Knicks fall to Spurs in Game 3, questions arise about Brunson's role
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 3:26 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
The New York Knicks lost 115-111 to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on June 9, 2026. This defeat marked their first postseason loss since April 23. Jalen Brunson scored 32 points, but Stephen A. Smith criticized his decision-making for taking too many shots and neglecting to involve teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns. The Knicks still lead the series 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for June 11 at Madison Square Garden. Analysts suggest that the Knicks need to return to their balanced offensive strategies to regain control.
- •Knicks lead NBA Finals 2-1 following Game 3 loss.
- •Brunson scored 32 points but shot 11-for-25 with five turnovers.
- •Stephen A. Smith criticized Brunson for not involving teammates effectively.
- •New York recorded only 18 assists in the game.
- •Game 4 will take place on June 11 at Madison Square Garden.
- 3:36 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith blames Jalen Brunson for Knicks' Game 3 loss to Spurs
- 3:26 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith Accuses Jalen Brunson Of Chasing Finals MVP As Knicks Fall Short In Chaotic Loss To Spurs
- 3:23 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith blames Jalen Brunson for Knicks’ Game 3 loss to Spurs
"When it comes to the New York Knicks' 115-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith is pointing the finger at Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson. While reacting to the game, Smith blamed Brunson for the loss, saying that he felt like Brunson was playing for stats as opposed to trying to win. Brunson finished the game with 32 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, but he took 25 shots top get there, while no one else on the Knicks took more than 13.
"Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks dropped Game 3 of the NBA Finals at home on Monday, suffering their first defeat since April 23. A win after taking a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series would have swung the momentum dramatically in New York’s favor.
"The New York Knicks remain in control of the NBA Finals at 2-1, but their 115-111 Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs has led to questions about offensive decision-making, particularly from star guard Jalen Brunson. Speaking on ESPN’s…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 3:36 PMStephen A. Smith blames Jalen Brunson for Knicks' Game 3 loss to Spurs
When it comes to the New York Knicks' 115-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith is pointing the finger at Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson. While reacting to the game, Smith blamed Brunson for the loss, saying that he felt like Brunson was playing for stats as opposed to trying to win. Brunson finished the game with 32 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, but he took 25 shots top get there, while no one else on the Knicks took more than 13.
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 3:26 PMStephen A. Smith Accuses Jalen Brunson Of Chasing Finals MVP As Knicks Fall Short In Chaotic Loss To Spurs
Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks dropped Game 3 of the NBA Finals at home on Monday, suffering their first defeat since April 23. A win after taking a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series would have swung the momentum dramatically in New York’s favor.
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 3:23 PMStephen A. Smith blames Jalen Brunson for Knicks’ Game 3 loss to Spurs
The New York Knicks remain in control of the NBA Finals at 2-1, but their 115-111 Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs has led to questions about offensive decision-making, particularly from star guard Jalen Brunson. Speaking on ESPN’s…
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