Full Breakdown
Knicks’ Record-Breaking Game 4: From a 29-Point Hole to a Championship Lead
6/13/2026, 11:46:57 AM
The Historic Fourth-Quarter Comeback
On June 10, 2026, the New York Knicks erased a 29-point second-half deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 at Madison Square Garden. The rally set a new NBA Finals record for the largest comeback and gave New York a 3-1 series edge, putting the franchise one win away from its first title since 1973.
Building Resilience
The Knicks entered the Finals with a reputation for late-game surges. They posted two 20-point fourth-quarter comebacks this postseason and five such turnarounds over the past two playoffs. Players repeatedly stress a “0-0” mindset—treating each game as a fresh start regardless of the series lead.
Leaders Driving the Turnaround
Guard Jalen Brunson led the effort with 36 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals, including clutch baskets in the final minutes. OG Anunoby supplied the decisive tip-in and a critical block on Victor Wembanyama, finishing the game 23-8 from the field in the last 23 seconds. Veteran insight from five-time champion Magic Johnson highlighted Brunson’s poise, while assistant coach Rick Brunson (Jalen’s father) was seen guiding the team’s composure.
Numbers That Define the Game
- Deficit overcome: 29 points (largest in Finals history)
- Final score: Knicks 107, Spurs 106
- Brunson: 12-for-25 shooting (48 %), 36 points, 7 AST, 5 REB
- Series averages (through Game 4): Brunson 29.5 pts, 39 % FG; Anunoby 23.8 pts, 58 % FG, 92 % FT
- Knicks have recorded five 20-point comebacks in the last two postseasons, a stark contrast to the league-wide 4-71 record for such feats.
Why It Matters
A victory in Game 5 would crown the Knicks’ first championship in 53 years, potentially elevating Brunson to the franchise’s all-time greats and energizing a city that has long awaited a title. The win also reshapes the narrative around mid-size guards leading title-contending teams.
Official Statements & Responses
Brunson emphasized team accountability and the need to focus on habits rather than the scoreboard, insisting the squad will treat the series as “0-0.” Magic Johnson praised Brunson’s intelligence, physical toughness, and history of winning in high-pressure moments. After earlier doubts, Draymond Green publicly apologized to Brunson, acknowledging his previous criticism of Brunson’s “1A” status. The organization collectively reiterated that the Knicks will continue “giving it everything” regardless of the lead.
Critics & Opposition
Green’s pre-Finals remarks questioned Brunson’s size and ability to be a singular superstar, arguing only a handful of players merit the “1A” label. Those comments sparked debate about the Knicks’ ceiling and highlighted the skepticism Brunson has faced throughout his career.
Courtside Reactions
Actress Mariska Hargitay sprinted ten blocks from the Hudson Theatre to the Garden after two Broadway shows to watch the comeback. She described the game as “brutal” but praised the team’s fight, calling it possibly “the greatest night of my life.” Hargitay’s excitement echoed that of fellow fans such as Taylor Swift and Kylie Jenner.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As a team, you have to hold each other accountable. Whatever’s being said, positive or negative, you can’t really think about or worry about too much,” — Jalen Brunson, Knicks guard
- “He’s so intelligent and he’s tough physically and mentally, so this doesn’t surprise me.” — Magic Johnson, five-time NBA champion
- “I want to tell you now because I want to tell you to your face,” — Draymond Green, Warriors forward
- “To watch this team fight and claw their way back — to see that look in Jalen’s eyes — there are just endless life lessons in there,” — Mariska Hargitay, actress
What’s Next
Game 5 shifts to San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center, where the Spurs will attempt to force a decisive Game 6. The Knicks must sustain their defensive intensity and manage Brunson’s shooting efficiency while capitalizing on Anunoby’s perimeter production. A win would place New York on the brink of ending a five-decade championship drought.
