Spurs face 0–2 deficit as Wembanyama, Castle prepare for Game 3 in New York
spurs-look-to-regroup-ahead-of-game-3
A frantic finish in Game 2 of the NBA Finals cost San Antonio a chance to level the series, leaving the Spurs trailing the Knicks 2–0 as the matchup shifts to Madison Square Garden.
Rookie center Victor Wembanyama took responsibility for the closing sequence that included a late turnover and two missed three-pointers. “There’s really no reason to overthink it,” he told ESPN. “This is what I’m built for.” Despite the setback, he said the club would not repeat its mistakes.
The Knicks also recognized their good fortune. “You can’t do that to a team that good, give chances like that,” forward Mikal Bridges said to the New York Daily News.
Castle expects to play
Guard Stephon Castle sat most of the fourth quarter after landing on Bridges’ foot but reported significant improvement the next morning. “It feels a lot better than I thought it would,” Castle told the Daily News. His perimeter defense has held Knicks star Jalen Brunson to just 2-for-10 shooting as the primary matchup. San Antonio listed no players on Monday’s injury report, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
Knicks’ scheme challenges Wembanyama
New York’s use of Karl-Anthony Towns at center has disrupted Wembanyama’s preferred spots on the floor. “It’s bringing us into difficult areas,” Wembanyama said postgame. “We’re digging ourselves a hole.” Still, the 7-4 rookie has continued to post strong overall numbers.
Brown’s Popovich connection
Knicks coach Mike Brown, an assistant under Gregg Popovich from 2000-03, joked that he avoided seeking advice from his former boss before the series. “If I asked him for some advice, he’d give me some BS that worked against us,” Brown told the New York Post. He credited Popovich for teaching him the importance of connecting with players and the broader community.
Game 3 is scheduled for Monday night in New York, where the Spurs aim to cut the series deficit in half.
Source: Hoops Rumors
