The New York Knicks erased a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, achieving the largest comeback in championship series history. The victory gives New York a commanding 3-1 series lead and puts them one win away from their first NBA title since 1973.
The Spurs controlled much of the game, with Victor Wembanyama leading San Antonio to an early double-digit advantage that ballooned to 29 points in the second quarter. The Spurs' hot three-point shooting and Wembanyama's dominant two-way play had the Madison Square Garden crowd subdued as the Knicks appeared headed toward defeat.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth quarter when the Knicks unleashed a devastating 28-9 run over just more than seven minutes. New York converted defensive stops into fast-break opportunities, systematically chipping away at the deficit. Jalen Brunson drove through traffic for a layup with 1:22 remaining to give the Knicks their first lead of the game at 105-104.
The Spurs reclaimed the lead on a pair of Stephon Castle free throws, setting up the final sequence. With 1.2 seconds left, Brunson's missed three-pointer was tipped in by OG Anunoby for the game-winning basket. "Right hand from God," Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns said of the decisive play.
The comeback electrified New York City, with thousands of fans pouring into Manhattan streets to celebrate after the final buzzer. The Knicks can clinch their first championship of the 21st century when the series returns to San Antonio for Game 5 on Saturday night.
Brunson finished with 36 points while Anunoby added 33 for New York. Wembanyama contributed 24 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks for San Antonio in a losing effort.
The game was physical throughout, with multiple confrontations between players. Wembanyama drew a flagrant foul early in the contest and was later called for a flagrant after hitting Towns. Mitchell Robinson also had exchanges with Wembanyama during the game.
The Spurs had appeared positioned to seize control of the series after winning Game 3 and building their commanding lead early in Game 4. Instead, San Antonio faces elimination and would need to become only the second team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 Finals deficit to avoid defeat.
The remarkable turnaround showcased the Knicks' resilience and composure under pressure on basketball's biggest stage. New York's ability to maintain belief while facing such a significant deficit proved to be the difference in one of the most memorable playoff performances in NBA history.