NBA Finals 2026: How the Spurs’ dynamic duo cost them Game 2 … and likely the series

SAN ANTONIO — For all the communication that had transpired over the final 12 minutes of the Spurs’ 105-104 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 2, it was perhaps a fitting inflection point of their first Finals — and a cruel punishment from the basketball gods — that the lack of understanding between Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, one of basketball’s most exceptional pairings, ultimately became their undoing.

As the game progressed in the fourth quarter, with the Knicks flexing their muscle and mettle, the Spurs’ huddle size increased exponentially as their deficit grew, originating as two separate groups before conjoining into one large, anxious assemblage. The bigger the moment, the louder Wembanyama’s voice became, removing his mouthpiece like a boxer heading into final rounds, passionately pleading with his teammates to seize the moment.

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But by the time the dust had settled, even with San Antonio having climbed out of a 14-point hole in the waning seconds, it was Wembanyama’s mistake that cost his franchise dearly. The Frenchman had already successfully defended Jalen Brunson’s attempt at a game-winner, secured the rebound and looked to push the pace. Castle, who had only recently checked in, having been benched for the better part of half the quarter, briefly looked back in Wembanyama’s direction before charging up the floor. And it was at that moment, with Castle’s back fully turned, that Wembanyama, unsure if his teammate wanted the ball or not, relinquished control.

“I was looking at him when he first got the rebound,” Castle said following the game. “I just started to take off to try to give him some space to dribble up the court. I didn’t see him throw it to me. … At that point, I’m just running up the court. I see Vic has the ball. Tie game. I’m just trying to give him space. Whether he called it or not, I was just trying to give Vic space.”

The sting of the irony of Wembanyama and Castle — who had been one of the most prominent two-man combos during the regular season and paced all playoff teams — not being on the same page will remain for…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-finals-2026-how-the-spurs-dynamic-duo-cost-them-game-2–and-likely-the-series-054318184.html

Author : Kelly Iko

Publish date : 2026-06-06 05:43:00

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