A tale of two halves: Knicks complete NBA Finals comeback for the ages

The New York Knicks completed one of the most improbable comebacks in sports history, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 106-97 in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 10. Down 29 points at halftime, the Knicks erased the largest deficit in NBA Finals history, securing a 3-1 series lead and moving one win away from their first championship in 53 seasons. The first half was dominated by the Spurs, who set multiple records, including 76 points—the most by a road team in Finals history—and a 41-22 lead after the first quarter. The Knicks, however, completely transformed the game in the second half, missing just 28 of their first 34 shots after intermission while the Spurs collapsed, shooting 20.5% from the floor. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points, while OG Anunoby contributed 33 points, including the game-winning tip-in and a 7-of-9 performance from three-point range. Karl-Anthony Towns credited the team’s resilience and the support of New York fans, who remained engaged despite the early collapse. The Spurs had never trailed by 20-plus points in the fourth quarter of a playoff game in the last 30 years, making the Knicks’ comeback even more historic. The Knicks’ ability to recover from a 29-point deficit cemented their place in NBA lore, with the franchise now just one victory away from its first title since 1973. This performance redefined what was possible in the NBA Finals, with the Knicks overcoming one of the most dominant first halves ever seen in the series. The team’s grit and determination in the second half showcased their championship potential.