Stephon Castle delivered one of the biggest performances of his young career Monday night, scoring 23 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks 115-111 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.

The victory cut New York’s series lead to 2-1 and prevented the Spurs from falling into an 0-3 hole, something no team has ever overcome in NBA history. While Victor Wembanyama led the way with 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists, Castle made several pivotal plays late, including a go-ahead three-pointer with 1:53 remaining and two clutch free throws in the final seconds.

After the game, Castle pointed to one key difference between Game 3 and San Antonio’s previous close losses.

“I think finishing our possessions late with a rebound defensively,” Castle said. “Whether we were playing fast out of it or slowing it down, I think just not allowing them to get second chance buckets, especially late. I feel like those are when they hurt the most. And I think we did a good job closing out possessions.”

The guard’s biggest basket came under unusual circumstances. With the shot clock winding down, Wembanyama found him late in the possession, forcing Castle to react quickly.

“I saw the clock the whole time,” Castle said. “I was honestly getting ready to go crash and try and rebound. Late clock. At that point of the game, I feel like you have to be alert, know the clock. So, I was just able to get enough space to get one off.”

The atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden was intense for the Knicks’ first NBA Finals home game since 1999, but Castle said the Spurs expected the environment.

“We said coming into the game, they’re going to have their runs, they’re going to make shots, and when that happens, just stick together, stay poised,” Castle said. “I feel like we did that for majority of the 48 minutes, and I feel like that’s why we came out on top.”

Castle also praised De’Aaron Fox, who finished with 12 points and a team-high eight assists despite struggling from the field.

“I think Fox is such a smart player,” Castle said. “Having the ball in his hands late is like a comfort thing for us. Whether he’s shooting the ball well or not, he generates a good shot for us pretty much every time.”

The Spurs leaned heavily on their ability to attack the paint throughout the night. Castle said New York’s defensive approach was not a surprise.

“They always load the paint,” Castle said. “Just us playing to our strengths, not allowing that to stop our aggressiveness. When we’re being aggressive and touching the paint, it’s not always for us to score. I feel like that just opens up passing lanes and puts them in rotations.”

Despite the much-needed victory, Castle rejected the idea that the Spurs should feel relieved.

“I don’t know if I would say relief,” he said. “I mean I feel like we still haven’t really done anything. Obviously we’re still down 2-1 and we’re looking forward to the next 48 minutes.”

Castle’s mindset reflected the Spurs’ broader approach after salvaging the series. San Antonio has guaranteed itself at least one more home game and can even the Finals on Wednesday in Game 4.

Asked what the biggest challenge will be moving forward, Castle emphasized consistency.

“Probably just not getting bored with the things that work for us and sticking with the process,” he said. “Understanding what won us this game and bringing it into the next.”