Biggest Winners After Knicks' Historic NBA Finals Comeback, Including James Dolan

There were a few big winners as the New York Knicks knocked off the San Antonio Spurs with a historic 29-point comeback in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

The victory saved the Knicks from sinking into the depths of despair, as a loss would have brought them even with the Spurs at two games apiece as the series headed back to San Antonio for Game 5, with all the momentum on their opponents’ side. Instead, the Knicks are one win away from their first championship in 53 years.

Four members of the organization are shining little bit brighter after the team pulled off the most memorable win in the franchise’s history.

OG Anunoby

Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds remaining proved to be the game-winner. The Knicks’ forward sped past Spurs rebounders en route to the rim following a missed three-pointer from guard Jalen Brunson, following the shot with perfect touch at the basket to give New York the victory.

“Just do whatever it takes to win,” Anunoby said to ESPN’s Lisa Salters after the game. “My thinking was crashing the glass, second-chance opportunities. I was trying to make a play.”

He did just that while helping power his team to a 3-1 series lead with a playoff career-high 33 points.

Jalen Brunson

A big night for Anunoby paired with a remarkable performance from Brunson, who began the night as a facilitator only to take over when the chips were down. New York trailed 76-49 at halftime before Brunson helped guide them back within striking distance, then helped his team finish the job in the fourth quarter.

Brunson finished the game with a NBA Finals high of 36 points, surpassing his 32-point effort recorded in Game 3. He also doled out seven assists in a game which he entered facing some criticism regarding what some perceived to be selfish play early in the series.

Not only did Brunson do his best to get his teammates involved from the opening tip, he was much more efficient offensively, finishing 12 of 25 from the field, which was his best shooting night of the series. He should now be considered the front-runner to earn NBA Finals MVP.

More: Knicks' Secret to Winning Game 4 vs. Spurs is Key Bench Player Returning to Form

Karl-Anthony Towns

Towns was called for two fouls within the first 65 seconds of the game, setting the stage for a disappointing evening for the Knicks’ forward. He played just 26 minutes due to foul trouble and finished the game with only five shot attempts. Towns recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, but much more was expected from the New York big man in a pivotal Finals contest.

However, after Anunoby’s heroics, Towns was fortunate to escape the criticism he was set to face before the improbable win.

“Right hand from God,” said Towns to the media postgame. “That’s OG, though.”

James Dolan

Before Wednesday’s Game 3, the Knicks’ owner was at odds with local government. Dolan and the Knicks planned to host a watch party outside of Madison Square Garden for the high-profile matchup, but plans were canceled after claims that the New York City mayor’s office made a “disingenuous” proposal that would place unwanted stipulations on what the organization had set for the fan gathering.

Along with releasing a statement that criticized NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Dolan also took to the airwaves, appearing on WFAN’s “The Carton Show” to express his displeasure.

“I don’t think that they have faith in their own police force,” said Dolan on the radio program. “The mayor’s office, and I’m sorry, the (police commissioner) too, do not have the experience to do this.”

As the Knicks fell deeper and deeper into such a gaping hole in the first half of Wednesday’s game, many pointed to Dolan’s tirade as a source of bad karma that had suddenly hampered the team on the court. However, thanks to the Knicks’ ferocious comeback, Dolan came out smelling like a rose as his team is closing in on the city’s most significant sports triumph in quite some time.

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 8:11 AM.