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Anunoby’s Tip-In Completes Knicks’ Historic Comeback Against Spurs for 3-1 NBA Finals Advantage

Victor Wembanyama and Karl-Anthony Towns in a battle for the ball

Key Takeaways:

  • On Wednesday night, the New York Knicks overturned a 29-point deficit to secure a 107-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
  • OG Anunoby delivered the decisive play with a game-winning tip-in with 1.2 seconds on the clock, putting the Knicks within one win of their first championship since 1973.
  • Jalen Brunson registered 36 points and Anunoby contributed 33, while the Knicks limited the Spurs to just 14 points in the third quarter to fuel the comeback.

Record-Breaking NBA Finals Rally

In a moment destined for the annals of NBA history, the New York Knicks mounted an extraordinary fightback from 29 points behind to clinch a dramatic 107-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. This result hands the Knicks a commanding 3-1 lead in the Finals, marking a pivotal stride towards their first NBA title in over half a century.

The comeback, capped by OG Anunoby’s tip-in with just 1.2 seconds left, surpassed the previous NBA Finals comeback record of 24 points set by Boston against the Lakers in 2008. Since the NBA started comprehensive play-by-play tracking for all quarters in 1997, no team has rallied from a greater deficit in the championship series.

“It has to be the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. Karl-Anthony Towns echoed the sentiment, calling Anunoby’s final touch the “right hand from God.”

Game Flow and Momentum Shift

The Spurs seemed set for a comfortable evening, building a 27-point lead at half-time and maintaining a 81-52 advantage in the third quarter on the back of lethal 3-point shooting (11-for-16 to start). However, the Knicks demonstrated remarkable resilience, holding San Antonio to 14 points on 4-for-20 shooting in the third period and using a blistering 13-0 run to close the gap. Entering the fourth, the margin was cut to 90-75.

Jalen Brunson shouldered the offensive burden for New York with 36 points, while Anunoby added 33. Their efforts spearheaded a 58-30 Knicks scoring surge after half-time. Delirious fans, electrified by the turn of events, sang along in celebration inside Madison Square Garden.

Key Performances and Turning Points

Despite Victor Wembanyama leading the Spurs with 24 points and 13 rebounds, he struggled from the field (9-for-25) and missed crucial free throws in the closing minutes. Dylan Harper contributed 21 points, while De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell each scored 18 for San Antonio.

The Spurs’ early dominance faded under sustained Knicks pressure, particularly in the second half, where San Antonio converted just 3 of 17 attempted 3-pointers. Defensive intensity from New York also resulted in a flagrant foul on Mitchell Robinson for contact above Wembanyama’s shoulders, and a review of Jose Alvarado for a low blow. Wembanyama himself was assessed a flagrant foul but largely weathered the physical contest.

The Knicks’ resolve was on display, reviving memories of their fourth-quarter rally against Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals, and they managed another late response even after Stephon Castle briefly restored the Spurs’ lead with two free throws inside the final 30 seconds.

Statistical Overview

TeamQ1Q2Q3Q4Total
San Antonio Spurs41351416106
New York Knicks22272632107

Next Steps in the Series

With a 3-1 series advantage, the Knicks now have three opportunities to clinch the title, starting with Game 5 scheduled for Saturday night in San Antonio. The Spurs, aiming to force a return to New York for Game 6 on Tuesday, will attempt to regroup after this demoralising defeat. Historically, only Cleveland in 2016 has rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.

Outside the court, the excitement was mirrored by the presence of high-profile fans, including Taylor Swift, though restrictions remained at Madison Square Garden as during Game 3. The atmosphere was fitting for a night marked by historic drama and resilience.


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