Spurs shatter NBA Finals first-half record with 14 three-pointers against Knicks
The San Antonio Spurs set an NBA Finals record by making 14 three-pointers in the first half of Game 3 against the New York Knicks, taking a 76-49 lead at the break and shifting the series momentum.
The San Antonio Spurs established a new benchmark in NBA Finals history during Game 3 against the New York Knicks, draining 14 three-pointers in the first half. This performance set the record for the most three-pointers made in the first half of any NBA Finals game in league history. By the end of the first two quarters, the Spurs had built a commanding 76-49 lead, a 27-point margin that significantly altered the trajectory of the series.
The Spurs’ offensive efficiency staked them to a substantial advantage, moving them closer to evening the series at 2-2. Prior to Game 3, the New York Knicks held a 2-1 series lead, having won the first two games. The Knicks had previously demonstrated resilience by winning 13 consecutive playoff games, including victories in the opening rounds, but their performance in the first half of Game 3 appeared disjointed compared to their earlier dominance.
The magnitude of the halftime deficit places the Knicks in a historically difficult position. The largest comeback in NBA Finals history is 24 points, meaning New York would need to overcome a margin larger than any team has ever reversed in the championship series. While the Knicks had previously overcome a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter of a playoff game during these playoffs, analysts noted that the current gap presents a significantly steeper challenge.
Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at Madison Square Garden, with tipoff set for 8:30 p.m. ET. The series schedule continues with Game 5 on Saturday, June 13, Game 6 on Tuesday, June 16, and Game 7 on Friday, June 19, should it be necessary. The Spurs’ ability to sustain their shooting accuracy will be critical as they look to close out the series on New York’s home court.
The context of the series has been marked by incidents beyond the court. During Game 1 in San Antonio, a fan stormed the court to take a selfie with Spurs player Victor Wembanyama, resulting in lifetime bans for two individuals involved. Following Game 3, the New York Police Department launched an investigation into an assault on a 39-year-old Spurs fan on West 47th Street in Manhattan, highlighting the heightened tensions surrounding the championship matchup.
