The New York Knicks played their first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden after 27 years, and it ended in a 115-111 loss. While the Knicks' head coach, Mike Brown, slammed the game officials in the post-game media, his star player refused to deflect blame.

During the post-game presser, Brown ranted about the free-throw disparity in the second half. A reporter later asked Karl-Anthony Towns about Brown's comments, but the Knicks star refused to deflect the blame to the officials.

"That ain't cost us the game," Towns said. "We turned the ball over, didn't execute, didn't do what got us 13 straight wins in a row. That's how you lose a game."

The Knicks had 13 turnovers in Game 3. This is the most turnovers they have committed in this series. They had 9 and 15 turnovers in Game 1 and Game 2, respectively.

However, heavy turnover wasn't the only factor that played a part in the Knicks' loss. They also lacked willingness in ball distribution. Compared to the Spurs' 28 total assists, the Knicks had only 18.

The Spurs were also fantastic on offense, with Victor Wembanyama scoring 32 points, backed by Stephon Castle, who bagged 23 points. Wemby made two blocks alone, along with two steals, keeping the Knicks from scoring as well.

Another top analyst places the blame not on the referees, but on a Knicks superstar.

Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Jalen Brunson for Selfish Game

Jalen Brunson has been the highest scorer for the Knicks in the NBA Finals. However, it wouldn't be that easy to crown him the best player on the team's roster. On Monday, Brunson led his team in scoring, but his shooting struggles continued.

According to Stephen A. Smith, it seemed like Brunson was playing a selfish game because he wanted to win the MVP award.

"I'm shocked to have to say this because he's a superstar... But tonight it looked like he was playing to be an MVP rather than playing to win Game 3," Smith said after the game.

Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points, shooting 11 of 25 shots from the field. He took over 28% of the Knicks' total shots, despite the Knicks players having a more efficient game.

"25 shots in the time that he played. Karl-Anthony Towns only gets 10 attempts, four in the second half...Josh Hart is hitting shots in the first half. He only gets five shots in the second half... OG Anunoby had 28 points on 13 shots. How do you not find OG Anunoby more, considering the level of accuracy and efficiency?"

Brunson has been the Knicks' best offensive player all year long. However, after the first two games, KAT was largely being considered the frontrunner for the MVP award.

He has been efficient despite being matched up against Victor Wembanyama. Towns had also been able to contain Wemby in the first two games.

It was a must-win for both teams. With the Spurs taking Game 3, the pressure has shifted to New York.

Which team are you picking to win Game 4? Post your pick in the comments.

Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Surjo Ray