When the New York Knicks pulled off a miraculous come-from-behind victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, everyone on the sidelines at Madison Square Garden knew.
New York staples such as Spike Lee, Larry David, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, David Zaslav, Timothee Chalamet, Mariska Hargitay, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, John McEnroe and Tracy Morgan were in attendance Wednesday night. Even global superstar Taylor Swift flew in from the “Toy Story 5” premiere on Tuesday night to watch MSG explode with the Knicks leading the Spurs 3-1.
Trailing by 29 points, the Knicks fell behind heading into the fourth quarter. However, with the roar of the MSG crowd cheering, the Knicks managed to close the gap to one point with 1:47 remaining. After missing free throws in quick succession from Spurs superstar Victor Wembaneyama, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson gave his team the win with a clutch floater to give his team its first lead of the night. Stephon Castle managed to give the Spurs a one-point lead with two free throws of his own, but the Knicks quickly turned it around on a bucket from forward OG Anunoby with just over a second left. The Spurs were unable to score on their final possession, and the Knicks made it. The final score was 106-107.
According to Inside the NBA, Wednesday’s game was the biggest upset in NBA Finals history. The show’s hosts were surprised by the post-game coverage. Analyst Ernie Johnson began his commentary by asking his co-host, “What the hell did we just see?” ESPN’s report showed Hargitay running onto the court after the game and hugging Knicks forward Anunoby, the hero of the clutch game.
On ESPN’s “Inside the NBA,” hosts gasped at the spectacular comeback by the Knicks, who were one game away from winning their first NBA championship since 1973. Host Charles Barkley was quick to criticize the Spurs for allowing such an explosive comeback as the Knicks.
“When you’re down 29 points, the other team has to help you,” he said, amazed at how the Spurs were crushed by New York in the final minutes. Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday night in San Antonio.
