Victor Wembanyama is the biggest thorn in the New York Knicks’ quest for their first title since 1973, and players and fans experienced that in Game 3 when the visiting San Antonio Spurs secured the victory.
Wembanyama and his teammates cut the series deficit to 2–1 after dropping the first two games at the Frost Bank Center. The French superstar showed how much of a threat he can be on both ends of the floor, scoring 32 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out six assists. He also made his presence felt defensively with two steals and three blocks.
His all-around performance benefited his teammates as well, with the rest of the starting lineup scoring in double figures. Dylan Harper added 13 points off the bench.
The second-best Spurs scorer was Stephon Castle, who finished with 23 points. Wembanyama and Castle also made NBA Finals history, according to ESPN.
CRAZY — Victor Wembanyama & Stephon Castle are the 1st pair of teammates age 22 or younger each to score 20+ Points in an NBA Finals game, per @ESPNNBA
AREA 51. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NanbaVwf0s
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 9, 2026
The Spurs played great. Coach Mike Brown emphasized that. However, it did not help them that his own players were not as fluid like in Game 1 and Game 2 victories. Karl-Anthony Towns, the hero in the first two wins, was contented to 11 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Brunson had 32 points.
Victor Wembanyama on being the new Knicks villain
Knicks fans can be hostile towards the opponents’ best player. Wemby is a great player who can thwart their team’s aspirations.
The Spurs star was asked about being the Knicks’ newest villain but he deflected it saying he is not yet on the same level as Trae Young.
“I’m nowhere near Trae Young level though.” 😂
Wemby on being New York’s newest villain. pic.twitter.com/rq5IHYPZ9R
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 9, 2026
Washington Wizards guard Young became infamous among the Knicks fanbase in the first half of the decade after beating them in the playoffs and engaging trashtalk with the crowd. Young earned that when he was still with the Atlanta Hawks and lead his team in beating the Knicks in the 2021 first round. The banter continued even during regular season games.
The Knicks fanbase never forgets that they even had to mention the four-time All-Star’s name during their Easter Conference Finals series with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wembanyama can only completely become the villain if he wins a series against the Knicks. Fans still have no reason to hate him as the Knicks are still up, 2-1, in the NBA Finals.
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