New York Knicks Erase 29-Point Deficit in NBA Finals, Take 3:1 Lead

Wembanyama at a Loss After the Collapse

The San Antonio Spurs had one last shot attempt afterward, but it missed its mark. Wembanyama, who finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds, had previously missed two important free throws in the decisive phase. After the game, the Frenchman appeared at a loss to explain his team's collapse: "Ich weiss es nicht. Wir waren in der zweiten Halbzeit eindeutig nicht die Mannschaft mit dem grössten Hunger."

Historic Dimension of the Comeback

With their 29-point comeback, the Knicks surpassed the previous record held by the Boston Celtics, who erased a 24-point deficit in a finals game against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008. The historic comparison shows the magnitude of the performance New York delivered at Madison Square Garden. The arena celebrated the late triumph exuberantly, with prominent guests such as Taylor Swift, seated in the front row, cheering along.

Reactions to the Game

Knicks coach Mike Brown was emotional after the game and spoke of one of the most important plays in Knicks basketball history: "Ich weiss nicht, ob es in der Geschichte des Knicks-Basketballs eine wichtigere Aktion gab als diese." Brown, who let slip a swear word in the euphoric moment, apologized with a smile: "Sorry Mama." He added: "Du brauchst ein bisschen Glück – im Leben, im Sport. Aber du kannst auch für dein eigenes Glück sorgen."

Outlook on Game Five in Texas

OG Anunoby described the atmosphere in the sold-out arena with the words: "Das ist elektrisch. Das sind die besten Fans der Welt. Es ist unfassbar." Regarding his team's morale, he added: "Wir sind widerstandsfähig. Wir haben nicht aufgegeben und gepusht." The Knicks now face a historic opportunity: they can win their first NBA title since 1973 – a wait of 53 years.

The Spurs, on the other hand, must now win three consecutive games to turn the series around. Should the Knicks win in Texas on Sunday, it would be their first triumph in an NBA Finals since 1973. Then as now, the comparison with the Cleveland Cavaliers around LeBron James looms, the last team to overturn a 3:1 deficit in the Finals into a title in 2016.

The signs for Game Five are clear: New York travels to San Antonio with a clear psychological advantage, while the Spurs must above all shake off their nerves in the decisive moments. Wembanyama, who admitted after the game: "Ich kann es im Moment nicht wirklich erklären", faces an enormous test in his first Finals series.