NBA

When asked about dealing with the pressure of being down 0-2, Wembanyama said that “this is what he’s built for.” He talked the talked and then walked the walk. It was exactly the type of performance the Spurs needed out of their superstar after digging themselves a big hole by dropping the first two games at home. They’ve won on the road throughout the postseason, including Game 7 against the defending champions in the series prior to this one. They did it again, and they’ll need to win at least one more in New York in order to win the series. The Spurs could even the series and reclaim homecourt advantage with a win in Game 4 on Thursday.

Brunson had his best offensive performance of the series, but that added success didn’t result in the Knicks getting another win. It was their first loss since Game 3 against the Hawks in the first round, making it one of the longest winning streaks in postseason history. Even though the streak is over, the Knicks still lead the series 2-1 and hold homecourt advantage in the series. Brunson was still able to make more magical plays at the end of the game, and they’ll need that to continue in Game 4 on Thursday if they want to get their first home win in the NBA Finals since 1999.

Hart got off to a strong start to this game and was pivotal in helping the Knicks stay afloat when the Spurs got off to a hot start and in helping New York take a halftime lead with a late run. However, he only scored three more points in the second half. He was still able to impact the game in other ways, but the hot shooting didn’t carry over. Still, he’ll continue to be one of the most impactful players in this series, even if it doesn’t always result in big scoring nights.

Landry Shamet played the role of offensive hero off the bench for the Knicks in Games 1 and 2, but it was Clarkson that filled that role in this one. He hit some big shots to keep the Knicks close, though it didn’t end up being enough for them to get the win. The veteran scorer is capable of getting hot when needed, but there is no guarantee he continues to produce to this level as the series continues.

Anunoby started this game off hot, scoring 17 points in the first half. He ended up having his highest-scoring performance since the first round, and he came up big late with a three-pointer with nine seconds left to bring the Knicks within two points. Unfortunately, it didn’t lead to a win, but the Knicks still lead the series 2-1, with Game 4 in New York again on Thursday. Anunoby made plenty of impressive shots in this game, and they’ll need that high level shot-making to continue throughout the series.

After seemingly figuring things out by scoring 20 points in Game 2 following a rough Game 1 and subpar series against the Thunder, Fox’s struggles returned in this game. However, he was able to make some plays down the stretch, including a mid-range jumper with 12 seconds left to give the Spurs a five-point lead. They were able to hold on and get their first win of the series. Fox needs to be much better than he has been, so hopefully the 2023 Clutch Player of the Year hitting a big shot late will provide him some momentum moving forward.

The rookie has been incredible throughout the postseason, though he wasn’t able to match his shooting efficiency in this game. It was a rough shooting night for Harper, but that didn’t prevent the Spurs from securing their first win of the series. He’s been important to the team’s success, which isn’t common for a 20-year-old in the NBA Finals. The volume will increase as he ages, which should lead to some incredible fantasy seasons. For now, he’ll look to make an impact in his role as the series continues on Thursday.

In just his second season, Castle has been so impressive, and this was one of his best performances of his first postseason. He seemingly injured his ankle in Game 2, but it was never expected to alter his status for this game, and it certainly didn’t hinder his performance. Castle had a strong outing, and he was able to seal the game with a pair of free throws to give the Spurs a four-point lead late. If the Spurs want to even the series in Game 4 on Thursday, Castle will need to continue to play at this level.

In 267 games with the Hawks in his three and half years as the team’s head coach, Snyder has coached his team to a 132-135 record. Snyder isn’t quite a .500 coach with the team, but Atlanta’s late-season resurgence and playoff appearance after trading Trae Young showed team brass enough to bring Snyder back.

Castle appeared to injure his right leg during the second half of Game 2 on Friday. While he did exit the game shortly after the tweak, the second-year guard was back on the court in the fourth quarter as the Spurs rallied. Based on Castle’s comments on Sunday, he should be a full go for Game 3 as the Spurs look to cut the Knicks’ 2-0 lead in half. “It’s been feeling good,” Castle said. “It feels a lot better than I thought it would initially. Obviously, I had some adrenaline running, kind of once I settled down, I started to feel it. Waking up the next day, actually felt really good.” Castle was not listed on the injury report released by the Spurs on Sunday afternoon, so he’ll take on his usual starting role.