OG Anunoby’s last-second heroics and defensive dominance capped a historic 29-point comeback at Madison Square Garden, pushing New York to the brink of their first title since 1973.
It was a stunning victory in Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks secured a one-point victory over the San Antonio Spurs in a 107-106 decision.
Down a point with 5.7 seconds left in the fourth quarter, star Knicks guard Jalen Brunson prevented the half-court inbounds pass and launched a deep three. As the ball careened off of the rim and it looked like the Spurs were on their way to evening up the series, a free runner entered the paint and came up with a huge win for the home Gotham fans.
Guard OG Anunoby soared in and tipped the ball mid-air back into the basket for the go-ahead score as Knicks fans erupted in disbelief throughout the arena. A moment so stunning even Jerry Seinfeld appeared to be left speechless.
The Spurs were unable to match on their end with just 1.2 seconds left to play in regulation, and the Knicks regain their commanding lead in the NBA Finals.
For more on the night, and a stunning 29-point comeback, Knicks Roundtable writer Jack Haslett has the recap.
With just less than 20 seconds left in regulation, Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox ended up with a loose ball and what appeared to be a clear lane to the basket. With an opportunity to extend San Antonio’s one-point 106-105 lead, Anunoby was able to close space at the basket and come up with a big block with about 12 seconds left.
After that, the Knicks were able to advance the ball to half court and call a timeout, which set up the go-ahead basket.
Had Fox been able to finish at the basket, the Spurs would have taken a three-point lead, forcing a need for Brunson’s initial long range attempt just to tie the game at 108 ,barring a foul.
Instead, the Knicks were left in position to come up with one of the most thrilling finishes of the NBA playoffs thus far.
New York now takes its 3-1 series lead back to San Antonio, where it won the first two matchups of the Finals.
The Knicks are riding high after such a shocking victory and now have history on their side. Per ESPN Insights, teams that take a 3-1 series lead in the NBA Finals are 37-1 all-time.
The Knicks are at the door of their first NBA Championship in 53 years.
