Knicks Stage Historic Comeback in Game 4, Anunoby Delivers Game-Winner
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Inside the Knicks’ incredible Game 4 comeback: 7 plays that swung the NBA Finals - The New York Times
The New York Knicks achieved a significant comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, overcoming a 29-point deficit against the San Antonio Spurs. This victory places them one win away from a championship, marking what some have described as the greatest comeback in Finals history. The game culminated in a dramatic finish, with OG Anunoby securing the winning points in the final seconds.
Key moments in the comeback
The Knicks’ rally began in the third quarter, even when the Spurs held a substantial lead. One early indicator of a shift occurred with a play initiated by Jalen Brunson. With the Spurs leading 76-49 early in the third quarter, Brunson executed a pick-and-roll with Karl-Anthony Towns. When the Spurs attempted a double-team, Brunson attacked Victor Wembanyama, who was out of position. Brunson then passed to an open Josh Hart, who found Anunoby for a three-pointer against Wembanyama’s late closeout. This play showcased the Knicks’ offensive strategy to exploit the Spurs’ defense.
Another pivotal moment involved a foul called against Wembanyama. With the Spurs leading 81-52, Wembanyama made contact with Towns. This resulted in a Flagrant 1 foul, which appeared to galvanize both the Knicks players and the home crowd. Following this call, the Spurs’ scoring slowed significantly, making only two more field goals for the remainder of the third quarter.
Brunson also found his rhythm in the third quarter. Despite struggling with his jump shot earlier in the game, he hit an 18-footer after creating space against Dylan Harper. This shot seemed to boost confidence for both Brunson and his team. The Spurs, who had been careful with possessions, began to commit turnovers late in the third quarter. De’Aaron Fox had consecutive unforced turnovers, including a pass that went out of bounds after Anunoby hit a three-pointer, allowing the Knicks to reduce the deficit.
Anunoby’s decisive plays
In the fourth quarter, with the Spurs leading 95-78, Wembanyama attempted a lob pass that he was unable to convert into a dunk, awkwardly flinging the ball over the rim. The Knicks secured the rebound, gaining momentum from stopping a play that is typically effective for Wembanyama.
Later, with the Spurs holding a 104-100 lead, Brunson faced Wembanyama in a one-on-one situation. Brunson passed the ball but quickly received it back from Hart, then launched a quick shot over Wembanyama’s outstretched arm, which was a crucial basket at the time.
The game’s climax came in the final seconds. With 5.7 seconds remaining and the Knicks trailing by one point, they called a timeout. Anunoby inbounded the ball to Brunson, who took a shot from approximately 31 feet over Wembanyama. The shot missed, hitting the rim. Anunoby, who had sprinted towards the basket, leaped and tipped the ball with his right hand, sending it into the net with 1.2 seconds left on the clock. This play gave the Knicks a 107-106 lead.
Karl-Anthony Towns described Anunoby’s tip-in as a “Right hand from God.” Knicks coach Mike Brown called it “the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball.”
The Spurs had held a significant advantage at halftime. Despite this, the Knicks were able to mount their comeback. The Spurs’ offense struggled in the second half, particularly with three-pointers, converting only three of 17 attempts in the final two quarters. Wembanyama also committed a flagrant foul. With 16 seconds left, Fox attempted an ill-advised layup after a Brunson miss, setting the stage for the Knicks’ winning play.
The final score was Knicks 107, Spurs 106.
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Source: nytimes.com
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