The San Antonio Spurs are heading into the most hostile environment of their season, but Devin Vassell believes the team’s mindset remains unchanged as it prepares for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.
Speaking Sunday ahead of the series shifting to Madison Square Garden, Vassell repeatedly emphasized trust, focus and confidence despite San Antonio trailing 2-0.
“Focused,” Vassell said when asked to describe his mindset in one word. “I just feel like it’s going to be mayhem out here and we know it’s going to be crazy. The fans are going to be going crazy. Outside the arena is going to be crazy. The media is going to be crazy.”
The Spurs lost the first two games of the Finals at home, including a one-point defeat in Game 2 when Jalen Brunson delivered late once again to give New York a 105-104 victory and a commanding series lead.
Despite the results, Vassell believes the margin between the teams has been much smaller than the scoreboard suggests.
“We’re here for a reason,” Vassell said. “This game, it could be the series could be 2-0 for us with a couple of different possessions.”
That belief stems from San Antonio’s ability to compete throughout the first two games. The Spurs led by double digits in both contests and nearly completed a dramatic comeback in Game 2 before falling in the closing seconds.
“Just taking it one game at a time and trusting our work, trusting in each other, trusting our teammates, trusting the coaching staff,” Vassell said. “Just trust what we’ve been doing and clean up some things and we’ll be good.”
One of the biggest challenges awaiting the Spurs is slowing Brunson in crunch time. While New York’s star guard has struggled for stretches against San Antonio’s defense, he has delivered when the game has been on the line.
“It feels like those are the moments that he lives for,” Vassell said. “Especially in the fourth quarter clutch.”
The Spurs wing praised the team’s overall defensive effort but acknowledged Brunson’s ability to convert difficult attempts.
“I feel like we’re doing a really good job on him,” Vassell said. “Making him shoot some tough shots all throughout the game. And even those clutch shots are very tough shots that he’s been hitting.”
Vassell added that the focus remains on continuing the same defensive approach rather than making major adjustments.
“I don’t think there’s really much that you can change,” he said. “We’re forcing him into some really tough shots.”
While the Finals stage brings added pressure, Vassell admitted he has allowed himself to appreciate the moment. Monday’s game will be played at Madison Square Garden with the Knicks two wins away from their first NBA championship since 1973.
“Honestly, it’s just a blessing to be a part of this,” Vassell said. “As a young kid, it’s something that you dream of, especially playing here in Madison Square Garden.”
At the same time, he stressed that appreciation cannot interfere with preparation.
“Once it’s game time and the ball gets thrown in the air, all that kind of goes out the window,” Vassell said. “You’re playing basketball, the same game that you’ve played your whole life.”
With the Spurs facing their biggest game of the season, Vassell said the locker room is fully locked in.
“With Vic, Steph, the coaching staff, I mean, everybody’s super locked in,” Vassell said. “We’re excited for the challenge.”
