Victor Wembanyama Reacts to Painful Spurs Collapse in NBA Finals Game 4

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs seemingly had Game 4 of the NBA Finals in the bag, but allowed the New York Knicks to erase a 29-point lead and escape with a one-point win.

It was a disastrous second half for the Spurs, who came out shooting hot in the first half and then let the game slip away piece by piece down the stretch. That included missed free throws by Wemby and a stunning mistake from veteran guard De’Aaron Fox in the final 11 seconds of the game.

Fox, considered the most experienced player on an otherwise young Spurs roster, attempted a layup after knocking the ball away from the Knicks at halfcourt, rather than running out the clock or trying to draw a foul.

He missed his layup attempt, and there was no foul, as the Knicks came away with the ball instead. At the time of his attempted layup, the Spurs already held a one-point lead.

More news:ESPN Star Draws Criticism for Taylor Swift Comments at NBA Finals Game 4

The Knicks were then able to take advantage with 7.5 seconds remaining. Despite a missed jump shot, OG Anunoby became a massive hero in New York City after his tip-in shot with 1.2 remaining gave the Knicks a 107-106 lead, and ultimately the win.

With that much time left, the Spurs still had a chance to win the game once again, but failed to come up with a clutch shot before the buzzer. Madison Square Garden celebrated as the Knicks moved one win away from winning the championship.

Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, while Anunoby contributed 33 points, including the game-winning shot. The Knicks trailed 76-49 at halftime, but then turned the tides, outscoring the Spurs, 48-30 in the second half.

“It was painful of course. It feels like we worked too hard to give up our leads. It’s as simple as that. It just hurts,” Wembanyama told reporters during his postgame remarks.

He finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks, while Fox and Devin Vassell each contributed 18 points. Stephon Castle was limited to just 13 points after previously going for 20 points in the Spurs’ Game 3 win.

Wemby had a chance to make some unique history and still does, but with his team down 1-3 and going back to San Antonio, the task becomes much tougher. He and the Spurs, who seemed worn down and tired after their Western Conference Finals against Oklahoma City, will need to find a way to win three-straight after losing in such a humiliating fashion.

Game 5 between the Knicks and Spurs arrives at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.

More news:Shaquille O'Neal Chooses David Robinson Over Spurs' Victor Wembanyama

For more about the NBA Finals, head over to Newsweek Sports.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 10:05 PM.