NBA Finals Pulse: Knicks Steal Game 4 in Thriller, Take Commanding 3-1 Series Lead
The New York Knicks are one win away from basketball immortality after a heart-stopping 107-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. In a game that featured 14 lead changes and a relentless back-and-forth fourth quarter, it was the Knicks’ ability to execute in the clutch that ultimately decided a series that is now teetering on the brink of ending. The Garden erupted as San Antonio’s final three-point attempt clanked off the rim, sending New York to a 3-1 series lead and putting them in position to clinch their first championship since 1973 on Sunday.
The fourth quarter was a masterclass in playoff pressure basketball. The Knicks’ star guard poured in 12 of his 34 points in the final period, including a step-back jumper with 22 seconds remaining that proved to be the game-winner. On the other end, San Antonio had multiple chances to tie or take the lead, but missed two free throws and had a potential game-winning triple roll off the rim at the buzzer. The Spurs’ leading man finished with 31 points and 9 assists, but his late-game heroics weren’t enough to steal home-court advantage back for his team. The difference? New York’s bench outscored San Antonio’s reserves 28-14, and the Knicks forced 16 turnovers that led to 21 crucial points.
The series now shifts back to San Antonio for Game 5, where the Spurs face a must-win situation that has historically been the most dangerous in sports. No team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals, but this Spurs squad has championship pedigree and a home crowd that has yet to see them lose in these playoffs. For New York, the goal is simple: close it out on the road and avoid any thoughts of a Game 6 back at the Garden. History suggests the Knicks have a 70% chance of winning the title from this position, but San Antonio has proven all postseason that they are at their best when their backs are against the wall.
What to watch for in Game 5: Can the Spurs find a way to slow down New York’s backcourt attack? The Knicks’ starting guards have combined for 63 points per game in the series, and San Antonio’s defensive adjustments have been slow to materialize. Also keep an eye on the rebounding battle — New York dominated the glass in Game 4 (48-38), and if San Antonio can’t clean up that margin, their season could end much sooner than expected. One thing is certain: with the title within reach, the Knicks won’t let up, and the Spurs will need their best performance of the year to force a Game 6. Buckle up — Game 5 on Sunday promises to be an absolute classic.