San Antonio Spurs suffered a 107-106 defeat to the New York Knicks on June 10, 2024, after blowing a 29‑point lead – the largest comeback in NBA Finals history.
What happened in Game 4?
The Spurs opened the fourth quarter with a 20‑point cushion, but the Knicks rallied. Jalen Brunson finished with 36 points, including a floater that gave New York its first lead with 82 seconds left. OG Anunoby answered with a soaring put‑back layup at 1.2 seconds, sealing the win. Victor Wembanyama contributed 24 points and 13 rebounds, yet missed two free throws with 1:47 remaining that could have stretched the lead to three.
How did the Spurs’ performance unravel?
San Antonio built a 29‑point advantage early, thanks to a flawless first‑quarter shooting stretch – five of six 3‑pointers landed. Yet the Knicks’ defense forced eight missed free throws in the first half, and Karl‑Anthony Towns sat on the bench, limiting the Spurs’ interior presence. In the final minute, De’Aaron Fox drove for a layup, only to be swatted by Anunoby, keeping the margin at one. The Spurs’ last chance came on an inbound play that never left the paint.
Why does this matter for the San Antonio Spurs?
The loss drops the Spurs to a 3‑1 series deficit, forcing them into a must‑win situation. Coach Mitch Johnson warned that the team must improve, noting that “we’ve decided the outcome of all four games.” The defeat also highlights the Spurs’ recent struggles – their last five outings read 1W‑0D‑4L, with four straight losses before this game. The latest result, a 90-94 loss to the Knicks on June 14, 2026, shows the franchise still searching for consistency.
What’s next for San Antonio?
With the series hanging in the balance, the Spurs must rely on Wembanyama’s rim protection and Fox’s playmaking to generate quick baskets. Adjustments on defensive rotations and free‑throw shooting will be essential. If they can replicate the early‑quarter efficiency that built the 29‑point lead, a Game 5 victory could keep their championship hopes alive. The next matchup will test whether the Spurs can rebound from a historic collapse and avoid another season‑ending disappointment.
How did the Knicks capitalize?
The Knicks displayed resilience, with Anunoby scoring 33 points and delivering the decisive tip‑in. Coach Mike Brown praised the team’s luck and hustle, noting that “you can also make your own luck.” The victory pushes New York within one win of its first NBA title since 1973, fulfilling James Dolan’s bold prediction of a five‑game sweep.
The Spurs now face a daunting task: erase a historic comeback and force a decisive Game 6. Their recent form suggests a steep climb, but the talent on the floor remains undeniable.