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Knicks stage historic comeback, move within one win of NBA title

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The New York Knicks produced the largest comeback in NBA Finals history Wednesday night, erasing a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 and move within one victory of their first championship since 1973.

The dramatic victory gave New York a 3-1 lead in the series and left Madison Square Garden celebrating one of the most memorable wins in franchise history.

The Spurs appeared to be in complete control early. San Antonio built a 21-point lead in the first quarter and held a 41-22 advantage after one period, the largest first-quarter lead by a road team in NBA Finals history. The Spurs extended the margin to 27 points by halftime after making a Finals-record 14 three-pointers in the first half.

New York slowly chipped away in the second half, outscoring San Antonio 35-14 in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 15 entering the final period. The Knicks continued their charge in the fourth behind Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby.

Brunson finished with 36 points and seven assists, while Anunoby scored 33 points and connected on seven three-pointers. Karl-Anthony Towns added 13 points and 10 rebounds despite foul trouble, and reserve guard Jose Alvarado provided a key spark off the bench.

The game turned in the closing seconds. After San Antonio regained a one-point lead, Anunoby blocked a layup attempt by De’Aaron Fox to keep New York within striking distance. On the Knicks’ final possession, Brunson missed a three-point attempt, but Anunoby soared above the crowd to tip in the rebound with 1.2 seconds remaining for the winning basket.

San Antonio’s final chance ended when Stephon Castle mishandled the inbounds pass as time expired.

Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while rookie Dylan Harper added 21 points off the bench.

The comeback surpassed New York’s previous playoff rally this spring, when the Knicks overcame a 22-point deficit against Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals.

Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday night in San Antonio, where the Knicks will have their first opportunity to capture the franchise’s third NBA championship.

Source: The Athletic

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