The New York Knicks staged the largest comeback in NBA Finals history, erasing a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 111-106 in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden, according to the NBA. The victory, which came with 10.7 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, gave the Knicks a 3-1 series lead and brought the franchise one win away from its first championship since 1973, the New York Daily News reported.
Historic Comeback in NBA Finals
The Knicks overcame a 29-point halftime deficit, the largest in Finals history, by outscoring the Spurs 44-19 in the fourth quarter, per ESPN. The game featured a dramatic finish, with rookie OG Anunoby hitting a contested put-back layup with 10.7 seconds left to seal the win. The Spurs had led 85-56 at halftime, but the Knicks’ defense held San Antonio to 21 points in the final 12 minutes, according to NBA statistics.
“It was epic, it was history made,” said Kiba Bones, a Bronx native and Knicks fan, who watched the game at home. “Thank God for the Knicks.” Bones referenced the team’s last championship, which occurred in 1973, the same year he was born, as reported by Reuters.
Celebrations and Chaos in New York
Thousands of fans flooded midtown Manhattan following the victory, with the Empire State Building illuminated in the Knicks’ orange-and-blue colors, according to the Associated Press. The streets of New York City saw spontaneous celebrations, including chanting, dancing, and impromptu parades, as fans clad in team merchandise gathered in areas like Central Park and Madison Square Garden, per The New York Times.
However, the festivities turned violent in some areas. The New York Police Department reported 56 people taken into custody, with 15 arrested and 41 receiving court summonses, according to a statement from the NYPD. Ten officers were injured during the unrest, which included fans hurling objects at Spurs star Victor Wembanyama outside a hotel, as documented on social media. The NYPD had implemented heightened security measures, including a “frozen zone” around the arena, to prevent disruptions, according to the New York Post.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
The game’s dramatic finish drew celebrity attention, with figures like Spike Lee, Jerry Seinfeld, and Timothée Chalamet seen reacting in shock at Madison Square Garden, according to AP. “I almost collapsed in euphoric surprise,” Lee said, per Reuters. Fans also celebrated in Brooklyn and Queens, with some gathering at restaurants and public spaces to watch the game, as reported by Reuters.
“The city feels alive,” one subway passenger said, echoing the sentiment of many New Yorkers. “Knicks in five!” another added, referencing the team’s goal to win the series in five games, according to The New York Times.
Looking Ahead to Game 5
The Knicks will host Game 5 on Saturday, with the winner securing the franchise’s first NBA title in 50 years. The Spurs, who entered the Finals as heavy favorites, now face a must-win scenario. The Knicks’ resurgence has reignited hopes in a city that has not seen a basketball championship since 1973, according to the New York Times.
“We got one more game, that’s it, and we’re done,” said Jaynee Byrd, a Brooklyn resident and Knicks fan, who wore the team’s signature orange-and-blue jersey. “We got this.”