How the New York Knicks Pulled Off the Greatest Comeback in NBA Finals History
The New York Knicks secured a 107-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, overcoming a 29-point second-half deficit to take a 3-1 series lead. This comeback ranks among the most significant in professional sports history, placing the Knicks 48 minutes away from their first championship in 53 years.
How the Knicks erased a 29-point deficit
The momentum shift began early in the third quarter when Victor Wembanyama was assessed a flagrant foul for elbowing Karl-Anthony Towns. According to reports, the Knicks had been frustrated by officiating throughout the series, but the call served as a catalyst that allowed the team to refocus on basketball. New York utilized a strong bench performance, particularly from Jose Alvarado, who played the final 10 minutes and recorded eight points, three assists, and two rebounds in the fourth quarter alone.
The Knicks’ comeback was fueled by a team-wide barrage of six fourth-quarter 3-pointers. Key shots included a perimeter basket from Jalen Brunson, who scored over the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama, and a final, decisive tip-in by OG Anunoby following a missed 3-pointer by Brunson with seconds remaining.
What caused the San Antonio Spurs’ collapse?
The Spurs struggled with uncharacteristic turnovers and missed opportunities in the game’s final minutes. De’Aaron Fox committed two critical errors late in the third quarter, including a pass out of bounds and a dribble off his own foot. Additionally, Wembanyama missed two crucial free throws with 1:47 remaining that would have extended the San Antonio lead to three points.
In the final seconds, Fox opted to attempt a layup rather than draw a foul, resulting in a block by Anunoby. San Antonio had previously set a Finals record with 14 first-half 3-pointers, but their efficiency plummeted as they made only three of 17 attempts from long range during the second half.
What happens next for the Knicks and Spurs?
With a 3-1 series lead, the Knicks are positioned to potentially close out the championship in the next game. History shows that overcoming a 3-1 deficit is a rare feat in the NBA Finals; however, the Knicks’ own history serves as a reminder of the volatility of such leads. In 1994, the team held a 3-2 lead over the Houston Rockets before ultimately falling in seven games.
The Spurs are now required to win three consecutive games to claim the title. Analysts expect the Spurs to adjust their defensive schemes to better account for the Knicks’ small-ball lineups, which proved effective in the fourth quarter of Game 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years has it been since the Knicks won a championship?
The Knicks are currently 48 minutes away from their first championship in 53 years.
Who provided the decisive play for the Knicks in the final seconds?
OG Anunoby secured the win with a tip-in following a missed 3-pointer by Jalen Brunson with 1.2 seconds left on the clock.
Did the Knicks’ coaching staff play a role in the comeback?
Yes, coach Mike Brown’s decision to pair Jose Alvarado with Jalen Brunson in the fourth quarter was cited as a major factor, providing the Knicks with a necessary second ball handler to counter San Antonio’s pressure.
Could the emotional weight of a 53-year championship drought impact the Knicks’ performance in the potential closing game of the series?