turnover in Game 2.
He scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to hold off a late rally by New York.
San Antonio opened the contest by hitting nine of its first 11 shots to build a 33-22 lead by the end of the first quarter.
>>> Wembanyama Leads Spurs Past Knicks in Game 3, Series 2-1
New York surged back to command a 64-57 advantage at halftime.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 32 points. OG Anunoby added 28 points.
The defeat was New York's first since April 23 during the opening playoff round against Atlanta.
The contest represented the first NBA Finals game hosted at Madison Square Garden since 1999.
The visiting side regained control during the second half. San Antonio moved ahead 111-104 following a 3-pointer from Castle with 1:53 remaining in regulation.
After a late 3-pointer by Anunoby brought the Knicks within two points, Castle finalized the score line by converting two free throws with 6.8 seconds left.
>>> Spurs Beat Knicks 115-111 in Game 3, Cut NBA Finals Deficit to 2-1
The series continues in New York for Game 4 on Wednesday night. It returns to San Antonio for Game 5 on Saturday.
