The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks 115-111 in Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, halting New York’s 13-game playoff winning streak and marking San Antonio’s first win in the series. The game was overshadowed by controversial officiating, with the Spurs receiving significantly more free-throw attempts in the second half. Notably, a foul by Victor Wembanyama on Jalen Brunson went uncalled, while Brunson was penalized for a similar infraction against Julian Champagnie. Despite a strong start from the Knicks, who led by seven at halftime, they could not maintain their advantage. The Knicks are currently favored to win Game 4 at Madison Square Garden, with a moneyline of -135 and a point spread of -2.5.
Why It Matters
This victory is crucial for the Spurs as it keeps their championship hopes alive while ending the Knicks’ playoff momentum. The officiating discrepancies highlighted in Game 3 may influence how future games are officiated, particularly given the heightened stakes of the NBA Finals. Historically, the NBA Finals have often featured close and contentious games, and this series is no exception, as both teams are vying for their first title in several years. The outcome of Game 4 could significantly shift the momentum and psychological dynamics of the series moving forward.
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