Knicks vs. Spurs Game 5: 3 Key Things to Watch

The New York Knicks hold a 3-1 lead in the 2026 NBA Finals after erasing a 29-point deficit in Game 4 to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106. This historic comeback, which marks the largest deficit overcome in Finals history, moves New York one game away from its first championship since 1973.

How did the New York Knicks complete the 29-point comeback?

The Knicks’ recovery centered on late-game defensive execution, specifically from OG Anunoby. According to reporting by Steve Aschburner, Anunoby secured the win by recording a block on Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox followed immediately by a tip-in for the winning basket.

The comeback erased a massive lead held by San Antonio, who had dominated much of Game 4. While the Spurs controlled the tempo for most of the night, New York’s ability to execute in the final minutes shifted the momentum of the series entirely.

Is fatigue affecting Victor Wembanyama’s performance?

San Antonio’s star center, Victor Wembanyama, showed signs of physical exhaustion during the closing stages of Game 4. While Wembanyama recorded 16 points and a +28 rating in the first half, his production dropped to eight points and a -27 rating in the second half, according to game data.

Wembanyama has seen a significant increase in workload during this postseason. After averaging 29.2 minutes during the regular season, his participation has risen to 40.3 minutes per game in the Finals. He acknowledged the physical toll of the series, telling media that fatigue is a factor but expressed optimism that the two-day break before Game 5 would assist recovery.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson also addressed the workload management. Johnson stated that he must ensure Wembanyama has the energy required to finish games strongly, admitting he “could have done better” in managing the star’s stamina during Game 4.

Wembanyama’s Performance Split (Game 4)

• First Half: 20:53 minutes | 16 points | 6 rebounds | +28 rating
• Second Half: 23:02 minutes | 8 points | 7 rebounds | -27 rating

Should the Spurs play rookie Dylan Harper over De’Aaron Fox?

A growing debate exists within the Spurs organization regarding the lineup of the starting backcourt. Rookie Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in the last draft, has averaged 16.3 points in the Finals, significantly higher than his regular-season average of 11.8.

Statistical comparisons suggest that Harper’s presence on the floor correlates with better defensive and offensive efficiency when paired with Wembanyama. According to series data, the net ratings for these pairings are as follows:

Despite these figures, Coach Mitch Johnson has maintained confidence in veteran De’Aaron Fox. Johnson stated he expects Fox to handle the ball in closing moments of Game 5, regardless of public opinion regarding the rookie’s potential minutes.

What must the Knicks do to secure the championship?

The primary challenge for the New York Knicks is preventing the Spurs from capitalizing on their trademark early leads. The Spurs have outscored the Knicks by a cumulative 47 points in the first quarters of the four games played thus far.

To win the title, New York must find a way to stabilize their defense in the opening minutes. If the Knicks can prevent San Antonio from building a double-digit cushion early, they can avoid the high-anxiety collapses that characterized the first half of this series.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you think will happen in Game 5? Will the Spurs’ early lead hold, or will the Knicks close it out? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!