New York Knicks on the brink of a title after pulling off the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history
New York Knicks on the brink of a title after pulling off the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history
New York Knicks on the brink - The New York Knicks delivered a historic upset in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, overcoming a 29-point deficit to edge the San Antonio Spurs 107-106. The victory gives the Knicks a commanding 3-1 series lead, setting the stage for a potential title in Game 5. What made this comeback extraordinary was the final play—a tipped-in rebound by OG Anunoby with 1.2 seconds left that sealed the win.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was a stark contrast to the second. The Spurs, led by their explosive offense, built an insurmountable 76-49 lead, the largest by a road team in Finals history (excluding the 2020 bubble series). They also made 14 three-pointers, a record for the opening half of a Finals game. Early on, Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks' center, picked up two quick fouls, including a disputed second one that sidelined him for much of the first two quarters.
Meanwhile, Knicks fans—celebrities like Taylor Swift and Timothée Chalamet among them—watched in disbelief as the Spurs dominated. The momentum seemed firmly in San Antonio’s favor until the second half, when the Knicks began to turn the tide.
The Comeback Unfolds
The second half marked a dramatic shift. After trailing by 24 points in the early stages of the game, New York chipped away steadily, eventually narrowing the gap to single digits. The team’s resilience was on full display, with Madison Square Garden growing louder as hope for a historic reversal took hold. A key moment came when Brunson, the Knicks' All-Star guard, gave the team its first lead of the game with just 1:22 remaining in the fourth.
Despite the Knicks’ resurgence, the Spurs held a 106-105 lead with 30 seconds left. The tension peaked as the Garden crowd erupted, waiting for a dramatic finish. And it came when Brunson received the inbound pass, launched a long three-pointer, and Anunoby soared to tip the ball into the net, sending the arena into chaos.
Officiating Controversies
Throughout the series, debates over officiating have lingered. In Game 3, a play involving Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson went unreviewed, sparking frustration. The league later reviewed it but deemed it a non-flagrant call. Wembanyama, who now has three flagrant fouls this postseason, faced relentless scrutiny from the Knicks’ fans, who roared at him during Game 4.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown also criticized the referees for a free-throw disparity, with the Spurs converting 24 free throws compared to just eight for New York in the second half. These calls may have played a role in the Knicks’ revival, as they fought to close the gap.
Stars Shine in the Final Moments
While Brunson’s 36-point performance was pivotal, OG Anunoby’s 33 points on 7-for-9 three-point shooting were the driving force. “Just doing what it takes to win. Our thing is crashing the glass … I just tried to make a play,” Anunoby said on ABC after the game. His final play, a last-second tip-in, became the defining moment of the series.
“We’re resilient,” Anunoby added, reflecting on the team’s perseverance.
The Knicks’ victory is a testament to their grit, as they clawed back from what seemed like an impossible deficit. With just one game left, the franchise is poised to claim its first title since 1973, a moment that will be remembered for years to come.