Devin Vassell Stays Confident as Spurs Face 2-0 Finals Deficit vs Knicks
Despite trailing the NBA Finals 2-0, Devin Vassell believes the Spurs remain firmly in the fight and says the team is focused on making adjustments one game at a time.
- Glenn Catubig
- 3 min read
The San Antonio Spurs enter Game 3 of the NBA Finals in a difficult position, trailing the New York Knicks 2-0 after dropping both games at home. The start to the series has surprised many observers, particularly given the Spurs’ strong postseason run and the advantage of opening the Finals in San Antonio.
New York, however, has played with urgency and composure in pursuit of the franchise’s first championship since 1973. The Knicks have capitalized on key moments late in games, while the Spurs have been left to reflect on missed opportunities that could have changed the series.
Despite the early deficit, San Antonio’s players are not projecting panic. Forward Devin Vassell emphasized the team’s confidence ahead of Game 3, pointing to the narrow margins that separated the two teams in the opening contests.
As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden, the Spurs are attempting to balance realism with belief. History presents a daunting challenge, but the locker room remains convinced the Finals are still within reach.
1. Missed Chances Loom Large
The Spurs’ frustration stems from how competitive the first two games were. In Game 1, San Antonio lost 105-95, but there were stretches where the team looked capable of controlling the contest. Victor Wembanyama delivered a strong performance, continuing to show why he is already one of the league’s most impactful players. Rookie Dylan Harper also impressed, displaying poise and confidence in a high-pressure environment. Game 2 may have been even more painful for the Spurs. San Antonio had opportunities to seize control late, but a critical turnover by Wembanyama in the closing moments proved costly. A missed chance at a game-winning shot followed, and the Knicks escaped with a one-point victory. For a team built around execution and composure, those late-game moments have become the defining storyline of the series so far. The Spurs know they have competed well enough to win, but they also recognize that the Finals are often decided by a handful of possessions.
2. History and Opportunity Collide
The road ahead is undeniably challenging. Only five teams in NBA Finals history have erased a 2-0 deficit to win the championship, underscoring how difficult the situation has become for San Antonio. The challenge is even steeper considering the location of the losses. No team has ever come back to win the Finals after dropping the first two games at home, making the Spurs’ task historically unprecedented. Still, the roster believes it has the talent to respond. Wembanyama remains the centerpiece of the franchise, while players like Vassell provide two-way versatility and experience that could become critical as the series progresses. For San Antonio, the immediate goal is simple: win Game 3 and shift the pressure back onto New York. A victory at Madison Square Garden would not erase the deficit, but it would revive the series and reinforce the belief that the Spurs’ confidence is more than just optimistic talk.