How Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle Saved Season In Game 3

BusinessSportsMoneyHow Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle Saved Season In Game 3ByMark Medina,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. NBA reporterFollow AuthorJun 09, 2026, 03:51am EDTNEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 08: Victor Wembanyama #1, Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks battle for position during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 08, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe two young stars walked off the court. Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle held their head up high. They also wore a determined expression. The Spurs just salvaged their season with a 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday at Madison Square Garden. That setting could have overwhelmed these young prospects after already struggling on the Finals stage. Instead, Wembanyama and Castle thrived through the circumstances. Pent-up energy spilled out over the Knicks playing in their first NBA Finals home game in 27 years. Fans bought tickets that, on average, cost more than even most Super Bowls. Boos permeated over President Donald Trump’s attendance. His political divisiveness and his presence contributed to prolonged security checkpoints to enter the World’s Most Famous Arena. Pressure mounted over an essential must-win considering an NBA team has yet to overcome a 3-0 playoff series deficit. None of those elements fazed Wembanyama and Castle, though. They showed the best versions of themselves when the Spurs needed them the most. MORE FOR YOUWembanyama posted a team-leading 32 points while shooting efficiently from the field (11-for-18), from 3-point range (2-for-4) and from the free-thro...