Nba Finals, New York Knicks knock out in front of Donald Trump (challenged)
After surprisingly taking a 2-0 lead in the series thanks to their two wins in San Antonio, the New York Knicks in the Nba Finals ran into their first setback right in front of the Madison Square Garden crowd. Indeed, in Game 3, played on the Italian night, the Spurs swept New York, reopening the title race. The series now sees the Knicks ahead 2-1, with game-4 scheduled for June 11.
When the situation seemed compromised after the initial two home losses, San Antonio found a reaction of great character. The Spurs started strong, putting up 33 points in the first quarter and quickly building an 11-point lead. New York, however, did not give up. A triple by OG Anunoby sparked an 11-2 run that brought the Knicks back in touch. Later Jalen Brunson signed the overtaking basket, allowing the hosts to close the first half with a seven-point margin.
In the second half came the guests’ response. Led by an extraordinary Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs regained control of the match until they led 111-104 with just a few minutes to the final buzzer. Stephon Castle then kept his cool from the lunette after a heavy triple, while Anunoby’s concluding basket proved useless for the result.
San Antonio thus prevailed 115-111, winning the first victory of its own final series. Great protagonist was Wembanyama, author of 32 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. For the Knicks, 32 points by the usual Brunson were not enough. The Spurs thus boosted hopes of a comeback, while New York was called upon to react immediately to prevent the inertia of the series from changing direction.
Meanwhile, outside Madison Square Garden, the game was intertwined with the political climate of the moment. Signs with slogans such as “Airball Trump,” a pun inspired by a shot that doesn’t even hit the iron, and “Stop war on Iran” were noticeable among the fans and protesters in attendance. The most repeated chorus, however, was “Knicks in four, Trump no more,” a phrase that combined support for the New York team with protest against the U.S. president.
