The Spurs defeated the New York Knicks 115-111 in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks still hold a 2-1 lead in the series. After the game, Victor Wembanyama gave a short courtside interview.

The video shared by X user @ohnohedidnt24 captured the short interview on the court. The interviewer asked the star center what had changed in their late-game execution after criticism following Game 2. His answer was short and direct.

"Less mistakes, more control." That was Wembanyama's entire answer. He said it during the ABC/ESPN broadcast coverage. Those four words ended up describing the entire Game 3 for the Spurs.

The quote points to the struggles of the first two games. San Antonio committed only 8 turnovers in Game 3. Wembanyama personally had just  1 turnover in 39 minutes after having 6 in Game 1 and 4 in Game 2. 

Game 3 also showed what more control looks like. The Spurs blew a 14-point second-half lead in Game 1. In Game 2, a late turnover and a missed game-winner cost them the victory. 

However, in Game 3, the Knicks scored 42 second-quarter points and led by seven at halftime. But the Spurs stayed and responded with 35 points in Q3, and closed the game in their favor.

Wembanyama posted 32 points on 11/18 FG (61.1%). He added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks alongside his 1 turnover. This was his most controlled Finals performance. 

The star's focus on execution showed a shift for the entire roster.

Spurs Finally Played the Way They Had Been Trying To All Series

The Spurs finished the night with 28 assists to the Knicks’ 18. They displayed better ball movement and stronger defensive communication. 

Stephon Castle recorded 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. He hit a clutch three-pointer late in the game and knocked down the game-sealing free throws.

Castle and Wembanyama became the first teammates age 22 or younger to both score 20 or more points in an NBA Finals game.

The victory successfully ended New York's 13-game playoff winning streak. The series remains in the Knicks' favor, but Game 3 has clearly shifted the momentum in favor of the Spurs. 

The series will now head to Game 4. Do you think this momentum shift will turn the series into a seven-game battle?

Read more at Air Jordan Chronicles! 

Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi