Victor Wembanyama was spotted casually painting at a park in New York before Game 3 of the NBA Finals. But his real masterpiece was his performance at Madison Square Garden.
Wembanyama refused to fold under the bright lights and the raucous atmosphere at the historic venue in Game 3, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a gusty win over the New York Knicks, 115-111.
The Spurs ended the 13-game winning streak of the Knicks and inched closer in the best-of-seven affair, 2-1.
Wembanyama finished with 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three blocks.
According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, the 22-year-old Wembanyama joined Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant as the youngest players to register 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the NBA Finals.
Johnson did it in 1980, while Bryant did it in 2001, both with the Los Angeles Lakers. Both also went on to win the title.
Youngest players in NBA Finals history with 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists:
Magic Johnson (LAL, 1980) – 20 year & 278 days
Victor Wembanyama (SAS, 2026) – 22 years & 155 days
Kobe Bryant (LAL, 2001) – 22 years & 289 days
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) June 9, 2026
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Wembanyama made timely buckets in the fourth quarter to keep the Knicks at bay, while also anchoring their defense as usual.
The Spurs were under immense pressure to stay alive after dropping Game 1 and Game 2 at Frost Bank Center. Their lack of experience had been exposed by the Knicks, but Wembanyama made sure that they stayed composed on Monday amid the hostile environment.
He had plenty of support, with Stephon Castle adding 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists. He also sank the game-sealing free throws. De'Aaron Fox also made a crucial basket, finishing with 12 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks.
Game 4 is on Wednesday.
Victor Wembanyama was spotted casually painting at a park in New York before Game 3 of the NBA Finals. But his real masterpiece was his performance at Madison Square Garden. Wembanyama refused to fold under the bright lights and the raucous atmosphere at the historic venue in Game 3, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a gusty win over the New York Knicks, 115-111.