Spurs Practice for Game 5 Elimination Test as 3-1 Finals Deficit Exposes Late-Game Failures
Updated
Updated · WOAI · Jun 12
Spurs Practice for Game 5 Elimination Test as 3-1 Finals Deficit Exposes Late-Game Failures
3 articles · Updated · WOAI · Jun 12
Summary
Game 5 on Saturday now stands between San Antonio and elimination after the Spurs returned home insisting they still believe they can recover from a 3-1 NBA Finals deficit to the Knicks.
Double-digit leads in all four games have instead highlighted the problem: defensive breakdowns, poor communication and shaky late-game execution, with players saying they must sustain aggression and finish possessions.
Victor Wembanyama's 44-minute load in Game 4 also drew scrutiny, and coach Mitch Johnson said he needs to better manage the star center's energy after a third-quarter collapse.
De'Aaron Fox still has Johnson's backing to handle late possessions, while Wembanyama brushed off videos of Knicks fans pelting the team bus with eggs outside Madison Square Garden.
Only the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers have erased a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals, leaving San Antonio chasing rare history as it tries to extend the series at home.