Knicks rally from 29 points down to beat Spurs 107-106, set record for biggest NBA Finals comeback
Knicks Achieve Historic Comeback Against Spurs in NBA Finals Game 4
Knicks rally from 29 points down - The New York Knicks etched their name into NBA Finals lore by executing an unprecedented comeback, overcoming a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4 on Wednesday night. This remarkable turnaround not only shifted the series momentum but also positioned the Knicks as favorites for their first championship since 1973. The victory was sealed by OG Anunoby, whose tip-in of Jalen Brunson’s missed 3-pointer in the final 1.2 seconds proved to be the game’s decisive moment.
A Defining Turnaround
While the Spurs dominated the first half, establishing a 27-point halftime lead, the Knicks’ resilience shone through in the second half. Brunson, the team’s star, was instrumental in the revival, scoring 36 points to anchor the comeback. Anunoby, too, delivered with 33 points, culminating in a clutch play that secured the win. The Knicks’ ability to erase a 22-point gap in the fourth quarter of Game 1 against Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals had already hinted at their determination, but this performance showcased their unyielding spirit.
The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama’s 24 points and 13 rebounds, had seemed unstoppable earlier in the game. The young star’s early efficiency—making 11 of his first 16 3-pointers—fueled San Antonio’s dominance, which included an 81-52 third-quarter lead. However, the Spurs’ offensive rhythm faltered in the final 20 minutes, as they went 3 for 17 from beyond the arc. The Knicks capitalized on this slump, outscoring the Spurs 58-30 in the second half to reverse the tide.
Breaking the Records
Before this game, no team had ever come back from a 24-point deficit in an NBA Finals matchup since the league began tracking detailed play-by-play data in 1997. The 2008 Boston Celtics, who erased a 21-point gap against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, stood as the closest precedent. Tonight, the Knicks surpassed that record, achieving what many considered a near-impossible feat. The only larger playoff comeback in history was the 31-point rally by the Los Angeles Clippers against Golden State in Game 2 of the 2019 first-round series.
Wembanyama’s struggles in the second half were a turning point. Despite his early dominance, the 24-year-old center shot just 9 of 25 from the field and missed critical free throws with 1:47 remaining, allowing the Knicks to claw back. The Spurs’ offense, which had been efficient in the first half, sputtered as they adjusted to the Knicks’ pressure. This shift in momentum left the series hanging in the balance, with the Knicks now holding a 3-1 lead and three opportunities to clinch the title.
A Battle of Willpower
Despite the Spurs’ 27-point halftime advantage, the Knicks’ fourth-quarter surge was nothing short of extraordinary. Their 13-0 run in the third quarter, which cut the deficit to 15 points, signaled the beginning of their resurgence. By the fourth quarter, they had closed the gap to 90-75, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. Even when Stephon Castle’s free throws temporarily restored the Spurs’ lead with 30 seconds left, the Knicks refused to surrender, rallying once more to claim victory.
The game’s climax was a testament to the Knicks’ mental toughness. Fans in Madison Square Garden erupted in celebration, echoing the lyrics of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” as the final buzzer sounded. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, with delirious supporters cheering the team’s improbable victory. Meanwhile, the Spurs’ coaching staff acknowledged the defeat, with Mitch Johnson stating, “
We got on our heels — we missed some shots. It's disappointing, to say the least.
”
Game Dynamics and Player Performances
Dylan Harper and De’Aaron Fox each added 18 points for the Spurs, but their efforts couldn’t prevent the Knicks’ late surge. Wembanyama, who had been a dominant force in the first half, faced early challenges when the Knicks attempted to disrupt his rhythm. Mitchell Robinson was called for a flagrant foul after hitting Wembanyama above the shoulders, while Jose Alvarado drew scrutiny for a rough play that went below the belt. Despite these incidents, Wembanyama held his composure, though his missed free throws in the final minutes became a defining moment of regret.
The Knicks’ offensive firepower was evident throughout the game. Their ability to score efficiently in critical moments, such as the 13-0 run in the third quarter, demonstrated their adaptability. The team’s 13-game winning streak was broken in Game 3, but their performance in Game 4 showed they were unshakable in the face of adversity. This resilience is a hallmark of the Knicks’ playoff run, as they continue to defy expectations in high-stakes games.
Series Implications and Future Matches
With the Knicks holding a 3-1 series lead, the next game—scheduled for Tuesday in San Antonio—will be pivotal. The Spurs, despite their halftime lead, have shown they are capable of adjustments, and their road teams have won the first three games, marking only the second time in Finals history that this has occurred. The Knicks, however, have a history of coming from behind, and their ability to do so once again could define their championship aspirations.
The game’s setting also added a layer of significance. While President Trump was absent, Taylor Swift was in attendance, yet the same restrictions persisted around Madison Square Garden as during Game 3. This consistency frustrated the Knicks, who opted to cancel an outdoor watch party outside the arena. Inside the building, though, the Knicks found inspiration, leveraging their home-court advantage to fuel their comeback. The final minutes of the game, where Anunoby’s tip-in sealed the win, were a masterclass in clutch execution and perseverance.
As the Knicks prepare for Game 6, their performance has set a new standard for resilience in the NBA Finals. The Spurs, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly, as their third-quarter dominance was not enough to secure the series. This game has already rewritten the narrative of the 2024 Finals, proving that no lead is insurmountable and that the underdog spirit can prevail even in the most improbable circumstances.
Looking ahead, the Knicks’ ability to maintain their momentum will be key. Their 3-1 lead offers a glimmer of hope for fans, but the Spurs’ experience and talent remain a formidable challenge. The stage is now set for an epic showdown in San Antonio, where the team with the most unbreakable will be crowned champions. For now, the Knicks’ historic Game 4 victory stands as a reminder that the journey to glory is as much about heart as it is about skill.