The Hidden Victor Wembanyama X-Factor That Could Flip the Entire NBA Finals
The San Antonio Spurs stole Game 3 right from under the New York Knicks on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks came in as favorites and with a 2-0 series lead, and left with a narrow 115-111 loss and question marks across the board.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s “Get Up” crew flagged several notable concerns for New York. But they also pointed to a hidden X factor that clearly played a role in Victor Wembanyama’s strong performance.
Wembanyama led all scorers with 32 points along with eight rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals in 39 minutes, while shooting 61.1% from the floor, 50% from deep, and committing just a single turnover.
ESPN’s Alan Hahn specifically pointed to the scheduling, a pattern that could make Wemby even more dangerous as the NBA Finals roll on.
“The two days off in between games, he was a different guy,” Hahn said. “Especially in the fourth quarter. We saw him fade at times in the fourth quarter and late in the first half as well, running out of gas because there was a lot of up and down. He looked fresh in this game.”
“The two days off is something to watch because after Wednesday, every game is two days off,” he added.
More news: Kendrick Perkins Fires Warning Shot at Victor Wembanyama Before Game 3
Games 1 and 2 were played on Wednesday and Friday, with just one rest day between them. Wembanyama may be a generational talent, but even he looked visibly gassed at times in those games.
He posted 26 points along with 12 rebounds and three blocks in Game 1, but shot just 6 of 21 from the floor.
He improved in Game 2 with 29 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks on 11 of 21 shooting, but made some costly mistakes near the end of the game that ultimately led to a Spurs loss.
He committed 10 turnovers across Games 1 and 2, and shot just 40% from the floor.
Then came the two-day break, and it looked like everything clicked in Game 3. And coincidentally, San Antonio walked away with a win.
More news: 76ers' President Sends Clear Message on Joel Embiid's Future Amid Trade Rumors
More news: Thunder GM Sam Presti Addresses Lu Dort's Future With OKC
Game 4 on Wednesday gives both teams just one rest day. But after that, Games 5 (Saturday, June 13), 6 (Tuesday, June 16), and 7 (Friday, June 19) have two days of rest built in.
If the Spurs can pull even on Wednesday, that added rest could be the X factor for Wembanyama to close out the series.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 10:55 AM.