The New York Knicks just authored the kind of game fans will talk about for decades. Trailing by 29 points, on the brink of letting the San Antonio Spurs even the series, they stormed all the way back to win Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, 107-106. It was the largest comeback in Finals history, and it pushed New York to a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Below, we break down how the Knicks pulled off the impossible, who stepped up when it mattered most, and what to expect from a Game 5 that now carries championship stakes. We also rank the top three contenders for Finals MVP as the series races toward a conclusion.
A Comeback for the Ages
For nearly three quarters, this looked like a Spurs runaway. San Antonio came out scorching, building a lead as large as 29 points behind sharp shooting and relentless defense. Madison Square Garden grew tense as the Knicks searched for answers.
Then everything changed. New York chipped away with a furious rally, tightening its defense and finding life from beyond the arc. The crowd, sensing something special, roared the home team back into the contest.
The finish was pure theater. With the game on the line, OG Anunoby tipped in a missed shot in the closing seconds to give the Knicks a 107-106 win. The 29-point comeback shattered the previous Finals record of 24, set by the Boston Celtics in 2008.
The takeaway: New York didn’t just win a game. It delivered the biggest rally the Finals stage has ever seen.
Who Stepped Up in Game 4
Great comebacks need heroes, and the Knicks had several.
OG Anunoby Delivers the Dagger
Anunoby was sensational on both ends of the floor. He poured in 33 points, knocked down clutch three-pointers during the rally, and capped the night with the game-winning tip-in. His two-way effort turned a desperate situation into an unforgettable triumph.
Jalen Brunson Carries the Offense
Brunson once again proved he’s built for the brightest moments. He finished with 36 points and 7 assists, scoring in waves down the stretch and steadying the Knicks when the deficit looked insurmountable. His late-game floater gave New York its first lead of the night.
Victor Wembanyama Shines in Defeat
Even in the loss, Wembanyama was a problem for the Knicks. The young star posted 24 points and 13 rebounds, anchoring San Antonio’s early dominance. His effort kept the Spurs in front for most of the night, but it wasn’t enough to hold off New York’s charge.
The takeaway: Brunson and Anunoby powered the comeback, while Wembanyama gave the Spurs every chance to close it out.
Game 5: Closeout Time for New York
The series now shifts to a Game 5 packed with drama. The Knicks hold a 3-1 lead and a golden chance to clinch the franchise’s long-awaited title. One more win, and New York can celebrate.
For San Antonio, the math is simple and brutal: win or go home. The Spurs must regroup quickly after watching a 29-point cushion vanish. They’ll need to slow Brunson, contain Anunoby, and lean on Wembanyama to keep their hopes alive.
Expect both teams to play with desperation. The Knicks want to avoid giving a dangerous opponent any momentum, while the Spurs will throw everything they have into forcing a Game 6. After the fireworks of Game 4, this matchup has all the makings of the series’ defining showdown.
The takeaway: New York can close it out, but San Antonio will fight with its season on the line.
Top Finals MVP Contenders
With the title within reach, the MVP race is heating up. Here are the three players shaping the conversation.
1. Jalen Brunson
Brunson has been the heartbeat of the Knicks all postseason. His 36-point, 7-assist masterpiece in Game 4 only strengthened his case. If New York finishes the job, his combination of scoring, leadership, and late-game poise makes him a clear frontrunner.
2. OG Anunoby
Anunoby launched himself into the spotlight with his Game 4 heroics. The 33-point night and series-altering tip-in were exactly the kind of signature moments that swing MVP votes. His defense and timely shooting have been vital throughout the Finals.
3. Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama remains San Antonio’s best hope and a legitimate MVP candidate. His 24-point, 13-rebound effort showed why he’s one of the league’s brightest talents. Should the Spurs storm back to win the series, he’d be the obvious choice for the award.
The Bottom Line
The Knicks turned a near-certain loss into the greatest comeback in Finals history, riding Brunson’s brilliance and Anunoby’s clutch tip-in to a 3-1 series lead. Wembanyama starred for the Spurs, but San Antonio now faces elimination. Game 5 looms as a possible coronation for New York and a desperate must-win for San Antonio.
Stay tuned for our full Game 5 preview and live updates as the Knicks chase a championship.
#NBAFinals #Spurs #Knicks #Basketball #NBAPlayoffs #FinalsMVP #SportsNews #NBA #BasketballFans #NBASeason
