The New York Knicks mounted a historic comeback from a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.
The victory gives the Knicks a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, putting them one win away from their first championship since 1973.
>>> Knicks Complete Historic 29-Point Comeback to Beat Spurs in NBA Finals
Spurs Dominate First Half
San Antonio took control early, building a 76-49 halftime lead.
That margin was the largest halftime lead by a road team in Finals history, excluding the 2020 bubble season.
The Spurs also set an NBA Finals record by making 14 three-pointers in the first two quarters.
Knicks Second-Half Surge
New York began its comeback with a 13-0 run in the third quarter.
Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 36 points and gave the Knicks their first lead with 1:22 remaining in the fourth quarter.
OG Anunoby added 33 points and tipped in the winning basket with 1.2 seconds left on the clock.
"Just doing what it takes to win. Our thing is crashing the glass … I just tried to make a play.
>>> Knicks Take 2-1 Series Lead Over Spurs in NBA Finals Game 4
… We’re resilient," Anunoby said after the game.
Wembanyama's Performance and Foul Situation
Spurs center Victor Wembanyama recorded 24 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks. He received a flagrant I foul in the third quarter for elbowing Karl-Anthony Towns.
The foul brought Wembanyama's postseason total to three flagrant points, leaving him one penalty away from an automatic suspension.
"Of course, I’m going to be more careful. But it’s not going to change much," Wembanyama said.
Citywide Enthusiasm
The Knicks' playoff run has sparked widespread excitement in New York.
Madison Square Garden was at full capacity for watch parties during away games, and thousands gathered outdoors in midtown Manhattan to watch on screens.
Rapper Fat Joe described the atmosphere as "the greatest unification of the city since 9/11."
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Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday in San Antonio, where the Knicks can clinch the championship.
