Wembanyama, Spurs answer challenge, cut Knicks’ Finals lead to 2-1

Victor Wembanyama heard the criticism. Then he responded like a superstar.

Wembanyama finished with 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists Monday night, leading the Spurs to a 115-111 victory over the Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.

The win cut New York’s series lead to 2-1 and prevented San Antonio from falling into a virtually insurmountable 3-0 hole.

It also snapped the Knicks’ 13-game postseason winning streak, the second-longest playoff winning streak in NBA history.

Stephon Castle added 23 points for the Spurs, including a clutch 3-pointer with less than two minutes remaining that helped create enough separation to hold off New York’s late rally.

Jalen Brunson scored 32 points and OG Anunoby added 28 for the Knicks, who suffered their first loss since April 23.

The Spurs wasted little time silencing the Madison Square Garden crowd.

Wembanyama scored San Antonio’s first four points and helped the visitors race to an early double-digit lead. The Knicks rallied to take a seven-point advantage into halftime, but the Spurs regained control in the second half behind Wembanyama’s steady play.

After costly mistakes contributed to San Antonio’s Game 2 loss, the 7-foot-4 star delivered in the biggest moments Monday. Now the Spurs have new life.

Game 4 is set for Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, where San Antonio will attempt to even the series at two games apiece.