NBA Finals: Epic collapse leaves Victor Wembanyama, Spurs searching for answers

The San Antonio Spurs suffered a stunning collapse in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, losing 107-106 to the New York Knicks after leading by 29 points in the first half. The Spurs set an NBA Finals record with 14 three-pointers in the opening 24 minutes, turning the ball over just twice while playing flawless basketball. However, they faltered in the second half, struggling with execution and energy, ultimately falling to a late tip-in by OG Anunoby that gave the Knicks a 3-1 series lead. Coach Mitch Johnson expressed frustration, calling the loss disappointing and painful despite the team’s strong early performance. He noted that the Spurs had the personnel and shot well but failed to sustain their effort in critical moments. The collapse followed a first half where the Spurs dominated with 43 three-point attempts, timely drives, and strong defensive play from Victor Wembanyama, who disrupted Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks celebrated a hard-fought victory in Madison Square Garden, where fans erupted after the final buzzer. Meanwhile, the Spurs’ young core grappled with another playoff setback, unable to capitalize on their early dominance. The loss underscores the intangibles at play in this high-stakes series, as both teams adjust their strategies mid-game. Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox led the Spurs’ offense in the first half, but the team struggled to maintain momentum in the second. The Knicks’ defense tightened, and the Spurs settled for risky jumpers instead of attacking the rim. The series now shifts back to San Antonio, where the Spurs will look to regroup and avoid another late-game meltdown.