NBA legend and analyst Charles Barkley launched a scathing attack on the San Antonio Spurs after they surrendered a 29-point lead in a dramatic 107-106 defeat to the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
The collapse, the largest comeback in NBA Finals history, leaves the Knicks one win away from their first championship since 1973 and gives them a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
San Antonio appeared to be cruising toward victory after establishing a 29-point advantage in the second quarter. The Spurs held a 76-49 lead at halftime, the largest halftime lead ever recorded by a road team in an NBA Finals game.
However, the momentum shifted completely after the break as New York mounted an extraordinary fightback. The Spurs managed just 30 points in the second half, allowing the Knicks to chip away at the deficit before producing a stunning finish in front of a packed and star-studded crowd at Madison Square Garden.
The decisive moment came with just 1.2 seconds remaining when London-born forward OG Anunoby tipped in the winning basket after a missed three-point attempt from Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
Speaking after the game, Barkley did not hold back in his criticism of the Spurs.
“That was some of the most mismanaged, stupid basketball,” Barkley said. “When you blow a 29-point lead, the other team has to help, and the San Antonio Spurs helped the New York Knicks win this game.”
New York still trailed 90-75 entering the final quarter before launching a relentless comeback. Brunson eventually gave the Knicks their first lead of the night at 105-104 with just 82 seconds remaining.
Moments later, Anunoby produced a crucial defensive stop before delivering the game-winning tip-in that sent Madison Square Garden into celebration.
The Knicks now head to Texas needing just one more victory to secure a historic NBA title, while the Spurs must regroup quickly if they are to keep their championship hopes alive in Game 5.
