Victor Wembanyama recorded 32 points, eight rebounds, and six assists to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
The win cut the Knicks' lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven NBA Finals, preventing a 3-0 series deficit for San Antonio.
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Spurs Start Strong, Knicks Rally Back
San Antonio jumped out to an early double-digit lead, making nine of their first 11 shots and leading 33-22 after the first quarter.
New York responded with an 11-2 run, capped by a 26-foot shot from Jalen Brunson, to take a 64-57 halftime lead.
The Spurs regained control in the second half.
After a three-pointer by OG Anunoby brought the Knicks within two points, Stephon Castle sealed the win with two late free throws.
Wembanyama scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, bouncing back from a late turnover in Game 2 that contributed to a Spurs loss.
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The victory ended New York's 13-game postseason winning streak, the second-longest in NBA history.
The Knicks had not lost since April 23, when they fell by one point to the Atlanta Hawks.
"At home, it really feels like playing six against five. Here, it feels like five against six," Wembanyama said.
Mitch Johnson, Spurs coach, added: "I'm sure Victor has numerous sources of motivation.
I don't think any of us are surprised or expect anything different than a strong performance."
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San Antonio now aims to become the first team in NBA history to win the Finals after trailing 2-0.
