Knicks Stage Historic Comeback to Edge Closer to Championship

The New York Knicks made a dramatic comeback from a 29-point deficit against the San Antonio Spurs, securing a narrow 107-106 victory on Wednesday night. This thrilling win placed the Knicks on the cusp of their first championship since 1973, as they now hold a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals with three opportunities to clinch the title.

OG Anunoby played a crucial role by tipping in Jalen Brunson’s missed long-range shot with just 1.2 seconds left, sealing the comeback. This success appeared unlikely at the beginning, with the Spurs establishing a commanding 27-point lead by halftime. However, Brunson spearheaded the Knicks’ resurgence with 36 points, while Anunoby contributed 33 points, demonstrating his strength on the offensive glass.

“I told OG as big, as strong, as athletic as he is, he’s got to be a monster on the offensive glass tonight,” commented Knicks coach Mike Brown. “I don’t know if there was a play bigger than any other play in the history of Knicks basketball.”

Game 5 is set to take place on Saturday night in San Antonio. This comeback set a record, as no team had overcome more than a 24-point deficit in a finals game since detailed play-by-play statistics began in 1997. At one point, the Spurs led by 81-52 in the third quarter. The only larger comeback recorded in any playoff game was when the Los Angeles Clippers came back from 31 points against the Golden State Warriors in 2019.

The Knicks’ 13-game winning streak ended in Game 3, and they appeared headed for another loss, especially after Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs built a record first-half lead. Initially, the Spurs’ shooting was impressive; they made 11 of their first 16 three-pointers. However, they struggled in the second half, making only 3 of 17 from beyond the arc as the Knicks outscored them significantly.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged, “We got on our heels — we missed some shots. It’s disappointing, to say the least.”

Enthusiastic fans at Madison Square Garden sent the night soaring to the sound of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” celebrating the nearly impossible comeback. Wembanyama managed 24 points and 13 rebounds but shot a mere 9-for-25 from the field. Interestingly, road teams had won the first three games, marking only the second instance in finals history.

Although former President Donald Trump did not attend this game, high security remained at Madison Square Garden, which affected the Knicks’ plans for an outdoor watch party. Offensively struggling, the Knicks managed to hold the Spurs to just 14 points on 4-for-20 shooting during the third quarter, firing off a 13-0 run and narrowing the score to 90-75 moving into the fourth.

Famed for their resilience, the Knicks previously overturned a 22-point deficit against Cleveland earlier in the playoffs. Even as Stephon Castle’s free throws restored San Antonio’s lead with 30 seconds left, the Knicks mounted another comeback. Dylan Harper added 21 points for the Spurs, alongside contributions from De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell with 18 each. The Spurs will attempt to regroup for Game 6 in New York on Tuesday.

Wembanyama revealed insight through frustration, “I think it began before (the fourth quarter). I can’t really explain it right now. I don’t know. … We clearly weren’t the most hungry in the second half.”

Wembanyama faced a mixed reception from fans and toughness from the Knicks, receiving boos during his warm-up. Physically challenged on the court, Wembanyama will regret missing crucial free throws with 1:47 remaining while leading 104-103. The Spurs’ robust start saw them leading 12-2 early and extending to a significant 41-22 after one quarter, escalating to 57-32 with Julian Champagnie’s three-pointer.