The San Antonio Spurs staved off elimination with a 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, snapping their opponents' 13-game win streak and shifting momentum back to Texas. After the Knicks stole the first two games on the road, Victor Wembanyama delivered a commanding performance with 32 points on just 18 shots while anchoring both ends of the floor.

Wembanyama's shot selection proved decisive—he averaged just 10.6 feet from the rim in Game 3 compared to 17.3 feet in Game 1. The Spurs' offensive rating skyrocketed to 123.7 after managing only 100.5 points per 100 possessions through the first two games. Stephon Castle complemented Wembanyama's dominance with 23 points on 14 shots, and the duo combined for 55 points—their highest output in any non-overtime playoff game.

San Antonio's tactical adjustment proved just as crucial as their star players' execution. Coach Mitch Johnson inserted rookie Dylan Harper into the starting lineup alongside three other guards, creating a perimeter-heavy unit that maximized spacing around Wembanyama. The Spurs' ball security also improved dramatically, committing just eight turnovers—their postseason low.

With Games 4 and 6 still scheduled for Madison Square Garden, the Knicks maintain home-court advantage despite this setback. However, the Spurs demonstrated they can solve New York's defensive schemes when Wembanyama operates closer to the basket and receives consistent screening support.