Anshari Taslim
The New York Knicks secured a pivotal 3-1 series lead in the NBA Finals on June 11, 2026, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 108-107 in a dramatic Game 4 that saw them erase a 29-point deficit. While OG Anunoby delivered the game-winning basket and a crucial defensive stop in the final seconds, it was a subtle, fingertip deflection by Karl-Anthony Towns on the Spurs’ last possession that ultimately preserved New York’s historic victory, preventing a potential game-winning lob for San Antonio.
The contest at the AT&T Center in San Antonio unfolded as a tale of two halves, or more precisely, a tale of two narratives within the final quarter. The Spurs, riding a wave of dominant early play, had established a commanding 29-point lead in the second quarter, largely fueled by efficient shooting and the imposing presence of Victor Wembanyama, who finished the game with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks. The Knicks, who entered Game 4 holding a 2-1 series advantage, appeared on the verge of surrendering momentum, facing a substantial deficit that threatened to tie the series at two games apiece.
However, the Knicks orchestrated a relentless and methodical comeback, chipping away at San Antonio’s lead throughout the third quarter before igniting in the fourth. Led by the scoring prowess of Jalen Brunson, who tallied a game-high 35 points, New York’s offense found its rhythm, combining with intensified defensive pressure to stifle the Spurs’ previously fluid attack. Brunson’s ability to navigate San Antonio’s defense, often drawing double-teams, created opportunities for his teammates and kept the Knicks within striking distance. His season-long average of 28.5 points per game, coupled with his consistent playoff heroics, underscored his critical role in the team’s resurgence.
As the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, the game transformed into a nail-biting, possession-for-possession battle. With 12 seconds remaining and the Knicks trailing by a single point, Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox, who had contributed 20 points and 7 assists, drove to the basket for what he hoped would be a sealing layup. However, OG Anunoby, the Knicks’ defensive stalwart, executed a perfectly timed block, denying Fox and securing possession for New York. Anunoby, known for his elite two-way play, has consistently delivered impactful defensive performances throughout the playoffs, averaging 1.5 blocks and 1.8 steals per game in the postseason.
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Following the block, the Knicks called a timeout to draw up a final play. With 7 seconds on the clock, Jalen Brunson initiated the inbound from the sideline. San Antonio’s defensive strategy on this crucial play involved sending two defenders to pressure Brunson, aiming to prevent him from getting a clean look at the basket. This tactic, while designed to neutralize New York’s primary scorer, inadvertently left Anunoby, the inbounder, relatively unguarded. Brunson managed to hoist a deep three-pointer over the outstretched arms of Wembanyama and Fox, but the shot caromed off the rim. Capitalizing on the defensive lapse, Anunoby crashed the offensive glass unopposed, tipping the ball in with just 1.2 seconds left on the clock, giving the Knicks a dramatic 108-107 lead. This sequence immediately vaulted Anunoby into NBA Finals lore, showcasing his remarkable athleticism and opportunistic scoring.
Yet, the drama was far from over. With 1.2 seconds remaining, the Spurs had one final opportunity to reclaim victory. San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson diagrammed an intricate out-of-bounds play designed to exploit the Knicks’ defense. The primary option involved Stephon Castle, a promising rookie guard, making a backdoor cut toward the rim for a potential game-winning lob or quick dunk. A secondary option had Victor Wembanyama running off a screen to receive a shot over his right shoulder. Dylan Harper, another young talent, was tasked with delivering the inbound pass.
The play unfolded largely as designed. Castle executed his cut, momentarily finding himself with a clear path to the basket as the Knicks’ defense, particularly focused on containing Wembanyama, shifted to anticipate a pass to their star. Harper initiated the inbound pass, aiming for Castle at the rim. However, standing directly in Harper’s path, guarding the inbound, was Karl-Anthony Towns. Utilizing his formidable 7-foot frame and expansive wingspan, Towns stretched out a hand, making fractional contact with the ball. The subtle deflection was just enough to alter the trajectory of Harper’s pass, causing it to fall "woefully short" of its intended target, Castle.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged the disruption in his postgame comments. "I didn’t get a clear picture of what messed it up initially," Johnson stated. "It was just a back pick from Victor for Steph. Then Vic was running off, Dylan had it in his vision. Whether it was Steph at the rim or Victor running to get a shot over his right shoulder. Obviously, we didn’t get the pass where we wanted to." Johnson’s remarks indirectly highlighted the efficacy of Towns’ intervention, confirming that the pass deviation was not an error by Harper but rather a successful defensive play. Towns’ ability to remain disciplined and utilize his physical attributes in that critical moment prevented San Antonio from executing what could have been a series-tying dunk, thereby preserving New York’s improbable comeback.
Towns’ contribution, while less flashy than Anunoby’s game-winner, underscored his crucial, often understated, impact on the Knicks’ playoff run. Throughout the series, Towns has provided essential interior defense and rebounding, complementing the team’s perimeter-oriented attack. His presence in the paint and his capability to switch onto smaller players or disrupt passing lanes have been vital to New York’s defensive scheme. While his offensive numbers in Game 4 were not his highest, his defensive awareness in the game’s final play proved invaluable.
The contrasting defensive approaches on the two final inbound plays also provided a fascinating tactical study. San Antonio’s decision to double-team Brunson on the Knicks’ last offensive possession, leaving Anunoby free to crash the glass, ultimately cost them the lead. Conversely, the Knicks’ commitment to having a big man like Towns disrupt the inbound pass, rather than focusing solely on denying a receiver, directly led to their defensive success. This strategic difference ultimately swung the game’s outcome.
For the New York Knicks, this victory represents a significant psychological boost and a strong grip on the NBA Finals. Overcoming a 29-point deficit in an NBA Finals game is a rare feat, ranking among the largest comebacks in league history. The win puts them in a commanding 3-1 position, just one victory away from securing the championship. Their resilience and collective effort, particularly in the face of adversity, will serve as a powerful narrative heading into the remainder of the series.
For the San Antonio Spurs, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow. Squandering such a substantial lead and failing to execute a game-winning play in the final moments will undoubtedly test the team’s resolve. Despite the brilliance of Wembanyama and the strong contributions from Fox and Castle, the team’s inability to close out the game after building a commanding advantage will require careful reflection. The Spurs now face a daunting 3-1 deficit, needing to win three consecutive games, starting with Game 5, to keep their championship hopes alive.
Game 5 is scheduled for June 14, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Knicks will have the opportunity to close out the series on their home court, while the Spurs will be fighting for survival, aiming to force a Game 6 back in San Antonio. The dramatic conclusion of Game 4 ensures that the remainder of this NBA Finals series will be watched with heightened anticipation, with the memory of Towns’ decisive fingertip deflection looming large over the narrative.
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