WASHINGTON, June 11 — OG Anunoby tipped in the game-winning basket in the closing seconds as the New York Knicks rallied from 29 points down to beat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday and take a 3-1 lead in the series.
The 29-point comeback set an NBA Finals record for the largest rally, beating the previous mark of 24 points. In the closing moments, Stephon Castle made two free throws to put the Spurs ahead 106-105. On the final possession, Jalen Brunson missed a long 3-pointer, but Anunoby soared in for a putback at the buzzer to seal the victory. Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Anunoby added 33 points and four rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Victor Wembanyama had 24 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks for the Spurs, while rookie Dylan Harper contributed 21 points and four rebounds.
San Antonio came out firing in the first quarter, shooting better than 65 percent from the field and scoring 41 points to build a 19-point lead heading into the second period. Harper provided a spark off the bench in the second quarter, making all five of his field-goal attempts as the Spurs extended their advantage to as many as 29 points. San Antonio led 76-49 at halftime. The Knicks tightened up defensively after the break, holding the Spurs to 14 points on 20 percent shooting in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 15. They continued their surge in the fourth, briefly taking the lead with 38 seconds remaining before Anunoby delivered the decisive basket.
Teams that have taken a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals have gone on to win the championship in 37 of the previous 38 series. Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday.
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