The New York Knicks delivered one of the greatest comebacks in NBA Finals history on June 10. Trailing by 29 points earlier in the night, the Knicks stormed back to beat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 at Madison Square Garden and move within one win of the championship.
The game turned into a chaotic sequence in the final seconds. With the Spurs leading by one and holding possession, De'Aaron Fox had an opportunity to help close out the win. Instead, a costly decision opened the door for New York's dramatic finish.
De'Aaron Fox's Late Gamble Proves Costly as Knicks Complete Historic NBA Finals Rally
For much of Game 4, San Antonio looked firmly in control. The Spurs built a massive lead behind a balanced offensive effort and appeared on track to even the NBA Finals at two games apiece.
New York had other plans. The Knicks slowly chipped away at the deficit throughout the second half. Every stop brought them closer. Every basket increased the pressure on the Spurs. By the closing minutes, the game had turned into a tense battle that neither team could afford to lose.
Then came the play everyone was talking about after the final buzzer. With less than 20 seconds remaining and San Antonio leading by one point, Fox recovered a loose ball near midcourt. Rather than forcing the Knicks to foul or burning more time off the clock, he attacked the basket looking to extend the lead.
OG Anunoby met him at the rim. The Knicks forward delivered a huge block, keeping New York alive and giving the home team one final opportunity. Moments later, Jalen Brunson launched a potential game-winning three-pointer. The shot missed, but Anunoby stayed with the play, grabbed the rebound, and tipped the ball into the basket with 1.2 seconds left.
Madison Square Garden erupted. The basket completed a stunning 107-106 victory and capped the largest comeback in NBA Finals history. Anunoby finished with 33 points, while Brunson added 36 as the Knicks erased a 29-point deficit and seized a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Fox's decision was not the only reason the Spurs lost after holding such a large advantage. However, in a game filled with momentum swings, his late drive became the defining sequence of the night. What could have been a game-clinching possession for San Antonio instead gave New York the opening it needed.
Now the Knicks sit one victory away from an NBA championship, while the Spurs face a must-win Game 5 after one of the most painful losses in franchise history.
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