The San Antonio Spurs face elimination in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, needing to win three consecutive games to stay in the series. The Spurs currently trail 3-1 and are seeking to become only the second team in NBA Finals history to rally from such a deficit, following the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 comeback against the Golden State Warriors. Despite the deficit, Victor Wembanyama stated on Friday that the belief within the Spurs camp remains strong. Wembanyama emphasized a focus on “one game at a time,” noting that it would be a mistake to waste energy on multiple games. Spurs guard Stephon Castle added that the team has proven they can step up with their backs against the wall. Guard De’Aaron Fox also expressed confidence, noting that while the 2016 Cavaliers comeback involved double-digit leads, the Spurs’ current losses have been by smaller margins. The series has been characterized by the Spurs holding leads in the fourth quarter of all four games but failing to secure the wins in three of them. In Game 4, the Spurs became the first team in NBA Finals history to lead by 29 points and still lose. Following that loss, Wembanyama was reportedly targeted by fans who threw eggs at him outside the team hotel in New York; however, Wembanyama stated that the incident does not bother him. Coach Mitch Johnson noted that film review of Game 4 suggested a loss of urgency and a decline in good habits during the third quarter. Johnson also addressed criticisms regarding his in-game management and defensive alignments. Regarding Wembanyama’s physical state, Johnson mentioned the need to ensure the 7-foot-4 star has the energy to finish games strongly, though Wembanyama stated he does not believe exhaustion will be a factor with two days between games.