For much of Wednesday night, the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden suggested the New York Knicks were headed for defeat. The San Antonio Spurs led comfortably, Victor Wembanyama was dominant, and New York fell behind by 29 points in the second quarter of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
What followed was a sustained comeback. The Knicks chipped away in the third quarter, increasing defensive intensity, winning loose balls and forcing turnovers. The crowd — including fans and students — responded, and momentum shifted. New York completed a 29-point rally to win 107-106, taking a 3-1 lead in the series and moving one win away from its first championship since 1973.
Early in the game, San Antonio controlled play: effective ball movement, open perimeter shooting and strong defense. New York struggled with missed shots and late rotations, creating the large deficit. As the second half began, the Knicks improved their rebounding and defense, while the crowd’s energy intensified each time the Spurs faltered and the Knicks scored.
The venue’s high-profile audience — including familiar faces in courtside seats — watched as the comeback unfolded. Reactions captured throughout the arena shifted from disbelief to celebration as the Knicks closed the gap.
On the floor, Jalen Brunson provided steady leadership. He managed the pace, attacked favorable matchups and made key decisions in critical moments. Brunson’s composure and consistent scoring were central to the comeback and further solidified his role in the team’s postseason run.
The game’s decisive moment came in the final seconds when OG Anunoby tipped the ball into the basket on an inbound play, securing the one-point victory. The play ended a long drought of title contention for the franchise and carried significant emotional weight for fans.
Practically, the win changes the series dynamics: instead of returning to San Antonio tied, the Knicks now lead 3-1, placing pressure on the Spurs to force a Game 7. San Antonio and Wembanyama remain capable opponents, and the series is not over. Game 5 will determine whether New York can close the series at home or the Spurs can shift momentum back in their favor.
In summary, Game 4 was notable for a rare and decisive comeback, strong individual performances — particularly from Brunson and Anunoby — and the renewed energy of a home crowd at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks now need one more win to secure the championship, while the Spurs must recover quickly to extend the finals.
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