Landry Shamet Credits Spurs' Physical Play After Knicks Drop Game 3 Finals

The New York Knicks entered Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals with an opportunity to seize complete control of the championship series. Holding a 2-0 lead and playing with momentum, the Knicks appeared to have the upper hand against a young San Antonio Spurs team searching for answers.

Instead, the Spurs responded with urgency. Facing the possibility of falling into a 3-0 hole, San Antonio delivered one of its most determined performances of the postseason, earning a 115-111 victory at Madison Square Garden and cutting the series deficit to 2-1.

The loss served as a wake-up call for New York. While the Knicks remained in a favorable position overall, they were unable to match the intensity and physical approach that San Antonio brought throughout much of the contest.

Following the game, Knicks guard Landry Shamet offered a candid assessment of the outcome. Rather than searching for excuses, he openly credited the Spurs for their effort, acknowledging that San Antonio set the tone from the opening tip and earned the victory.

1. Spurs Set The Physical Tone

According to Shamet, the difference in Game 3 began with San Antonio’s approach. The Spurs entered the contest knowing their season could effectively be on the line, and they played with the urgency expected from a team facing such circumstances. From the early minutes, San Antonio appeared more aggressive on both ends of the floor. The Spurs attacked the basket, battled for loose balls, and consistently challenged New York’s rhythm. Their physical style prevented the Knicks from establishing the same flow that had helped them win the first two games. Shamet pointed to the adjustments made by San Antonio as another key factor. The Spurs adapted after their earlier losses and found ways to put pressure on New York throughout the game. Their willingness to initiate contact and dictate the pace helped them gain confidence as the contest progressed. The Knicks remained competitive until the final minutes, but San Antonio’s energy level proved difficult to overcome. For New York, the challenge now becomes matching that intensity when the teams meet again in Game 4.

2. Wembanyama And Castle Lead The Charge

The Spurs’ victory was fueled by strong performances from their emerging stars. Victor Wembanyama once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the league’s brightest talents, delivering a complete performance on basketball’s biggest stage. Wembanyama’s impact extended far beyond scoring. His ability to influence the game as a scorer, rebounder, playmaker, and defender helped stabilize San Antonio during critical moments. Whenever the Knicks threatened to regain momentum, the Spurs star found a way to respond. Alongside him, Stephon Castle continued his impressive postseason run. The rookie guard produced one of the best performances of his young career, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block while shooting efficiently from the field. Castle’s performance earned praise from Wembanyama after the game. The Spurs star highlighted Castle’s maturity and leadership qualities, noting the trust the organization has developed in the young guard. Those traits were evident throughout Game 3 as Castle delivered key plays during several crucial stretches.

3. Knicks Focus On The Response

For New York, the defeat represented a missed opportunity but not a devastating setback. The Knicks still lead the series and remain in a strong position to move closer to a championship with a victory in Game 4. Shamet’s comments reflected a mindset focused on accountability rather than frustration. He recognized that the Spurs outperformed the Knicks in several important areas and emphasized the need for New York to improve immediately. The veteran guard endured a difficult shooting night himself, scoring three points while making just one of eight attempts from the field. Despite his struggles, Shamet’s willingness to acknowledge San Antonio’s performance highlighted the respect both teams have developed during the Finals. As the series continues, the pressure shifts toward both sides. The Spurs now have an opportunity to even the matchup before returning home, while the Knicks must demonstrate they can respond to adversity after suffering their first loss of the championship round. The outcome of Game 4 could significantly influence the direction of the series moving forward.