Full Breakdown
Knicks’ Historic Comeback Puts Them One Win From First Title Since 1973
6/14/2026, 1:53:31 AM
The Game-Changing Play
In Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, the New York Knicks erased a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 at Madison Square Garden. Forward OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds left capped the rally, giving New York a 3-1 series lead and a chance to clinch its first championship since 1973.
Background & Context
The Knicks entered the Finals with a 3-0 record in closeout games this postseason, winning each by an average of 39.3 points. The Spurs had led every game by double digits before the Knicks turned the tide in Games 1, 2 and 4. Prior to the comeback, San Antonio held an 81-52 lead in the third quarter of Game 4, the third-largest halftime advantage in Finals history.
Key Figures & Groups
- OG Anunoby (Knicks) – 33 points, 10-of-15 shooting, 7-of-9 from three, decisive block on De’Aaron Fox and the game-winning tip-in.
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks) – 36 points, 12-of-25 shooting, orchestrated the final offensive set.
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks) – 13 points, 10 rebounds, praised Anunoby’s play.
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) – 24 points, 13 rebounds, struggled in the second half (9-of-25 shooting).
- De’Aaron Fox (Spurs) – 18 points, criticized for attempting a layup in the final seconds.
- Mike Brown (Knicks coach) – emphasized relentless effort in closeout games.
- Mitch Johnson (Spurs coach) – expressed disappointment with the second-half collapse.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Knicks 107, Spurs 106.
- Knicks shot 52 % overall; Spurs 43 % overall.
- Knicks 15-of-32 (47 %) from three; Spurs 17-of-43 (40 %).
- Spurs set a Finals record with 14 three-pointers in the first half.
- Knicks outscored Spurs 55-25 in the final 21½ minutes.
- Anunoby’s series averages: 23.8 ppg, 58 % FG, 55.6 % 3-pt.
- The Knicks are 3-0 in postseason closeouts this season, winning by an average margin of 39.3 points.
Why It Matters / Impact
A victory in Game 5 would end a 53-year championship drought for New York and mark the franchise’s first title since 1973. Anunoby’s performance also resonated in the United Kingdom, where his tip-in was described as “the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball” and sparked heightened interest in British basketball, which now has a record four UK players on NBA rosters.
Official Statements & Responses
Knicks coach Mike Brown highlighted the team’s focus on “the next possession” and praised Anunoby’s execution of the offensive-glass challenge. Brunson warned against celebrating prematurely, emphasizing a “one possession at a time” mindset. Towns called the tip-in “the most iconic shot in New York basketball.” Spurs coach Johnson admitted the team “disappointed” with the second-half performance, while Fox reiterated the need to “take this one game at a time.” Wembanyama reflected on the loss, noting the two possible outcomes for Game 5 and the need to become “stronger through this.”
Criticism & Opposition
Fox faced criticism for attempting a layup with the Spurs ahead by one point instead of managing the clock. Spurs supporters also expressed frustration at the team’s inability to protect a 29-point lead, with Johnson labeling the collapse “disappointing.” Post-game, Wembanyama was subjected to hostile fan behavior, including an egg-throwing incident that prompted police involvement.
On-the-Ground Reports
Madison Square Garden erupted with chants of “O-G! O-G!” and celebrity sightings—including Taylor Swift, Timothée Chalamet and Spike Lee. Fans flooded the streets, and the NYPD reported 56 arrests for disorderly conduct. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal declared June 10 “OG Anunoby Appreciation Day.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Viewership figures differ: one source cites 20.9 million viewers for Game 4, while another reports a series average of 19.6 million. Detailed statistics on the Spurs’ second-half shooting beyond the 2-of-11 figure are not uniformly reported across sources.
What’s Next
Game 5 will be played in San Antonio on June 14. A Knicks win would clinch the title; the Spurs must regroup to avoid a historic 3-1 series defeat.
