Knicks Stage Historic Comeback in NBA Finals
A star-studded audience witnessed the New York Knicks achieve the largest comeback in NBA Finals history on Wednesday night. The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs by a single point with just 1.2 seconds remaining, overcoming a 29-point deficit.
This was game four of the intense best-of-seven NBA Finals series—the first Finals hosted by the Knicks in 27 years.
The final score of 107-106 gives the Knicks a 3-1 series lead, placing them one win away from securing a notable championship victory.
Fans and Celebrities Celebrate the Victory
Both famous and everyday fans erupted in chants of "O-G! O-G!" in honor of player OG Anunoby, who scored the decisive points. Among the spectators at Madison Square Garden were singer Taylor Swift, actor Timothee Chalamet, and director Spike Lee.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his excitement on X in all capital letters, posting "SPEECHLESS." Swift, wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with "Stevie Knicks"—a nod to the team and Fleetwood Mac's lead singer—was seen jumping for joy as she exited the court, pausing to be twirled by a Knicks City Dancer.
Coach Praises Anunoby's Iconic Shot
Knicks coach Mike Brown described OG Anunoby's game-winning move as potentially the most iconic shot in New York basketball history.
"It was just unbelievable."
Knicks’ Return to the Finals After Decades
This season marks a remarkable turnaround for the Knicks, who last appeared in the Finals in 1999, when they lost to the Spurs. The city of New York has been celebrating each victory enthusiastically.
"The city is electric," a fan told the BBC earlier in the week. The Knicks theme has been visible throughout New York, from the Empire State Building’s lighting to the marble lions outside the New York Public Library’s Fifth Avenue branch.
Resident Sol, 31, shared his excitement with the BBC, saying,
"I can't say I've ever seen anything like this before because in 1999 I was 4 years old. I'm just trying to soak it all in."
Looking Ahead to Potential Championship
Following Wednesday’s victory, the Knicks require just one more win to claim their first national championship since 1973. Their next opportunity will be Game five on Saturday night in San Antonio.
However, the Spurs remain in contention; despite being underdogs, they can still win the series by taking the next three games.
Additional Notable Fans in Attendance
Alongside Swift, Chalamet, and Lee, other well-known fans were present, including late-night host and New York resident Jimmy Fallon, actor Ben Stiller, comedian Tracy Morgan, and Law & Order star Mariska Hargitay.
