The New York Knicks achieved a historic comeback, overcoming a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in a gripping Game 4 of the NBA Finals. This victory brought them one step away from potentially securing their first championship since 1973.
OG Anunoby delivered the game-winning play, tipping in a missed long 3-point attempt by Jalen Brunson with only 1.2 seconds remaining. This play secured the Knicks a 3-1 series lead, providing them with three opportunities to clinch the title.
The game seemed out of reach early on, as the Spurs surged to a 27-point lead at halftime. However, the Knicks rallied with Jalen Brunson scoring 36 points and Anunoby contributing 33. Anunoby’s tip-in, as Brunson’s shot bounced off the rim, was a decisive moment.
Coach Mike Brown praised Anunoby’s performance, stating, “I told OG as big, as strong, as athletic as he is, he’s got to be a monster on the offensive glass tonight. I don’t know if there was a play bigger than any other play in the history of Knicks basketball.” Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday in San Antonio.
No team had come back from more than 24 points down in a finals game to win since Boston achieved it against the Lakers in 2008.
The Knicks found themselves behind 81-52 in the third quarter. The only larger comeback recorded in any playoff game was 31 points by the Los Angeles Clippers against Golden State in 2019. The Knicks had previously seen their 13-game winning streak end in Game 3, and tonight seemed like another defeat in the making as the Spurs held a commanding halftime lead. The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, made 11 of their first 16 3-point attempts, establishing a large gap. Yet, they cooled off in the second half, managing only 3 for 17 from behind the arc as the Knicks outscored them 58-30.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson expressed disappointment, saying, “We got on our heels — we missed some shots. It’s disappointing, to say the least.” The atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden was electric as fans sang along to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” after witnessing the remarkable turnaround.
Wembanyama contributed 24 points and 13 rebounds, though he struggled with shooting, going 9 for 25 from the field. Road teams had previously won the first three games in this finals, a rarity in NBA history. San Antonio seemed poised to continue this trend until the Knicks’ comeback.
Amidst this thrilling game, there was notable security around Madison Square Garden, similar to what had been in place when former President Donald Trump attended Game 3. This security resulted in the Knicks cancelling plans for an outdoor watch party. Inside the arena, Knicks fans had little to celebrate in the first half. The Knicks limited the Spurs to 14 points on 4-for-20 shooting in the third quarter. They sparked a 13-0 run, cutting the lead to 90-75 by the start of the fourth quarter. The Knicks, known for not giving up, regrouped and made a significant comeback.
Even when it seemed the comeback might fall short after Stephon Castle was fouled, resulting in two successful free throws for the Spurs that regained the lead, the Knicks remained resilient. Dylan Harper scored 21 points for the Spurs, and De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell each added 18. They will now look to regroup and push for a Game 6 return to New York next Tuesday.
Reflecting on the loss, Wembanyama remarked, “I think it began before (the fourth quarter). I can’t really explain it right now. I don’t know… We clearly weren’t the most hungry in the second half.”
Wembanyama faced boos during pre-game warm-ups and intense defensive play from the Knicks, leading to a flagrant foul on Mitchell Robinson. Despite handling the pressure, Wembanyama missed two critical free throws with just under two minutes left, leaving the Spurs vulnerable. The Spurs had raced to a 12-2 starting lead, maintaining a double-digit advantage all through the first quarter.
Now, all eyes turn to San Antonio as the Knicks aim to seal the series.