For Knicks to Win NBA Finals, They Must Solve Their Victor Wembanyama Problem

After a slow 0-2 start, the San Antonio Spurs heated up in Game 3 to inch closer to breaking even with the New York Knicks in this year’s NBA Finals.

One of the most significant factors in the Spurs’ victory on Monday was the defensive effort put forth by San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama, who has reeked havoc on the Knicks’ offense throughout the first three games of the series. And if New York has any hope of bouncing back with a win in Game 4, they must find a solution that allows them to combat the 7-foot-4 behemoth.

According to ESPN Insights, through three games, the Knicks are shooting an abysmal 22% on shots contested by Wembanyama. That worrisome figure includes a 2 for 11 stretch during Game 3, in which New York finished the fourth quarter 0 for 4 on shots contested by the Spurs’ big man.

Perhaps the biggest dud of Game 3, Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, finished the critical matchup with a series-low 11 points on 4 of 10 shooting. His performance was widely criticized after New York dropped its first game since April 23, allowing San Antonio to make it a 2-1 series.

Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson was inefficient in Game 3, recording 32 points but shooting 11 of 25 from the field while turning the ball over five times. Brunson now has as many turnovers as he does assists in the series against the Spurs.

For New York to rebound and get back in the win column in Game 4, Towns and Brunson must lead the charge. OG Anunoby’s 28-point performance was inspiring in Game 3, but the Knicks need their stars to be stars to solve their Victor Wembanyama problem.

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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 1:10 PM.