3 Spurs to blame for brutal NBA Finals Game 4 collapse vs. Knicks

Story by

Story by
3 Spurs to blame for brutal NBA Finals Game 4 collapse vs. Knicks

Gerard Angelo Samillano, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Thu, Jun 11, 2026 ·

5 min read

About Our Ads

3 Spurs to blame for brutal NBA Finals Game 4 collapse vs. Knicks appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

Talk about a heartbreaking loss. The San Antonio Spurs had the New York Knicks completely shut down in Game 4. They held a 29-point lead over the Eastern Conference champions and were well on their way to tying the series. San Antonio was dominating New York both physically and mentally, and it seemed like we were heading back to Frost Bank Arena with a clean slate.

Instead, the unthinkable happened. The Knicks chipped at the Spurs' lead throughout the second half, eventually mounting a comeback for the ages. The result? San Antonio finds themselves on the wrong end of history, now having the infamy of losing the biggest lead in NBA Finals history.

As a result, the Spurs are now down 1-3 in the NBA Finals. Only one team has been able to come back from this deficit in the NBA Finals, and it took a monumental effort from arguably the greatest player of all-time. How did the Spurs go from complete dominance to this position? Let's look at the players to blame.

De'Aaron Fox

Oh, De'Aaron Fox.

For most of the postseason, Fox's composure has been praised by Spurs fans. That much was apparent in the Western Conference Finals, where the veteran guard's presence helped settle the young guards of San Antonio. Even though he was working with a bum ankle, it seemed like Fox was making all the right decisions in the game.

Well, all of that was completely flipped in Game 4. With the Knicks banging on the Spurs' doors, the young guards of San Antonio looked shaken again. They were counting on Fox to help settle things down, especially after the Knicks took the lead late in the game.

The coaches drew up a play for Fox to go quick against OG Anunoby . He had a good look, but he missed. Luckily for him, he was bailed out by Stephon Castle , who nailed two free throws after being fouled on the putback attempt. However, the worst was yet to come.

With the Knicks down by 1, the Spurs forced a turnover that went to the backcourt. Fox chased down the ball, but instead of holding on to it, he went up for the layup to extend the lead. Anunoby was right there for the block, and the Knicks got possession. On the next play, Fox helped on Brunson on a long three-pointer, allowing Anunoby to swoop into the lane for the game-winner.

Fox had a good game on paper: 18 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and a steal. His late-game fumbles, though, might ultimately be the dagger that kills the Spurs' title chances.

Victor Wembanyama

It looked like we got the peak version of Victor Wembanyama in Game 4.

When Wembanyama had the ball in the first half, he was aggressive. With Karl-Anthony Towns in foul trouble, the Knicks resorted to playing Ariel Hukporti and Jeremy Sochan , or even having Anunoby guard Wembanyama. The Spurs star was able to capitalize on this mismatch, scoring a ton in the paint and attracting the defense for the Spurs shooters to get open.

However, as has been the case for most of the postseason, Wembanyama once again disappeared in the second half. The Spurs center settled for three-pointers more and more in the second half instead of trying to crash the paint. There was a stretch in which Wembanyama missed a three-pointer, got the ball back, and instead of trying to attack an out-of-position Knicks defense, settled for another three-pointer.

Wembanyama is an incredible talent, blessed with the physical tools and the coordination to fully utilize them. However, this playoff run has made it clear that height alone won't be enough for him to reach the next level. The best players stay aggressive, even when they have a large enough lead.

Mitch Johnson

While there's certainly going to be a ton of blame on the players, something also needs to be said about how Mitch Johnson managed the game tonight for the Spurs.

All game long, it seemed like Johnson was always one step ahead of the Knicks. Every time New York seemed like they were building momentum, Johnson was there to call a timeout. However, as the Knicks started clawing back into the game in the fourth quarter, Johnson was hesitant to call a timeout until New York gained momentum.

There's also the matter of keeping Fox in the game. The decision to play Fox in crunch time has always been the source of criticism. While it's paid off multiple times this postseason, keeping him in the game during two defensive possessions was not wise. When you have defenders like Carter Bryant and Keldon Johnson off the bench, you have the luxury of subbing in the right people. Mike Brown did this well, subbing in defensive players in key moments, knowing that he can take them out with a timeout.

The Spurs have reached so far in these playoffs, but the Finals have shown them that they have more to learn. A 3-1 comeback isn't impossible, but after squandering a lead that big… San Antonio's confidence might be shot.

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: