San Antonio Spurs Drop Third Straight vs. New York Knicks as Victor Wembanyama Struggles
The San Antonio Spurs looked like they'd be headed for a 4-2 start to their season after holding a 22-point lead over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
But that blown lead was followed by a 41-point loss to the Indiana Pacers on Monday, as things have quickly changed for the NBA's youngest team.
The Eastern Conference gauntlet continued for the Spurs on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks (4-4), who came out with a clear focus on shutting down rookie star Victor Wembanyama en route to a 126-105 win over San Antonio (3-5).
The Spurs forced just four turnovers and trailed by as many as 30 in a game where Wembanyama, who finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, didn't hit his first field goal until the 3:18 mark of the third quarter.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9) and New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden.
© Brad Penner, USA TODAY
San Antonio cut it to as close as 14 in the fourth quarter, as things got somewhat interesting late. But the Knicks, who got a game-high 25 points from star guard Jalen Brunson, closed things out behind some strong defense.
Jeremy Sochan led the Spurs with 16 points to go along with six rebounds and five assists. Tre Jones (
The Spurs fell into a quick 13-0 hole to start the game after going scoreless through the first 3:30 of the game.
New York had a 14-0 run at the start of the third quarter as well, as the Knicks built their largest lead of the season at 30. Though the Spurs showed some fight, the final result was never in question.
The Spurs will look to pick up the pieces when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday to begin In-Season Tournament play.
