Knicks Move To 3-1 Lead In NBA Finals After 29-Point Rally

The New York Knicks produced a historic fightback in the NBA Finals, overturning a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 and move within one win of a first championship since 1973, taking a 3-1 series advantage.

OG Anunoby sealed the comeback with 1.2 seconds left, tipping in Jalen Brunson’s missed long three-point attempt to complete the turnaround at Madison Square Garden, giving the Knicks three opportunities to close out the NBA Finals against the Spurs.

No team had previously recovered from more than 24 points down in an NBA Finals game since detailed play-by-play recording for all four quarters began in 1997, a mark set when Boston rallied past the Lakers in 2008.

The Spurs had appeared in full control when the visitors surged to a 27-point lead at half-time, with Victor Wembanyama driving the New York Knicks defence back and San Antonio setting the largest NBA Finals interval advantage ever achieved by a road team.

San Antonio extended the margin to 81-52 during the third quarter, but the New York Knicks slowly shifted momentum. The Spurs, who opened by hitting 11 of their first 16 three-pointers, then struggled badly from distance, finishing 3-of-17 from beyond the arc after the interval.

The Knicks dominated the second half 58-30, with Brunson sparking the response and closing with 36 points, while Anunoby added 33. The hosts had lost Game 3, ending a 13-game winning streak, and seemed headed for another defeat before the offence finally ignited.

New York Knicks NBA Finals stars and San Antonio Spurs response

Wembanyama posted 24 points and 13 rebounds but shot 9-of-25 from the field and missed two free throws with 1:47 remaining, crucial moments as the New York Knicks closed in and the San Antonio Spurs struggled to regain rhythm.

Inside Madison Square Garden, supporters responded to the surge by singing Journey’s "Dont Stop Believin" as the New York Knicks completed a comeback that had seemed unlikely for most of the first half, with the San Antonio Spurs unable to halt the late charge.

Game 5 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Saturday night in San Antonio, where the Spurs must win to extend the series, while the New York Knicks have three chances to finish the contest and secure a first title in more than five decades.