Knicks fans can put away their brooms.

Facing a must-win to avoid the dreaded 3-0 hole, the San Antonio Spurs beat the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, 115-111, snapping the Knicks’ 13-game playoff winning streak and cutting their series lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Before tip-off, Brooklynites Jennifer and David — who were among the Knicks fans at a packed watch party at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg — told Brooklyn Paper they were confident the Knicks would sweep the Spurs after taking a 2-0 lead with wins at the Frost Center in San Antonio in Games 1 and 2.

“We’re gonna win, and we’re gonna win in four. The parade is on Friday,” Jennifer told Brooklyn Paper, with David adding, “Have you not seen what’s going on? Look at how they’re playing; they got it, and we got Brunson.”

Brooklynites Jennifer and David react during a Knicks watch party at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg, where fans gathered ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann

A group of Knicks fans from Rockland County and New Jersey traveled to Brooklyn because they said the atmosphere was calmer than in Manhattan.

“Manhattan is really packed right now. It’s just better for us to be out here than being in that madness, and right now, because of Trump, it’s even worse,” Knicks fan Chris said, referring to tightened security around Madison Square Garden with President Trump attending Game 3.

He said he was confident the Knicks would win the NBA Finals 4-0, saying the momentum the team built had energized its fan base.

“They’re riding high. Now that they’re in New York, it’s just like that energy’s gonna be amplified, so they’re gonna win,” Chris said.

His friend, Rockland County resident Jaden, was the only one in the group to predict the Spurs would win at least one game.

“But we got it at the end of the day, for sure. The Knicks, baby,” Jaden said.

A packed crowd of Knicks fans fills Brooklyn Bowl for Game 3 viewing.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Knicks fans pack Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Knicks fans cheered on the Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann

The Spurs led 33-22 after the first quarter, but the Knicks found their footing and led 64-59 at halftime. Fans were still jubilant about the prospect of sweeping the five-time NBA champions from the Alamo City.

Brooklyn resident Knowledge was pleased with the Knicks’ play in the first half.

“Spurs came out with intensity, like they were supposed to. They played desperately, and they jumped to a real quick lead, but they don’t have the patience and the experience to maintain the lead, which led the Knicks right back in the game,” Knowledge told Brooklyn Paper, predicting the teams would be more physical in the second half.

“The refs are gonna try to get more control of the game, they’re gonna start calling a little bit tight again, but that’s gonna work out to the Knicks’ favor,” he added.

A crowded Brooklyn Bowl watch party shows strong support for the Knicks during Game 3.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Knicks fans celebrate early momentum during a watch party in Brooklyn.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann

However, in the second half, fans’ jubilation and hopes for a sweep turned to frustration as the Knicks struggled to keep the Spurs in check. Spurs star forward-center Victor “Wemby” Wembanyama finished with 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while point guard Stephon Castle added 23 points, five assists and five rebounds. Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson scored 32 points, and OG Anunoby added 28.

Micah said he was frustrated by some of the referees’ calls, pointing to the Spurs’ 24 free throw attempts in the second half compared with the Knicks’ eight. Still, he remained confident the Knicks would go all the way and win their second NBA title after a 53-year drought.

“I think the Knicks have the better team. I think the Spurs tonight had the better refs,” Micah said. “It seemed like the Spurs were getting all the calls they wanted, and the Knicks were getting none. It just seemed like the refs wanted the Spurs to win; it just seemed very one-sided.”

Knicks supporters cheer as they watch Game 3 of the NBA Finals in Williamsburg.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Knicks supporters cheer as they watch Game 3 of the NBA Finals in Williamsburg.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Fans respond emotionally as the Spurs close the gap in Game 3.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Fans respond emotionally as the Spurs close the gap in Game 3.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Hopes for a sweep gave way to frustration as the Spurs controlled the second half and pulled away to win Game 3 over the Knicks.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann