Knicks stage historic comeback to take 3-1 NBA Finals lead over Spurs
New York overturns 29-point deficit in largest Finals comeback since 1997, moving within one victory of their first championship since 1973.
The New York Knicks have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals after overcoming a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4. The victory marks the largest comeback from behind in a Finals game since the league began keeping detailed play-by-play statistics for all four quarters in 1997, moving New York within one win of securing their first championship since 1973.
The contest appeared beyond reach for the home side early on, with the Spurs establishing a record-breaking 27-point halftime lead of 76-49. The visiting team had drained 11 of their first 16 three-pointers in the first half, building a margin that saw DraftKings odds extend the Knicks to 22-1 on the live moneyline. The Spurs maintained their advantage into the third quarter, leading 81-52 before the momentum shifted decisively in New York’s favour.
The turnaround was driven by a second-half surge in which the Knicks outscored the Spurs 58-30. Jalen Brunson was instrumental in the rally, finishing with 36 points, while OG Anunoby contributed 33 points. Anunoby secured the win with a tip-in off a missed long three-point attempt by Brunson with just 1.2 seconds remaining on the clock.
For the Spurs, the second-half shooting collapse was stark. After their early efficiency, they went 3-for-17 from behind the arc in the final three quarters. Victor Wembanyama recorded 24 points and 13 rebounds but struggled with his shot, finishing 9-for-25 from the field. The young Spurs side, which had tied the series in Game 3 with a record-breaking first-half performance, failed to maintain their offensive rhythm against a Knicks team determined to close out the series.
The result snapped the Knicks’ 13-game winning streak and reversed the narrative following Game 3, where they had suffered a defeat despite a strong defensive effort. Delirious fans at Madison Square Garden celebrated the improbable turnaround, singing along to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” as the team moved to the brink of a title. The series now shifts to San Antonio for Game 5, with the Knicks holding the advantage.
