Spurs tie NBA Finals series with record-breaking win over Knicks
Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle lead Spurs to a historic first-half performance, overcoming a second-half surge from the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
The San Antonio Spurs have levelled the NBA Finals series at two games apiece, defeating the New York Knicks 115-111 in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden. The victory halts New York’s momentum and sends the championship series back to San Antonio for Game 5, following a dominant first-half performance that set a new league benchmark.
San Antonio established an NBA Finals record by making 14 three-pointers in the first half, a figure that surpassed the previous record of 13 set by the 2017 Cleveland Cavaliers. The Spurs’ shooting efficiency was absolute, leading to a 76-49 halftime lead. This 27-point margin represented the largest halftime deficit in NBA Finals history, effectively placing the Knicks in a historically difficult position to mount a comeback.
Key contributors for the Spurs included Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, who built on their strong performances from Game 3. The first-half shooting display involved multiple players, with Devin Vassell hitting four three-pointers, while Tre Jones and Dylan Harper each contributed three. The collective effort left the home crowd at Madison Square Garden in stunned silence as the Spurs controlled the tempo from the opening tip-off.
Despite the massive deficit, the Knicks mounted a significant second-half surge, driven by 31 points each from Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. New York cut the lead to as little as four points late in the game, with Brunson hitting a crucial three-pointer to briefly take the lead. However, the Spurs’ depth and shooting accuracy proved too much, securing the win as Castle hit two free throws with 31 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
The game was not without controversy, as Knicks centre Mitchell Robinson was called for a flagrant foul that was reviewed and upheld. Additionally, Karl-Anthony Towns struggled with foul trouble, picking up two early fouls and sitting with three later in the first half, which hampered New York’s offensive rhythm. The Spurs’ win ensures the series remains tied, with Game 5 scheduled to take place in San Antonio.
