Credited from: LEMONDE
The New York Knicks achieved the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history on Wednesday by erasing a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106, pushing them one victory away from clinching their first championship since 1973. The pivotal moment came when OG Anunoby tipped in Jalen Brunson's missed long-range shot with just 1.2 seconds left, securing a 3-1 series lead for the Knicks, who will now head to San Antonio for Game 5 on Saturday evening, according to NPR, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.
The Knicks trailed significantly at halftime, with the Spurs leading 76-49 and boasting a historic performance that included a Finals record 14 three-pointers made. The Spanish-born Anunoby and Brunson were instrumental in the comeback, combining for 69 points, with Brunson scoring 36 and Anunoby contributing 33. Coach Mike Brown praised Anunoby's game-winner as "the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball," reflecting the weight of the moment, according to Al Jazeera and Le Monde.
The Spurs initially dominated the game, but a critical turning point occurred midway through the third quarter when Spurs’ star Victor Wembanyama received a flagrant foul, which shifted momentum in favor of New York. San Antonio, which had a commanding lead and maintained 65.2% shooting in the first quarter, succumbed to the Knicks' relentless pressure and scored just 30 points in the second half, with the Knicks outscoring them 58-30 after halftime. Wembanyama ended the game with 24 points and 13 rebounds but struggled against the Knicks' defense, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Le Monde.
Despite a strong start, the Spurs faced difficulties in the second half, reminiscent of previous collapses throughout the series. As the game progressed, neither the teams nor the audience could have predicted such an extraordinary turnaround, highlighted by chants from a spirited Madison Square Garden crowd. This historic victory further infuses the Knicks with confidence as they edge closer to ending their long title drought, according to NPR and Reuters.