New York’s championship hopes took a hit Monday night after a 115-111 loss to San Antonio in Game 3, but analysts say the series remains far from over.
Radio Catskill’s Ronald Kelson and WIOX’s Mark Birman pointed to a dominant performance by San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama as a key factor in the defeat. Wembanyama scored 32 points and controlled the paint, while the Knicks struggled offensively, missing open 3-pointers and failing to generate the ball movement that fueled their recent winning streak.
Birman said New York needs to make tactical adjustments ahead of Game 4, including finding ways to counter San Antonio’s defensive pressure on Jalen Brunson and getting Karl-Anthony Towns more involved in the offense.
World Cup Favorites and Surprise Contenders
The FIFA World Cup kicks of in the United States tomorrow. Birman identified France and Spain as the tournament favorites, while noting that Portugal, Norway, Ecuador and several African nations could emerge as surprise contenders. He said the expanded 48-team format, which includes wild-card berths for some third-place finishers, could create new opportunities for underdog teams to advance.
Game 4 between the Knicks and Spurs is scheduled for Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, while the U.S. men’s national soccer team opens World Cup play Friday against Paraguay.
Image: San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots as New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defend during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 8, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)