Stephen Nover
Don't give up on the Spurs yet. They very well could be up 2-0 in this NBA Finals rather than down 0-2.
The best player on the court is not Karl-Anthony Towns nor Jalen Brunson. It is Victor Wembanyama and he is more than capable of playing much better than he has shown so far in this championship series.
San Antonio also has a secret weapon. More on that later.
Much is being made of the Knicks' 13 straight playoff victories. That is the second-longest streak by any team in NBA playoff history. Note that 11 of those victories came against the Cavaliers, 76ers and Hawks. The Spurs have their own impressive streak - 13-2 SU and ATS in their next game following a loss since January.
The Spurs had a 14-point second-half lead in Game 1 against New York. Not nearly as well rested as the Knicks, the Spurs missed many shots they normally hit and ended up blowing the game.
San Antonio led New York with less than a minute left in Game 2. The Spurs ended up losing by one point when Wembanyama made an unforced error that led to a turnover and then compounded his poor decision with a foul. Then Wembanyama, who shot 51.2 percent from the floor during the regular season, missed a makeable jumper in the final seconds.
This is what Wembanyama said after the game: "I threw that one away. I messed up. We didn’t play great as a team. We needed to win that game. This game was ours. But at this point, it’s done. “Am I going to regret it? Yes, of course. Am I going to use that to fuel me and to fuel me and fuel us next game? Absolutely.”
I believe him. I regard Wembanyama as the most complete basketball player in the world, none better.
Now for San Antonio's secret weapon.
Well, actually, it's not such a secret that President Donald Trump is going to attend this Game 3.
The Knicks' have all the momentum, enthusiasm and joy going their way now. Trump, with all his baggage and controversial presence, is going to prove a huge distraction if not steal the spotlight.
Those attending the game at Madison Square Garden are being asked to arrive at least 2 hours before tip off because of TSA-screening procedures and security. The Secret Service also announced fans cannot bring bags into the arena.
Some are saying the Spurs are not yet ready to win an NBA championship, too young and inexperienced in pressure packed deep playoff games like this one. This calls for a reminder that the Knicks have not won an NBA championship in 53 years. They have not hosted an NBA Finals game in 27 years.
All the pressure is on the Knicks and Trump's divisive presence in the heart of the deeply blue state of New York could make things worse.
So I am on the Spurs.
Rob Vinciletti
SUNDAY Card has a TOP 6* WNBA TOTAL (#1 RANKED Lady Hoops this Year) along with a 14-0 EARLY MLB Diamond Cutter System and Sunday night Bases. Soccer Comp play below
The Sunday Comp Play is on the Under 2.5 goals at 3 eastern in the Greece vs Italy match. We have two teams that missed the World Cup and playing in their last friendly for this season. Italy is in a rebuild featuring several young players and will be without just about all of the older guys. They do still play solid on the back line but are conservative on offense. Greece after playing well in the Nations Cup fell short of the World Cup finishing 3rd. They have not looked all that good lately and were lucky to salvage a draw in their last game with a late score. Greece will be very conservative here and has a manager in the hot seat so with Neither team known for a heavy offense and both above average on defense we will look for limited scoring mostly likely a draw here in a game that stays under. GL Rob V-
Jimmy Boyd
1* Free Pick on Reds/Cardinals: over 8½
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1* FREE INFO PLAY Reds vs Cardinals over 8½ -120