It\u2019s almost hard to remember this feeling.<\/p>\n
The Knicks faltered for the first time since April 23. Forty-five days of euphoria across New York City as the Knicks rode a remarkable 13-game winning streak.<\/p>\n
But there would be no 46th day.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been such a long time since the Knicks had a hiccup. Since they fell to an early deficit that they couldn\u2019t overcome. Since they had to experience disappointment.<\/p>\n
Since any sort of doubt has crept in, even if ever so slightly.<\/p>\n
Jalen Brunson drives to the basket against the Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on June 8, 2026 at Madison Square Garden. Jason Szenes for the New York Post<\/p>\n
Madison Square Garden was an event even more exclusive than the Met Gala. The celebrity list \u2014 including President Trump \u2014 was so long it was almost comical. It was on the verge of fully erupting like so many had envisioned. It had the potential to be a party the likes of which the arena and city have rarely ever seen.<\/p>\n
But the Spurs came in and spoiled the fun. The Garden Party will have to wait at least two more days, as the Knicks fell 115-111 Monday night and saw their Finals lead cut to 2-1. The road team has won all three games of the series.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve done our best to try to learn from wins over the past couple weeks,\u201d Jalen Brunson said. \u201cBut now we have to learn from a loss.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brunson\u2019s 3-pointer cut the deficit to three points with 33.7 seconds left. The possibility for more late-game magic was there.<\/p>\n
De\u2019Aaron Fox responded with a bucket to put the Spurs back up five, however. OG Anunoby\u2019s subsequent 3-pointer made it a two-point deficit with 9.4 seconds left, but Stephon Castle, after the Knicks fouled him, hit both free throws to restore the Spurs\u2019 two-possession lead.<\/p>\n
That was that.<\/p>\n
The Spurs were physical with Jalen Brunson. Jason Szenes for the New York Post<\/p>\n
In truth, the Knicks deserved to lose. They outscored the Spurs by 18 in a record-breaking second quarter (their 42 points were the most they\u2019ve ever scored in a quarter in the Finals), but across the other three quarters were outscored by 22 points. Their perimeter defense was too loose. They had too many turnovers, many of which were unforced. Their offense grew stagnant.<\/p>\n
It was the most points they\u2019ve given up this postseason.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe weren\u2019t as connected as we normally are,\u201d Anunoby said. \u201cWe had some mental mishaps and allowed some easy buckets.\u201d<\/p>\n
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns rebounds the ball away from San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper in the second quarter of NBA Finals Game 3 on June 8, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg \/ New York Post<\/p>\n
Victor Wembanyama finally had his Finals coming-out party. He had 32 points along with eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks. He finished off a few alley-oops in which he used his 7-foot-4 frame and simply skied over Knicks defenders. He clearly made it a point to operate in the paint more than he had in the first two games of the series, and it worked. He owned his matchup with Karl-Anthony Towns.<\/p>\n
Brunson got almost no help in the fourth quarter outside of Anunoby \u2014 they had a combined 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting in the period, but their teammates combined to score two points and shoot 1-for-16. Brunson finished with 32 points on 11-for-25 shooting.<\/p>\n