Knicks stun Spurs with historic comeback, move one win away from NBA title

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New York — For much of Wednesday night, it looked as though the San Antonio Spurs were on the verge of taking firm control of the 2026 NBA Finals.

Victor Wembanyama was dominating both ends of the floor, the Spurs had built what appeared to be an insurmountable 29-point lead, and a stunned Madison Square Garden watched as the New York Knicks struggled to find answers.

Then came one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NBA Finals history. The Knicks rallied from 29 points down to defeat the Spurs 107-106 in Game 4, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series and moving within one victory of capturing the franchise’s first NBA championship since 1973.

The win was more than just another playoff triumph. It was a defining moment for a franchise that has spent decades searching for a return to basketball’s biggest stage.

For three quarters, San Antonio appeared firmly in control. The Spurs dictated the tempo, executed efficiently on offense and looked poised to leave New York with the series tied.

But the Knicks refused to fold. Led by All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, New York gradually chipped away at the deficit, feeding off the energy of a crowd that sensed history could still be within reach. Brunson finished with 36 points, delivering another signature performance on the game’s biggest stage.

As the comeback gained momentum, the atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden transformed from anxiety to belief.

Possession by possession, the Knicks closed the gap. Then, with just 1.2 seconds remaining, OG Anunoby delivered the defining moment of the night, knocking down the game-winning basket and sending the arena into celebration.

The comeback immediately entered the conversation among the greatest in Finals history and could prove to be the turning point of the championship series.

For the Spurs, the defeat was a painful reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the postseason.

Despite the loss, Wembanyama once again showcased why he is widely viewed as the future face of the NBA. The French superstar finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds, controlling long stretches of the game before New York’s late surge.

Yet as pressure mounted in the closing minutes, San Antonio struggled to maintain its composure, allowing the Knicks to seize control when it mattered most.

The broader significance of the result extends far beyond a single game. The Knicks have not won an NBA title since 1973. Since then, generations of fans have endured heartbreak, rebuilding projects and near misses. Now, for the first time in decades, the franchise stands on the brink of ending one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports.

Game 5 shifts to San Antonio, where the Spurs will attempt to keep their season alive. History, however, is firmly on New York’s side. Teams that take a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals overwhelmingly go on to win the championship.

For the Knicks, the opportunity is clear. One more victory would end a 53-year wait and cement this team’s place in franchise history. After a comeback for the ages, New York is now closer than ever to basketball immortality.