The New York Knicks achieved a historic comeback in the NBA Finals, turning around a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 on Wednesday night in New York. With this victory, the Knicks moved one step closer to their first championship since 1973. OG Anunoby made the decisive play with a tip-in of Jalen Brunson’s missed three-pointer with 1.2 seconds left, pushing the Knicks ahead 3-1 in the series with three opportunities to clinch the title.
Historic Comeback
The evening started unfavorably for the Knicks as they faced a 27-point halftime deficit. The Spurs built their lead with precise shooting, leaving the Knicks struggling. However, Jalen Brunson spearheaded the Knicks’ revival, delivering 36 points. Anunoby added 33 points, including the crucial tip-in. Knicks coach Mike Brown remarked on Anunoby’s offensive rebounding, emphasizing it as one of the most significant plays in Knicks’ history.
Game 5 is set for Saturday night in San Antonio. Previously, no team had overcome a lead larger than 24 points in a finals game since the Boston Celtics achieved it against the Lakers in 2008. The Spurs had led 81-52 in the third quarter.
Previous Record
The largest comeback recorded in any playoff game was a 31-point rally by the Los Angeles Clippers against the Golden State Warriors in 2019. The Knicks, after seeing their 13-game winning streak snapped in Game 3, seemed poised for another loss. This was particularly evident when Victor Wembanyama helped widen the Spurs’ lead in the first half.
Despite the Spurs’ successful start from the three-point line, hitting 11 of 16 attempts, they faltered in the second half, managing only 3 of 17. This allowed the Knicks to outscore them 58-30, taking control in Madison Square Garden.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson expressed his disappointment, citing missed shots and a loss of momentum. Fans in the arena celebrated with Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” captivated by what seemed implausible moments before.
Game Details
Wembanyama finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds but struggled with shooting efficiency. Despite road teams winning the previous games, San Antonio seemed headed for another victory before the Knicks’ comeback.
Security measures were tight around Madison Square Garden, similar to Game 3 when President Donald Trump attended, although this time Taylor Swift was present. Due to restrictions, the Knicks canceled a planned outdoor watch party.
In the third quarter, New York effectively limited the Spurs to 14 points on 4-for-20 shooting, executing a 13-0 run that cut the deficit to 90-75 entering the fourth. The Knicks showcased resilience, reminiscent of overcoming a 22-point shortfall against Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals.
Even when Stephon Castle’s free throws briefly restored the Spurs’ lead, the Knicks responded. A final rally resulted in Anunoby’s game-winning play.
Future Prospects
Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson played key roles, while Dylan Harper scored 21 points. De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell each added 18 for the Spurs. The Spurs aim to extend the series, rallying to bring Game 6 back to New York on Tuesday.
Wembanyama acknowledged the Spurs’ breakdown, lacking hunger in the second half. Fans were hostile toward him during the warm-up, and tensions rose throughout the match. Despite physical play, Wembanyama regretted missing free throws that contributed to the Knicks’ late-game surge.
In the early stages, the Spurs established dominance, enjoying a 41-22 first-quarter lead, extending to 57-32 with Julian Champagnie’s three-pointer. However, the Knicks’ determination overturned a seemingly insurmountable challenge.