Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
De’Aaron Fox NBA Finals mistakes proved costly on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, where the San Antonio Spurs blew a 29-point lead and lost 107-106 to the New York Knicks in Game 4.
The defeat moved New York Knicks ahead 3-1 in the NBA Finals, leaving San Antonio Spurs one loss from seeing a promising title run fall apart.
The late drama followed New York Knicks Complete Historic NBA Finals Comeback to Move Within One Win of Championship, as the series shifted sharply toward New York Knicks. Fans can follow official Finals coverage through the NBA website.
Fox Mistake Opens Door for New York Knicks
San Antonio Spurs looked in control after building a 27-point halftime lead, but New York Knicks kept pressing behind Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby.
With 15 seconds left and San Antonio Spurs leading by one, Victor Wembanyama forced a vital stop on Brunson. Fox chased down the loose rebound near half court, but instead of running down the clock, he drove at Anunoby and had his layup blocked.
“I just thought I'd be able to outrun him,” Fox told reporters.
That choice gave New York Knicks the ball with 5.7 seconds left and one more chance to steal the game.
Anunoby Tip-In Seals Stunning Finish
Out of the timeout, Brunson fired early while Wembanyama defended high above the arc. Fox left Anunoby on the perimeter, giving the New York Knicks wing a free lane to crash the glass.
Brunson missed, Anunoby followed, and his tip-in sent Madison Square Garden into chaos.
San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson was asked whether the final play was a great effort or a failure to box out.
“Both,” Johnson said.
Fox finished with 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and four turnovers in 37 minutes. He shot 6-of-16 from the field.
The veteran guard had been brought in for moments like this, but the younger core of Wembanyama, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle looked steadier late. For San Antonio Spurs, Game 4 will be remembered as the night a near-certain win became a Finals-changing loss.