Knicks lead Spurs 2-0 as Game 3 swings to New York

The Knicks took a commanding 2-0 lead in the 2026 NBA Finals with a 105-104 win in San Antonio on June 5, 2026, after a 105-95 Game 1 victory. The series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on June 8, 2026, where New York open as 2.5-point favourites — a striking turn for a matchup that, a week ago, priced the Spurs as clear title favourites.

How the Knicks flipped the series

New York stole both games in San Antonio, the second decided in the final seconds. Brunson converted a go-ahead free throw with 9.5 seconds left after Wembanyama coughed up possession, and the Spurs centre then missed a jumper at the buzzer. The 2-0 cushion explains why the series price swung so violently — and the Spurs had opened as favourites, as covered in our Game 1 preview where San Antonio sat at -210.

Why the market now leans Knicks

At -490 to win the series (a $490 stake returns $100 profit), the Knicks are heavy favourites; the Spurs’ +380 implies roughly a 21% chance. Yet the games tell a closer story than the series price suggests — both were one-possession contests in the closing minute.

“That’s the most frustrating thing: to throw it away after putting in all this work. I need to have more poise, more control of the game,” said Victor Wembanyama, centre for the San Antonio Spurs, after the Game 2 loss. (ESPN)

Form, matchup, and what Game 3 hinges on

The defining feature of this series is its pace: two totals under 216.5, both grinding into the final possession. That points to a tight, low-scoring Game 3 rather than a blowout. The Spurs remain a live underdog — they have lost by a combined 11 points and now face a desperation spot. The broader championship-futures picture is busy this week, with the Stanley Cup Final market running in parallel.

Picks & Predictions

Favourite: New York Knicks at -130 moneyline (American) / 1.77 (decimal) on DraftKings, laying -2.5 on the spread with the total at 216.5, as of June 5, 2026. The first figure is American odds, the second decimal. To win the series they are -490 at FanDuel.

Predicted result: Knicks 105, Spurs 101 — New York win Game 3, but the Spurs cover +2.5 and the total stays under 216.5. Two one-possession games point to a third, with the MSG crowd nudging the Knicks home late.

Prop bets worth a look:

• Total under 216.5 — both Finals games finished at 200 and 209 combined points; the pace favours the under (DraftKings).
• Spurs +2.5 (Game 3) — a desperation road dog that has lost by a combined 11 points; the live-dog value sits with San Antonio at this number.
• Victor Wembanyama to bounce back — after a costly Game 2, the Spurs anchor is a logical focal point; his rebounding and scoring props carry a response lean.

What to fade: Spurs to win the series at +380. Down 0-2 with the next two games in New York, the comeback price is a long-shot trap rather than value — the implied 21% overstates a side yet to win a game.

Odds correct as of June 5, 2026. Informational only — not financial or betting advice. 18+ / 21+ depending on jurisdiction. See Responsible Gambling notice below.

FAQ

Q: When and where is NBA Finals Game 3?
A: June 8, 2026 at Madison Square Garden, with the Knicks leading the best-of-seven series 2-0.

Q: Who is favoured in Game 3?
A: The Knicks, at -130 moneyline and -2.5 on the spread per DraftKings as of June 5, 2026, with the total set at 216.5.

Q: What are the Spurs’ series odds now?
A: San Antonio are +380 to win the series at FanDuel, about a 21% implied chance after falling 2-0.

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