Knicks Fall to Spurs 115-111 in Game 3 as Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Brunson's Shot Selection
The New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs 115-111 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, reducing their series lead to 2-1. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith criticized Jalen Brunson for taking 25 shots while more efficient teammates like OG Anunoby (28 points on 13 shots) and Josh Hart (16 points on 60% shooting) received fewer attempts. The loss keeps the series competitive heading into Game 4 on Wednesday night.
The New York Knicks suffered a 115-111 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, squandering their 2-0 series lead and allowing the Spurs to stay alive in the championship matchup. Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 32 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Stephon Castle added 23 points. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 32 points but shot inefficiently at 44% from the field on 25 attempts. The criticism centers on shot distribution, as more efficient teammates went underutilized: OG Anunoby scored 28 points on just 13 shots (69% efficiency), and Josh Hart contributed 16 points on 60% shooting but received limited opportunities in the second half. Karl-Anthony Towns, dominant in the first two games, took only 10 shots and finished with 11 points. The Knicks' assist total of 18 was their lowest of the playoffs, while San Antonio recorded 28 assists, indicating a significant difference in ball movement and offensive execution.
What's missing
The article does not provide context about the Knicks' overall season performance, playoff history, or how this loss compares to their typical resilience in series play. Additionally, there is no discussion of San Antonio's recent form or whether this comeback was unexpected given pre-series expectations.
How coverage differed
Newsweek's coverage is straightforward and factual, presenting both the game statistics and Stephen A. Smith's critical analysis without editorial commentary. The framing focuses on Brunson's inefficiency relative to his shot volume and teammates' superior efficiency, which is Smith's direct criticism rather than Newsweek's own editorial stance.
What different sources said
- NewsweekCenter
Stephen A. Smith Blasts Jalen Brunson After Knicks' Game 3 Loss at MSG
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