Victor Wembanyama finally helped the San Antonio Spurs steal a win as they avoided a 3-0 series deficit with an 115-111 victory against the New York Knicks on Monday.
The Spurs made their way to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, down 0-2 in the series after two home losses. It was essentially do-or-die, because teams that win the first two Finals games have an 86.5% chance of winning the title. The Spurs knew they had to win the pivotal third game, but walking into the iconic MSG was never going to be easy.
Wembanyama, who missed a game-winner in Game 2, came out with urgency from the tipoff. He delivered under pressure for most of the night, finishing with a team-high 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, along with three blocks and two steals.
Among the many celebrities at the game, Cardi B was also in attendance. The NYC native was the halftime show performer on the biggest stage. She was present with her son, watching the Knicks lose their battle against Wembanyama. This was her first real hands-on experience watching him play.
At 7-foot-4 and 234 lbs, Wembanyama is a hard guy to miss. And the Grammy Award-winning rapper had nothing but good things to say about him.
“Wemby in person really looks like a giraffe,” she said on Instagram Live after the game. “He is so tall. I’ve never seen somebody so tall before. It’s like, wow. It was pretty cool. It was pretty cool.”
The 22-year-old has been dominant, limiting scoring chances for New York with highlight-reel performances, giving him a league-leading 10.6 rebounds, along with 3.5 blocks during the postseason so far.
He played a skilled and aggressive style that put him on the boxscore and at the free-throw line nine times on Monday. Never mind that he was half a foot taller than most of the other guys. It was encouraging to see him get some scoring punch from teammates as well, with five other players also reaching double figures.
Cardi B Calls For Prayer For Knicks Ahead Of Game 4
The Knicks were known for their defensive prowess during the season but couldn’t keep up with Wembanyama and Co. at the free-throw line. The Spurs finished 32-18 in free throws, while the Knicks had 22-18 in the game.
Cardi B went on Instagram Live, saying she wants fans to join her live on Wednesday before Game 4 to pray. Despite the loss, the rapper praised New York’s performance:
“I’m still so proud of them because it’s not like they lost by like mad points. They were working. It is what it is. On Wednesday, I think before the game, all Knicks fans should get on my Live and we should pray all together. I think we should do a prayer circle for the Knicks to win.”
It will be especially important for New York to clean up its turnovers and defense, as the Spurs have been particularly lethal in the area. With the game scheduled for Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks will need a cleaner performance if they hope to go 3-1.
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