The San Antonio Spurs lost Game 2 of the NBA Finals in the closing moments, and much of the blame was placed on Victor Wembanyama, who committed two costly mistakes that led to the 105-104 loss. He turned the ball over to New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson and then sent him to the free-throw line with a foul.

Brunson made one of three free throws, giving his team the lead and ultimately securing the victory.

It was a different story in Game 3, as the Spurs won 115-111 to cut the series deficit to 2-1. Wembanyama played an outstanding game, finishing with 32 points. The Spurs’ late-game execution was also much improved, allowing them to protect their lead through heads-up play.

Wembanyama praised two teammates who played key roles in that effort. Stephon Castle hit a clutch three-pointer with less than two minutes remaining to extend the Spurs’ lead to seven. However, the Knicks responded when Jalen Brunson knocked down a three-pointer to trim the deficit to three with 33 seconds left.

De’Aaron Fox then scored on a two-pointer to restore a five-point cushion, but OG Anunoby made it a one-possession game again, 113-111, with nine seconds remaining.

Castle was fouled and converted both free throws, and the Spurs played solid defense on the final possession to seal the victory.

Victor Wembanyama praises Castle and Fox

Wemby was not put in a place to make mistakes and that is thanks to his teammates who stepped up. He praised Castle for being one of the more mature players in the squad.

Wemby on Steph Castle:

“He might be the most mature player on our team, and he’s nowhere near the oldest, and he’s been in big games before. He’s been in big games before the NBA. I’m not surprised by this, and he’s shown over and over again that he’s capable and that we are…

— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) June 9, 2026

He also spoke highly of the trust level he has with Fox.

“It’s not even a question, that’s his identity. The trust is just complete,” he said when asked about relationship with Fox.

“We know it’s reliable, as reliable as they get.. he brings everything we need.”

The Spurs will need more of these dynamics come Game 4 as the Spurs try to prevent a 1-3 hole.

Gregg Popovich is no longer the San Antonio Spurs’ head coach, having stepped down in May 2025 and ending an illustrious 29-year stint with the team. He decided to leave the Spurs bench after suffering a mild stroke in November 2024.

He remains connected with the team, however, and players credit his advice and guidance as one of the reasons for their development. The Spurs enjoyed some success during their playoff run as a young team, but they now find themselves in a must-win situation.

The five-time NBA champion coach, all of those titles coming with the Spurs, made sure to put the team in the right mindset before they headed to a crucial Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. Guard Stephon Castle said Popovich sent them a message before they flew to New York.

Popovich told them that they were still in a position to win a game and that was what they needed to keep in mind.

“We talked to Pop before we flew down here. Pretty much his message was, ‘Just let the last two games go. It happened. They were very winnable games,’” Castle told reporters on Sunday.

“We felt like we gave them those games. ‘You guys let those go. Focus on the next one.’ I feel like the next game is the most important game in the series. So, we’re trying to come into that game and win it.”

Gregg Popovich misses coaching

The players miss Popovich. His decision to step down came suddenly.

He hasn’t said much about retirement or the missed opportunity to coach a promising young group, but according to his friend, he misses being on the sidelines.

Antonio Daniels shares a conversation he had with Coach Pop in the suite during Game 1:

“We watched the game tonight in Pops suite with him. I asked him tonight ‘Do you miss it?’ And he said ‘You have no idea how much. I wish I was down there right now!’

(Via Game Over) https://t.co/1DCaPC9NAOpic.twitter.com/cWjkfiuLf4

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) June 5, 2026

Popovich is regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the NBA. He won five championships, all during the era of Tim Duncan. He was named Coach of the Year three times and is honored as one of the Top 15 coaches of all time.