Spurs Seek 2-2 Series Tie in Game 4 as Knicks Hold 2-1 Edge

Q: With Mitchell Robinson injured, can the Knicks' frontcourt contain an aggressive Wembanyama and protect their 2-1 series lead?

Only if Mitchell Robinson can give the Knicks meaningful minutes. If he is limited, New York’s frontcourt looks vulnerable against the version of Victor Wembanyama that showed up in Game 3. The evidence from the series is clear: when Wembanyama played more aggressively near the rim, the Knicks struggled to deal with him. He had 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks in Game 3, with his average shot distance dropping to 10.6 feet and his screening role increasing. That shift helped drive San Antonio to a 123.7 offensive rating, a major jump in a series defined by defense and physical play. Robinson remains central to New York’s answer. Even while playing through a broken right pinky finger, he is viewed as the Knicks’ best interior counter to Wembanyama because of his rim protection, rebounding and energy. But he played only seven minutes in Game 3, and if that remains the case, the burden falls heavily on Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks’ smaller frontcourt combinations. That is risky, especially if Wembanyama keeps forcing fouls and living at the line, where San Antonio has been efficient. The Knicks still have a path to protecting the 2-1 lead because Brunson, Anunoby and Hart can help crowd the paint and make Wembanyama work through bodies, and New York did win the rebounding battle in Game 3. But the margin is thinner now. If Robinson is not close to full strength, the Knicks can slow Wembanyama, but containing him for 48 minutes is much less certain.

3 articles · Updated · Pounding The Rock · Jun 10

Game 4 tips off Wednesday night in New York with San Antonio trying to level the playoff series after its Game 3 win at Madison Square Garden cut the Knicks’ lead to 2-1.
Game 3 reinforced the series pattern: physical defense, low scoring and volatile 3-point shooting, with the Spurs again focused on containing Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Victor Wembanyama’s aggressive inside-out attack and Stephon Castle’s two-way pressure are central to San Antonio’s push, while De’Aaron Fox looks to rebound after shooting 29% in the Game 3 win.
Bench production could swing the game, with San Antonio needing more from Keldon Johnson and Dylan Harper to match New York’s depth if Mikal Bridges and the Knicks’ second unit get going.
Mitchell Robinson is listed probable for New York, David Jones Garcia is out for San Antonio, and another road win would send the Spurs home with the series tied 2-2.