The Spurs swept into Madison Square Garden and defeated the Knicks 115–111 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, reducing New York’s series lead to 2–1. The Knicks’ remarkable postseason winning streak came to an end when they went cold in the fourth quarter and suffered their first defeat in 13 games.
Since Game 3 of its first-round series against the Hawks on April 23, New York had not suffered a defeat. It was difficult to accept a four-point defeat in the first Finals home game at MSG in 27 years, and Knicks coach Mike Brown criticized the refereeing at his postgame press conference.
Mike Brown takes a swipe at officials
The Spurs had 24 free-throw attempts during the second half of the Knicks’ Game 3 defeat, while the Knicks had only eight. Although Brown quickly noted that San Antonio prevailed, he felt that such a significant free-throw disparity in a crucial game was intolerable.
Brown stated on Monday evening:
“First of all, I want to make sure I get something clear”. “Coach Mitch Johnson and the Spurs won the game tonight, they came and took the game. But I will say this, I never thought I’d be in the NBA Finals and see a team get 24 free-throw attempts in the second half to another team’s eight.
“I don’t think I complain much about officials or the fairness when it comes to the free-throw attempts. San Antonio is a great team, but it’s going to lower our odds big time if we play Game 4 and they get 24 free-throw attempts to our eight. And maybe we were fouling, but they fouled too.”
Mike Brown is not happy with the officiating after Game 3:
“I never thought I’d be in the NBA Finals and see a team get 24 free throw attempts in the second half to another team’s eight.” pic.twitter.com/yk3PDJ8HQh
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 9, 2026
The Spurs made 32 free throws over the entire game, while the Knicks only made 22. Brown notably took issue with the officiating in the second half, believing that San Antonio had fouled his team multiple times without a whistle. Early in the fourth quarter, the Spurs were in the bonus, which gave San Antonio numerous chances to make free throws in the closing minutes.
