The San Antonio Spurs survived the New York Knicks 115-111 to earn their first win in the NBA Finals and cut the deficit to 2-1 on Monday night.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 32 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Stephon Castle added 23 points to hand the Knicks their first loss in 46 days.
New York had their 13-game winning streak, the second-longest in NBA postseason history, snapped and missed a chance to move to the brink of its first title since 1973.
Castle and De’Aaron Fox hit big shots late to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole, which no NBA team has escaped.
On the other hand, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points, while OG Anunoby had 28, who lost for the first time since April 23 in Game 3 of their first-round series against the Hawks.
Wembanyama dunked their first two baskets and had a double-digit lead 41/2 minutes into the game.
The Spurs made nine of their first 11 shots, with the Knicks and their fans frustrated by the referees, and the home team’s and led 33-22 after one.
Anunoby sank a triple to cap an 11-2 surge and ignited the Garden crowd after cutting the edge to 40-38.
The Knicks got their first lead of the game on Brunson’s jumper as part of a big burst to finish the half. New York led 64-57 at the break.
San Antonio went back ahead in the third and led 111-104 on Castle’s long triple with 1:53 to play, and closed the scoring with two foul shots with 6.8 seconds left after Anunoby’s three that cut it to two.
The Spurs can tie the series on Wednesday night and guarantee another game at home, with Game 5 on Saturday.
