Knicks Look to Bounce Back in Game 4 as Spurs Chase NBA Finals Equalizer
New York still leads the series 2-1, but San Antonio’s Game 3 win has shifted the pressure heading into a crucial matchup.
The New York Knicks are heading into Game 4 of the NBA Finals with a simple goal: respond quickly.
After suffering their first loss since April, the Knicks remain in control of the series with a 2-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs. But Monday’s 115-111 defeat at Madison Square Garden served as a reminder that the Finals are far from over.
The loss snapped New York’s remarkable 13-game postseason winning streak, one of the longest playoff runs in NBA history. Even so, the mood inside the Knicks camp remains calm.
“We have a veteran group,” head coach Mike Brown said in a media practice session on Tuesday. “Nobody is panicking.”
Spurs Find Their Momentum
San Antonio finally broke through in Game 3 thanks to another standout performance from Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs star finished with 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks, controlling the game on both ends of the floor. Stephon Castle added 23 points as San Antonio earned its first win of the series.
The victory reinforced the confidence that has defined the young Spurs throughout the playoffs. Despite falling behind 0-2 in the series, the team has continued to believe it can fight its way back.
Castle said the players remained confident even after the second loss and still expect to win the series.
What the Knicks Need to Fix
For New York, the focus is not on major changes but on cleaning up mistakes.
The Knicks struggled with turnovers in Game 3 and had difficulty containing Wembanyama, who has become increasingly effective as the series has progressed. Karl-Anthony Towns also failed to score in the fourth quarter, while the team’s defense committed costly fouls.
Another concern has been slow starts. The Knicks have fallen behind early throughout the Finals and were once again forced to play catch-up in Game 3. Players and coaches have emphasized the importance of establishing control earlier in games, rather than relying on late comebacks.
Jalen Brunson said the team remains united and focused on improving.
“No matter what the situation is, we’re going to stick together,” Brunson said after the loss.
A Rare Finals Trend
One unusual storyline has emerged through the first three games: the road team has won every matchup.
That makes Game 4 even more intriguing. The Knicks will try to protect their home court and move within one win of their first NBA championship since 1973, while the Spurs have a chance to level the series before heading back to San Antonio.
With momentum now on San Antonio’s side and New York eager to start a new winning streak, Game 4 could prove to be one of the defining moments of the 2026 NBA Finals.