Stephon Citadel delivered one of many greatest performances of his younger profession Monday night time, scoring 23 factors because the San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks 115-111 in Sport 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Sq. Backyard.
The victory minimize New York’s collection result in 2-1 and prevented the Spurs from falling into an 0-3 gap, one thing no workforce has ever overcome in NBA historical past. Whereas Victor Wembanyama led the best way with 32 factors, eight rebounds and 6 assists, Citadel made a number of pivotal performs late, together with a go-ahead three-pointer with 1:53 remaining and two clutch free throws within the ultimate seconds.
After the sport, Citadel pointed to 1 key distinction between Sport 3 and San Antonio’s earlier shut losses.
“I believe ending our possessions late with a rebound defensively,” Citadel mentioned. “Whether or not we had been enjoying quick out of it or slowing it down, I believe simply not permitting them to get second likelihood buckets, particularly late. I really feel like these are once they harm probably the most. And I believe we did a superb job closing out possessions.”
The guard’s greatest basket got here underneath uncommon circumstances. With the shot clock winding down, Wembanyama discovered him late within the possession, forcing Citadel to react shortly.
“I noticed the clock the entire time,” Citadel mentioned. “I used to be actually on the brink of go crash and attempt to rebound. Late clock. At that time of the sport, I really feel like it’s important to be alert, know the clock. So, I used to be simply capable of get sufficient area to get one off.”
The environment inside Madison Sq. Backyard was intense for the Knicks’ first NBA Finals house recreation since 1999, however Citadel mentioned the Spurs anticipated the setting.
“We mentioned coming into the sport, they’re going to have their runs, they’re going to make pictures, and when that occurs, simply stick collectively, keep poised,” Citadel mentioned. “I really feel like we did that for majority of the 48 minutes, and I really feel like that’s why we got here out on prime.”
Citadel additionally praised De’Aaron Fox, who completed with 12 factors and a team-high eight assists regardless of struggling from the sphere.
“I believe Fox is such a sensible participant,” Citadel mentioned. “Having the ball in his palms late is sort of a consolation factor for us. Whether or not he’s taking pictures the ball properly or not, he generates a superb shot for us just about each time.”
The Spurs leaned closely on their potential to assault the paint all through the night time. Citadel mentioned New York’s defensive method was not a shock.
“They at all times load the paint,” Citadel mentioned. “Simply us enjoying to our strengths, not permitting that to cease our aggressiveness. Once we’re being aggressive and touching the paint, it’s not at all times for us to attain. I really feel like that simply opens up passing lanes and places them in rotations.”
Regardless of the much-needed victory, Citadel rejected the concept the Spurs ought to really feel relieved.
“I don’t know if I might say aid,” he mentioned. “I imply I really feel like we nonetheless haven’t actually accomplished something. Clearly we’re nonetheless down 2-1 and we’re wanting ahead to the subsequent 48 minutes.”
Citadel’s mindset mirrored the Spurs’ broader method after salvaging the collection. San Antonio has assured itself not less than another house recreation and may even the Finals on Wednesday in Sport 4.
Requested what the largest problem will likely be transferring ahead, Citadel emphasised consistency.
“In all probability simply not losing interest with the issues that work for us and sticking with the method,” he mentioned. “Understanding what received us this recreation and bringing it into the subsequent.”
