Knicks vs Spurs Game 5: New York Aims to Close Out NBA Finals
The New York Knicks hold a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, with Game 5 set for Saturday in San Antonio. Every game has been decided within four points in the final minute, including Game 4, where the Spurs blew a 29-point lead in the largest collapse in NBA Finals history.
Why is the Knicks-Spurs series historically unique?
The current NBA Finals are mirroring a pattern not seen since 1973. According to series data, the first four games have all remained undecided with one minute remaining, with a scoring difference of four points or less in the final stretch of each contest.
In Game 1, New York held a four-point lead with 58 seconds left. Game 2 ended with a one-point Knicks victory after a Victor Wembanyama attempt fell short. Game 3 saw the Spurs win by four, while Game 4 ended in a one-point Knicks win via a late shot from OG Anunoby.
The last time a Finals series featured such tight margins in the first four games was 1973, a series the Knicks won. New York has not captured a championship since that year.
How did the Game 4 collapse happen?
San Antonio suffered the largest lead erasure in NBA Finals history on Wednesday night. The Spurs led 81-52 in the third quarter, holding a 29-point advantage before New York surged back to win. The Knicks outscored the Spurs 55-25 over the remainder of the game.
The collapse was marked by a shooting slump. According to game statistics, San Antonio missed 29 of their final 35 shots. The game ended when OG Anunoby converted a reverse layup with 1.2 seconds remaining.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged the difficulty of the situation on Friday. “There is no way to avoid that the four games have been winnable,” Johnson stated, noting that the team must hold itself accountable in the locker room.
What are the odds of a Spurs comeback?
Statistically, the Spurs’ loss in Game 4 was an anomaly. Data shows that teams holding a 29-point lead or more have been 249-0 this season. Over the last 30 seasons, including regular season and playoffs, such teams are 4,088-13.
This means San Antonio had roughly a 99.7% probability of winning Game 4 and evening the series. Instead, they face elimination.
Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox has faced criticism for attempting a layup instead of letting the clock run out while San Antonio led by one in the closing moments. Fox told reporters that the team is focusing on winning one game at a time rather than worrying about the three wins needed to take the title.
Can the Knicks close out the series in San Antonio?
The Knicks have demonstrated a clinical ability to end series this postseason. New York is 3-0 in series-closing games this year, winning those matchups by an average of 39.3 points.
Their previous closing victories were all on the road:
- Vs. Atlanta: Won 140-89 (led by 61 points).
- Vs. Philadelphia: Won 144-114 (led by 44 points).
- Vs. Cleveland: Won 130-93 (led by 45 points).
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson emphasized a “one possession at a time” mentality on Friday, stating that the team’s focus remains the same regardless of whether the momentum is positive or negative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current series score?
The New York Knicks lead the San Antonio Spurs 3-1.
Who hit the game-winning shot in Game 4?
OG Anunoby hit a reverse layup with 1.2 seconds left to secure a one-point win for the Knicks.
What was the largest lead in Game 4?
The San Antonio Spurs led by 29 points (81-52) in the third quarter before losing the game.
Where is Game 5 being played?
Game 5 will take place in San Antonio.
Do you think the Spurs can overcome a 3-1 deficit after the Game 4 collapse? Let us know your predictions in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for real-time NBA Finals updates.