x
Victor Wembanyama confident he'll bounce back in Game 3 of NBA Finals
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates in the second quarter during Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

'What I'm built for': Spurs' Victor Wembanyama confident he'll bounce back in Game 3 of NBA Finals vs. Knicks

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama's confidence level remains high, despite being down 2-0 in the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks

Wembanyama committed a costly turnover late in the fourth quarter and failed to make the winning shot in a 105-104 loss in Game 2. He's not letting that faze him heading into Game 3 in Madison Square Garden on Monday (ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET).

Victor Wembanyama talks pressure of winning Game 3 

"I think the key is acceptance a lot of times," Wembanyama said Sunday when asked about the pressure he faces in a must-win game. "Taking a step back, realizing the journey that's behind us and what's ahead of us. And just being OK with who I am, where I am, what I am doing. At the end of the day, this is everything that I wish for, there's no reason to overthink it. This is what I'm built for."

The 7-foot-4, 235-pound forward is built to dominate the league, but he hasn't been as formidable in the series against New York. Through two games, Wembanyama has averaged 27.5 points per game but has shot an underwhelming 40.5 percent from the field. He was much more efficient in the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 27.3 PPG on 48.1 percent shooting.

The first two games were at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. Now that the best-of-seven series is heading to New York for Games 3 and 4, it could be even more difficult for Wembanyama to perform. Rabid Knicks fans — some of whom weren't alive the last time the team won its last title during the 1972-73 season — will heckle him throughout the night. He insists it won't distract him. 

"Not really," Wembanyama said when asked if he thinks a raucous MSG crowd will impact him. "It could, but isolating myself is something I've practiced over the years. I'm good at it. Not a problem."

The Spurs hope Wembanyama can stay focused at an electric MSG on Monday night. They're already on the wrong side of history after falling into an early hole in the series. Only five teams have come back from a 2-0 deficit to win the Finals; none of those squads did so after dropping the first two games at home. 

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!