Knicks erase 29-point deficit, stun Spurs to take 3-1 NBA Finals lead

Alta Sports3 days ago · 410 views

Knicks erase 29-point deficit, stun Spurs to take 3-1 NBA Finals lead image

By Rafael Bandayrel

The New York Knicks pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history, rallying from 29 points down to beat the San Antonio Spurs, 107-106, in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Thursday (PH time) at Madison Square Garden.

The Spurs appeared to be in complete control early. San Antonio raced to a 19-point lead after the opening quarter and stretched the margin to 76-49 by halftime behind a dominant offensive display.

Things got chippy in the third period when Victor Wembanyama was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul, bringing his playoff total to three flagrant points—just one away from an automatic suspension.

Facing a massive deficit, the Knicks refused to quit. New York ripped off 13 straight points midway through the third quarter and eventually trimmed the gap to 90-75 entering the final period.

The comeback gained steam in the fourth as the Knicks unleashed a 20-4 run to cut the deficit to just four with 4:32 remaining. Meanwhile, the Spurs' offense completely stalled, shooting just 6-for-34 in the second half.

De'Aaron Fox briefly steadied San Antonio with a clutch three-pointer, but Jalen Brunson answered. Wembanyama followed with a mid-range jumper before Jose Alvarado drilled a huge triple to keep New York within striking distance.

Brunson then buried a clutch three to make it 104-103. Moments later, Josh Hart missed a wide-open layup that would have given the Knicks the lead, but Brunson made up for it with a floater to put New York ahead for the first time all night, 105-104.

Photo: NBA

After Stephon Castle responded to reclaim the lead for San Antonio, the Knicks got one final possession with 5.7 seconds remaining. Brunson's runner missed, but OG Anunoby crashed the glass and tipped it in with 1.2 seconds left to give New York a dramatic 107-106 advantage.

The Spurs had one last chance, but Castle's drive came up empty as time expired.

Brunson led all scorers with 36 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, while Anunoby added 33 points, including the game-winning basket.

With the victory, the Knicks move within one win of their first NBA championship since 1973 and take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.

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