The New York Knicks remain in control of the NBA Finals at 2-1, but their 115-111 Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs has led to questions about offensive decision-making, particularly from star guard Jalen Brunson.
Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith pointed directly at Brunson after New York’s 13-game postseason winning streak came to an end at Madison Square Garden.
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“I’m putting it on the Knicks,” Smith said. “Jalen Brunson, I gotta put this loss on him just as much as anybody. Mike Brown to a smaller degree, but definitely Jalen Brunson.”
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Brunson finished with 32 points and five assists but shot 11-for-25 from the field and committed five turnovers. While the box score looks productive, Smith argued the Knicks drifted away from the balanced attack that fueled their dominant playoff run.
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“You launched double the amount of shots of Karl-Anthony Towns,” Smith said. “You shot more than Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart combined.”
His criticism centered on New York’s inability to involve teammates. Hart scored efficiently during the first half, while Towns managed only 11 points on 10 shots despite San Antonio frequently playing smaller lineups.
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“You had an opportunity to exploit that and take advantage by getting the ball to Karl-Anthony Towns,” Smith added. “You didn’t do that.”
Jalen Brunson and the Knicks abandoned their winning formula
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots against San Antonio Spurs guard
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots against San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) in the fourth quarter during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The numbers support part of Smith’s argument. New York made 40 field goals but recorded only 18 assists, a sharp departure from the ball movement and spacing that defined its playoff surge.
“That’s not the New York Knicks,” Smith said. “That shows there’s not a lot of fluidity. There’s not a lot of moving of the basketball. There’s not the proper spacing. There’s not a lot of things.”
The Spurs capitalized on those issues. Victor Wembanyama delivered 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Stephon Castle added 23 points. San Antonio also forced 13 Knicks turnovers and converted them into 21 points.
Smith’s criticism is fair but not absolute. Brunson remains New York’s offensive engine and nearly dragged the team back late. However, championship basketball demands balance. When Towns is underused, Bridges is neutralized by foul trouble, and the offense becomes predictable, elite defenses adjust.
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Smith’s strongest observation may have been his simplest.
“That New York Knicks team ain’t winning the championship,” Smith said. “The New York Knicks team that’s gonna win the championship is the New York Knicks team that we’ve been watching over the previous 13 games. The ones that showed up last night looked nothing like that team.”