New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs

The opening 24 minutes were nothing short of historic for San Antonio. The Spurs connected on an NBA Finals-record 14 three-pointers in the first half, shattering the previous mark of 13 set by the 2017 Cleveland Cavaliers. Devin Vassell (4 threes), De'Aaron Fox (3), rookie Dylan Harper (3), and the rest of the Spurs rotation were virtually unguardable.

San Antonio poured in 41 points in the first quarter alone, racing to a 41-22 lead. Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks' star big man, picked up his second foul within the first minute of the game and spent most of the half on the bench. Without Towns patrolling the paint, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs' guards feasted.

"That's a different look now with Wemby guarding Robinson. He could just hang under the rim because he's not guarding a shooting threat," one broadcast analyst noted as Towns sat.

At halftime, the scoreboard read Spurs 76, Knicks 49. Madison Square Garden was silenced. The Knicks' 13-game winning streak — a run that had carried them through the Eastern Conference playoffs — appeared to be in serious jeopardy.

Whatever Knicks head coach Mike Brown said in the locker room worked. New York came out of the break with renewed defensive intensity. The Spurs, who had been red-hot from deep in the first half, suddenly went cold, scoring just 14 points in the third quarter.

Jalen Brunson, scoreless from the field in the first quarter, began to find his rhythm. OG Anunoby caught fire, using his length to score over smaller defenders. The Knicks chipped away, cutting the lead to 15 by the end of the third quarter at 90-75.

"The crowd has come alive in New York," the NESN live blog reported as the Knicks went on a 7-0 run late in the third, capped by a Brunson three.

The fourth quarter was a masterclass in playoff basketball. New York continued its surge, and with 4:32 remaining, Anunoby buried a three to cut the lead to single digits. Anunoby finished with a game-high-tying 31 points.

With just over a minute to play, Brunson — who had been guarded by Wembanyama on a switch — nailed a step-back three to make it 104-103. Madison Square Garden erupted. Moments later, Brunson scored again to give the Knicks their first lead of the night at 105-104.

"He lives for the moment. Brunson playing his best during punch time," the broadcast said.

But the Spurs refused to fold. After a Fox miss, rookie Stephon Castle grabbed the offensive rebound and was fouled. With ice in his veins, Castle knocked down both free throws to put San Antonio up 106-105 with 31 seconds remaining.

"Pressure moment for Castle. He hits the first and that gives them a one-point lead," the ESPN broadcast noted.

The Knicks had one final chance. With 5.7 seconds left, Brown called a timeout to draw up a play. But the Spurs' defense, anchored by the 7'4" presence of Wembanyama, held firm. New York couldn't get a clean look, and the final shot rimmed out.

• OG Anunoby (Knicks): 31 points on efficient shooting, keeping New York afloat during the first-half onslaught and leading the third-quarter charge.
• Jalen Brunson (Knicks): After a slow start, Brunson finished with 31 points and delivered in the clutch, including the go-ahead basket.
• De'Aaron Fox (Spurs): The veteran point guard was brilliant, controlling the pace and scoring at will in the pick-and-roll. He was the X-factor in the first-half explosion.
• Stephon Castle (Spurs): The rookie showed incredible poise, hitting the game-winning free throws under the brightest lights.
• Devin Vassell (Spurs): His 4-for-4 three-point shooting in the first half was a major factor in the record-setting performance.

Towns' two early fouls in the opening minute — both defensive calls on Wembanyama — completely shifted the game. Without Towns on the floor, the Knicks had no rim protection, and the Spurs exploited that gap relentlessly. The Knicks never fully recovered defensively despite their heroic comeback.

The series now shifts back to San Antonio for a pivotal Game 5, tied at 2-2. The Knicks' 13-game win streak is over, and after holding home-court advantage, they now face the prospect of needing to win in one of the toughest environments in the NBA.

"We're right there, guys. This game is ours. Continue to work hard and we will win this game," Mike Brown told his team during a timeout in the fourth quarter, as relayed by the broadcast.

Game 5 is set for Friday night in San Antonio, with the winner taking a crucial 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.