Knicks stun Spurs with record 29-point comeback, take 3-1 Finals lead
The New York Knicks pulled off the largest comeback in NBA Finals history on Wednesday night, erasing a 29-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 and take a commanding 3-1 series lead. OG Anunoby tipped in Jalen Brunson's miss with 1.2 seconds left to seal the win, putting the Knicks one victory away from their first championship since 1973.
The comeback
Down 81-52 in the third quarter, the Knicks outscored the Spurs 58-30 in the second half Source: NPR. The Spurs made 11 of their first 16 3-pointers but went cold, hitting just 3 of 17 after halftime Source: Al Jazeera. Jalen Brunson finished with 36 points, and Anunoby added 33 Source: AP News. San Antonio's De'Aaron Fox was criticized for attacking the rim instead of running out the clock, a play Charles Barkley called "a dumbass play" Source: The Guardian.
The reaction
Fans inside Madison Square Garden erupted, singing Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" Source: Al Jazeera. The win came amid a chaotic New York weekend: a World Cup match and a concert at MSG added to the frenzy Source: AP News. The Knicks had canceled an outdoor watch party after security restrictions from President Trump's Game 3 visit angered owner James Dolan Source: NPR. Game 5 is Saturday in San Antonio.
Ratings and cultural impact
ABC drew 20.9 million viewers for Game 4, the most-watched NBA Finals Game 4 since 1998 Source: LA Times. The series is averaging 19.6 million viewers, up 116% from last year. Latino viewership surged, boosted by Knicks stars Karl-Anthony Towns (Dominican) and José Alvarado (Puerto Rican), who embody the city's vibrant Latino communities Source: CNN.
Sources
6 quotes“The New York Knicks made a record comeback from 29 points down and moved to the brink of their first championship since 1973 by beating the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 on Wednesday night.”
“If there is a saving grace from the bedlam that is about to ensue in New York City on Saturday, with the Knicks on the verge of a championship and Brazil taking on Morocco in the World Cup, it is that Game 5 of the NBA Finals is on the road.”
“On TNT’s post-game show, Charles Barkley delivered a verdict that quickly spread across social media and sports television. “That was a dumbass play,” Barkley said. “He did not have to shoot that ball.””
“For generations, Dominican and Puerto Rican communities have helped shape the sound, flavor and spirit of New York City. Now, two players carrying those same traditions are helping lead the Knicks on one of the most memorable postseason runs in NBA history.”
“Nielsen data showed an average of 20.9 million viewers watched the Knicks overcome a 29-point halftime deficit to top Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs 107-106 at Madison Square Garden, the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history.”
“Delirious fans inside Madison Square Garden sang along to Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ a few minutes after watching something that seemed almost impossible.”