The San Antonio Spurs came storming back in potentially series-changing fashion in Game 2 of the NBA Finals -- but one massive miscue ended all that momentum.
As a motivated Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs back from a double-digit deficit against the Knicks in the fourth quarter, San Antonio appeared poised to get a shot at a game-winner with fewer than 10 seconds remaining.
But when Wembanyama looked to advance the ball to guard Stephon Castle, who was turned the other way, the momentum swung back in the Knicks' favor for the night's most critical play. The Spurs now trail the series 0-2 heading on the road.
Here's a look at the costly communication mistake between Wembanyama and Castle that led to the Spurs' Game 2 loss.
NBA FINALS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket
Victor Wembanyama pass off Stephen Castle's back
To the Spurs' credit, after a strong start in Game 2, they spent most of the night trailing before mounting a furious comeback. An animated Victor Wembanyama helped spark a 14-0 run late in the fourth quarter. Despite terrific performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, San Antonio battled its way back into the game by pushing the pace in transition and smothering the Knicks defensively.
As time ticked away, the Spurs had a very real chance to complete a huge comeback and even the series. After Jalen Brunson tied the game at 104 with 39 seconds remaining, he missed a shot on New York's next possession that would have given the Knicks the lead.
Wembanyama grabbed the rebound, and for a brief moment, it appeared San Antonio would at least get a chance to attempt a game-winner. That didn't happen.
Instead, Wembanyama casually passed the ball ahead to Stephon Castle, who wasn't looking and appeared to think his center was bringing the ball up the floor. The pass hit Castle in the back and deflected away, allowing Brunson to come up with the steal. Wembanyama then fouled the Knicks guard, sending him to the free-throw line.
Brunson made one of two free throws, Wembanyama missed a potential game-winner, and it was over.
Wemby throws the ball to Stephon Castle who had his back turned and it led to a turnoverpic.twitter.com/dAKb810Cw1
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) June 6, 2026
MORE:Inside Karl-Anthony Towns' Finals MVP-like effort in Game 2 vs. Spurs
Stephen Castle Game 2 stats
Points: 14
Rebounds: 4
Assists: 4
Steals: 1
Blocks: 0
FG: 5-14
3PT: 2-4
FT: 2-4
Castle had solid numbers in Game 2, but for the most part, it was an uncharacteristic bad shooting night for the rising star guard. He had as many turnovers (4) as assists, and while De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper led the Spurs' backcourt, Castle was mostly ineffective.
He also dealt with some injury concerns over the last few minutes of the game, prior to the consequential miscue with Wembanyama.
Victor Wembanyama Game 2 stats
Points: 29
Rebounds: 9
Assists: 2
Steals: 2
Blocks: 4
FG: 11-21
3PT: 2-6
FT: 5-8
Wembanyama's Game 2 will be remembered for his turnover and the missed game-winner attempt shortly afterward — and considering the slow first half he had vs. New York once again, he didn't do quite enough to lift the Spurs to a win.
Still, the star center was terrific in the second half otherwise. He led the charge during the comeback attempt, swatting multiple shots and showing far more aggressiveness offensively to reach 29 points in total.
But the biggest plays of the game didn't go Wembanyama's way, and he's now looking at an 0-2 series deficit in his first NBA Finals.