After two underwhelming performances at home, the San Antonio Spurs finally found their offensive rhythm in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, defeating the New York Knicks and ending their 13-game winning streak.
Victor Wembanyama once again took center stage, delivering an increasingly efficient performance as the series progresses. The French center scored 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting from the field, with 22 of those points coming either at the rim or from the free-throw line.
The Knicks struggled far more to contain Wembanyama compared to the opening two games of the series. Through tactical adjustments and improved off-ball movement, the Spurs created cleaner scoring opportunities for their star, allowing him easier access to the paint.
San Antonio’s offensive resurgence was also reflected in the statistics. After averaging just 100.5 points per 100 possessions in the first two games, the Spurs scored 115 points on 93 possessions in Game 3, marking their most efficient offensive performance since Game 6 against Minnesota in the Western Conference semifinals.
A key factor behind the improvement was the Spurs’ adjustments in their pick-and-roll execution. By altering player positioning and spacing on the floor, San Antonio neutralized the Knicks’ efforts to disrupt Wembanyama’s rolls to the basket. This not only created easy scoring opportunities for the Frenchman but also generated better shooting looks for his teammates.
Wembanyama remained a constant threat to New York’s defense and, in the closing stages of the game, once again benefited from his strong chemistry with De’Aaron Fox, who set him up for an emphatic alley-oop finish.
The improved spacing and Wembanyama’s effectiveness around the basket also had a positive impact on the Spurs’ three-point shooting opportunities. Of San Antonio’s 34 attempts from beyond the arc, 20 were classified as wide-open looks — a significant improvement compared to the first two games of the Finals.
Although the Spurs failed to fully capitalize on those opportunities, converting just six of their 20 uncontested three-point attempts, the progress in their offensive approach was evident.
With the series still very much alive, San Antonio will look to maintain the same strategy in Game 4. If Wembanyama continues to find space in the paint, the Spurs will have a strong chance of leveling the series at 2-2 before the Finals shift back to Texas.
