Knicks Stun Spurs and Complete Historic NBA Finals Comeback
Knicks stun Spurs and complete biggest – NEW YORK — In a dramatic late-game sequence that will be remembered for decades, OG Anunoby’s game-winning tip-in off Jalen Brunson’s missed three-pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining sealed the most improbable comeback in NBA Finals history. The New York Knicks, trailing the San Antonio Spurs by 29 points in the fourth quarter, clawed their way back to secure a 105-104 victory, bringing them one step closer to ending a 53-year championship drought. The moment, which sent Madison Square Garden into a delirious frenzy, capped a stunning second-half resurgence that defied all odds.
The Turning Point of the Game
The Knicks’ improbable rally began in the final minutes of the contest, when Brunson’s clutch shot brought New York within a single point. Just a minute later, Anunoby’s five-foot floater in the lane gave the Knicks a 105-104 lead, a moment that felt like the turning of the tide. However, the Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama’s 24 points and 13 rebounds, tried to reclaim momentum with a final shot at the buzzer. The ball sailed wide, leaving the Knicks to celebrate their first major playoff win since 1973.
Reflecting on the game, Knicks head coach Mike Brown called Anunoby’s decisive play “the most iconic shot in New York basketball history.” The coach’s words echoed the collective disbelief of the crowd, which remained in the arena for over 30 minutes after the final whistle, still absorbing the magnitude of the Knicks’ turnaround. “It was just unbelievable,” Brown said, emphasizing the improbability of the sequence. “You know, the tip, how he had to control it and tip it in — that has to be the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball.”
“It hurts. We gave this one up. It hurts. I think it hurts everybody, from players to staff,” forward Keldon Johnson, the 2026 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, said after the game. “We put a lot into it. As much as it hurts, we’re still playing. We have 48, 72 hours to get back at it, and I wouldn’t want to be with any other guys. I feel like we have a special group. We’re back at it, and we believe we can get it done. That’s not going to change regardless.”
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half of Game 4 painted a starkly different picture than the second half. The Spurs dominated the early stages, shooting 60% from the field and building a 76-44 lead at halftime. This mark set a new record for the largest halftime lead by a road team in NBA Finals history, a testament to San Antonio’s dominance in the first 24 minutes. The Knicks, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm, managing just 15 field goals and trailing by 19 points at the break.
The first half was a humbling experience for the Knicks, who found themselves in a dire position after four consecutive games of being outscored in the opening quarter. The deficit grew to as many as 29 points, raising questions about whether the Spurs had taken control of the series. The halftime show, featuring the Wu-Tang Clan, added to the atmosphere but did little to lift the Knicks’ spirits. Instead, it highlighted the stark contrast between the two teams’ performances in the first half and the second.
In the second half, the Knicks executed a masterclass in resilience. Their offensive surge began with a sudden burst of three-pointers, including a crucial basket by Brunson that cut the Spurs’ lead to one point. Anunoby’s seven three-pointers, which contributed to his 33-point total, were instrumental in shifting the momentum. Meanwhile, Karl Anthony Towns, who had overcome early foul trouble, added 13 points and 10 rebounds, providing a balanced attack for New York.
The Spurs, on the other hand, stumbled under the weight of their own missed opportunities. They shot just 20.5% from the field in the second half, missing 31 of their 39 field goal attempts. Wembanyama, despite his 24 points and 13 rebounds, couldn’t prevent the Spurs from crumbling under pressure. Dylan Harper chipped in 21 points off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide. The Knicks’ relentless effort in the final minutes proved too much, even for a team with such high talent.
Reactions to the Comeback
Across social media and sports networks, the Knicks’ comeback sparked a frenzy of excitement and disbelief. Fans and analysts alike described the game as a “miracle” and a “defying the odds” moment. The sheer scale of the turnaround — overcoming a 29-point deficit — eclipsed the previous record held by the Los Angeles Lakers, who surrendered an 81-59 third-quarter lead in the 2008 Finals against the Boston Celtics. For the Knicks, this victory was a defining chapter in their quest for a long-awaited title.
While the Spurs struggled to explain the loss, they remained confident in their ability to rebound. “We have a special group,” Johnson reiterated, adding that the team would use the three-day break to regroup and prepare for Game 5. The Spurs’ coach, who had faced criticism for defensive adjustments in Game 3, acknowledged the need for a strategic reset. “We have to trust our process and believe in our ability to come back,” he said, a sentiment shared by his players despite the crushing defeat.
For the Knicks, the victory was more than just a win; it was a psychological shift. The team had clawed back from a 19-point halftime deficit and turned the narrative of the series on its head. Their performance in the second half, marked by improved shooting and aggressive defense, showcased their determination. Brunson’s 36 points and Anunoby’s 33 points were not just statistical achievements but symbols of the Knicks’ grit and focus.
The Spurs’ defensive struggles in the second half were equally telling. After a dominant first half, they missed 31 of 39 field goal attempts, a number that underscored their inability to maintain composure. The Knicks’ ability to exploit these missed opportunities, particularly in the final minutes, was a testament to their preparation and execution. With Game 5 set for Saturday night in San Antonio, the series now teeters on the brink of a historic conclusion.
The Knicks’ victory in Game 4 has already been hailed as one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history. It wasn’t just the 29-point deficit they overcame — it was the sheer determination to keep fighting despite the odds. The game was a masterclass in resilience, where every player contributed to the team’s success. From Brunson’s clutch shooting to Anunoby’s game-winning play, the Knicks demonstrated that they are not only capable of winning but also of rewriting their playoff destiny.
As the Spurs prepare for Game 5, they will need to find a way to regroup and reset their strategy. The Knicks, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on their momentum and extend their lead. The series is now at a pivotal crossroads, with the underdog Knicks having proven that they can defy expectations and take down the favorites. For New York, this moment marks the beginning of a new era in basketball history — one defined by grit, determination, and the power of a comeback.
